The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can fund pads, adult nappies, bedding protectors and catheters if your incontinence is linked to your disability. These products fall under your Core Supports budget as consumables.
But what do they actually claim, or how can you get approval?
This confusion means many NDIS participants don’t get the incontinence products they need. You might not know what to ask for during your planning meeting. Or you might miss mentioning continence support altogether.
That’s why getting the right guidance is important. At Ontex Healthcare, we help Australians access continence products that the NDIS may fund and help get those claims approved.
In this guide, we’ll explain which incontinence aids the NDIS can fund. You’ll learn how to apply, what information you need from your healthcare team, and how to avoid delays in getting approved.
First, we’ll take a complete look at the continence products that NDIS funding covers.
What’s Covered: A Complete Look at NDIS Continence Products
As we mentioned, the NDIS covers continence aids like pads, pull-ups, bed protectors, and catheters under your Core Supports budget. These products will help you manage bladder or bowel leaks connected to your disability. Let’s walk through how you can pick the right product for your situation.
NDIS-Funded Continence Products
Your plan covers plenty of options for daily protection:
- Pads and liners come in different absorbency levels, from light to heavy-duty.
- Pull-ups work like regular underwear with built-in protection.
- Adult nappies provide full coverage when you need maximum security.
You can also get disposable or washable bed and chair protectors to keep your furniture safe. Both options receive NDIS funding.
If you need catheters, those supplies get covered, too. This includes single-use catheters, drainage bags, straps, and tape. Hygiene items like wipes and gentle skincare products (funded by NDIS) can also prevent irritation from wearing pads all day.
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Matching the Product to Your Needs
The level of protection you need will depend on your specific situation. For instance, liners are best if you have occasional leaks, medium pads for standard daily protection and heavy-duty pads for heavy or frequent leaks.
Your skin sensitivity can also affect your choice, as some materials, like latex or certain fragrances, may cause rashes or discomfort.
The same principle applies to how you move. If you stay active, pull-ups are a good choice, but if you need help from a carer, tab-style products (the ones with adhesive that fasten at the sides) are better.
Pro tip: A continence nurse assessment can match products to your exact needs. The nurse will check your routine and give the report NDIS planners need for approval.
Choosing the Right Fit
Now, how do you know you’ve got the right fit? We recommend starting by testing different products before ordering in bulk.
Most providers will offer sample packs so you can try a few options first and stop you from wasting money on products that don’t suit you.
You can also combine disposable and reusable products. For example, you can use disposables when you’re out or travelling and washable ones at home or overnight.
Continence Assessments and NDIS Plans: What You Need to Know
A continence assessment provides the written proof NDIS planners need to approve funding. And if you include continence aids under Core Supports in your goals and provide the right documents, you can get them covered in your plan.
Here’s how you can get everything approved.
What Is a Continence Assessment and Why Is It Important?
A continence assessment checks what products and support you need for incontinence. It’s done by a continence nurse or another qualified professional, like a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, usually in about 1.5 hours.
The professional will review your medical history, daily routine and current care, then write a detailed report that explains exactly what products and support you need.
You need this report to show NDIS planners what support you need and help them work out your funding. Without it, they won’t have the proof to include continence products in their plan.
How to Get Your NDIS Plan to Cover Incontinence
You have to specifically mention continence support during your planning meeting. If you don’t bring it up, the planners won’t include it. After mentioning continence support, list it under daily living activities in your NDIS goals to make sure it’s covered.
Also, don’t forget to bring your continence assessment report to the meeting. We also recommend bringing a list of products you currently use and how often you need them so the meeting goes smoothly.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Three common mistakes can cause funding delays or denials for NDIS participants. Let’s look at what goes wrong and how you can avoid these problems:
- Missing Continence Report: You already know this by now, but to recap: NDIS planners need professional evidence before approving consumables. If you don’t have a proper assessment from a qualified nurse, your application won’t progress.
- Underestimating Supply Needs: We notice our customers often guess their monthly usage will be too low and run out of products halfway through the year. So take the time to count your actual daily use, then multiply it by 365 for an accurate budget that will cover emergencies too.
- Confused About Funding Types: You have two main funding types: self-managed and plan-managed (or agency-managed). With a self-managed plan, you can buy from any supplier, while plan-managed and agency-managed plans only allow purchases from registered NDIS providers. Make sure to order from the right place to avoid wasting time and missing out on reimbursement.
These mistakes will only bring stress when you need supplies urgently. But you only need to plan a little ahead with accurate information to keep your continence management running smoothly.
Secure Effective Continence Support Through Your NDIS Plan
So, does this clear up the confusion around NDIS continence funding for you?
If you get the right continence aids through your NDIS plan, you’re also getting better sleep at night, freedom to go out and do the things you love and dignity in your daily care that you absolutely deserve.
Book a continence assessment if you haven’t had one or if your needs have changed. Then, talk to your support coordinator about adding continence management to your next plan review. And remember, you can always review your NDIS funding if your current products aren’t meeting your needs.
Ontex Healthcare provides trusted continence products designed with your dignity in mind. Our iD, Lille, and Kylie ranges offer reliable protection for every need.
Visit our website to find a product that will make your daily life easier and more comfortable.
