Navigating your NDIS plan to maximize funding for continence aids and bedwetting products can be challenging. Understanding NDIS funding categories - core, capacity building, and capital supports - helps you use your funds effectively to get the best continence solutions tailored to your needs.
Understanding Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports in NDIS
The NDIS divides your funding into three support categories:
- Core Supports: Used for daily disability-related supports like continence aids, including bedwetting products, absorbent pads, and skin protection.
- Capacity Building Supports: For building skills and independence, such as continence assessments and therapy to manage incontinence.
- Capital Supports: For high-cost, durable items like advanced continence equipment or assistive technology costing over $1,500, typically requiring professional quotes and reports.
Knowing these distinctions ensures you request and use the right funding for your continence aid needs without overspending or misallocating funds.
What Are NDIS Stated Supports?
Stated supports are funds specifically allocated for certain supports or equipment within your plan, such as wheelchair repairs or assistive technology. These funds must be spent exactly as indicated. If continence aids are listed as stated supports, you must use the money for those products exclusively, preventing use for other services or items.
What NDIS Funds Can Buy Continence Aids?
Continence products funded under your NDIS core supports include bedwetting protection like mattress covers, absorbent underwear, and skin care products. To be eligible:
- Your continence needs should be specified during your planning meeting.
- A continence assessment by a qualified nurse or therapist may be required to justify the purchase.
- Some equipment may be funded through capacity building or capital supports, depending on cost and complexity.
Pjama offers a range of discreet, effective bedwetting products suitable for NDIS funding under core supports.
Reports Needed to Support Continence Aid Purchases
A continence assessment or report from a qualified health professional like a continence nurse is usually required to support your funding application. This report should outline your toileting management needs and recommended continence products or therapies. If you don’t have a recent report, your NDIS plan can fund an assessment as part of capacity building supports.
How Do NDIS Funding Periods Work?
NDIS funds are often allocated in several funding periods throughout your plan year (usually quarterly). Instead of receiving the full amount upfront, your budget is released in smaller instalments. This helps with budget management but means you need to track your spending carefully to avoid running out or underspending.
Managing Your NDIS Funds: What to Do If You Are Using Them Too Fast or Not Fast Enough
- Using funds too fast: Review your expenditures and slow down non-essential spending. Contact your plan manager or NDIS planner if you need a budget adjustment.
- Using funds too slowly: Engage providers to use your supports regularly and avoid future funding cuts. Regularly review your plan and spending reports.
- Use digital tools or speak to your plan manager for detailed fund tracking and advice.
Conclusion
By understanding your NDIS plan’s funding categories, stated supports, necessary reports, and funding periods, you can confidently purchase the continence aids you need, including specialised bedwetting products from Pjama. Your independence and comfort matter, and proper NDIS fund management ensures you get the right support at the right time.