Bladder and bowel control issues affect more NDIS participants than most people realise, and they're nothing to feel uncomfortable talking about. Proper assessment and management can dramatically improve your quality of life — reducing accidents, improving comfort, and giving you more confidence to get out and participate in your community.
What a Continence Assessment Involves
A continence assessment carried out by a registered nurse covers your bladder and bowel history, fluid intake and diet, current symptoms and their frequency, any medications that might affect continence, your mobility and access to toileting facilities, and your emotional wellbeing related to continence issues.
The assessment is thorough but respectful. Your nurse has seen it all before and approaches continence with the same professionalism as any other clinical need.
This is an area where consistent, skilled nursing care makes a measurable difference. When your nurse sees you regularly, they build a clinical picture of what's normal for you. They can identify changes early, adjust the care plan proactively, and coordinate with your GP or specialist before small issues become serious problems.
Management Plans and Products
Based on the assessment, your nurse develops a continence management plan. This might include recommendations for appropriate continence products — pads, pull-ups, catheters, or other aids. It could involve pelvic floor exercises or bladder training techniques, dietary adjustments, medication review with your GP, and referral to a continence specialist for complex cases.
Continence products may be funded through the NDIS Continence Scheme or through your NDIS plan directly. Your nurse can guide you through the available funding pathways.
Ongoing Support
Continence management isn't a one-off assessment. Your nurse monitors your continence over time, adjusts the management plan as needed, and provides ongoing support and education. For participants with catheters, regular catheter care and changes are part of the community nursing service.
At MediHealth Connect, we provide continence assessment and management as part of our community nursing service across South East Queensland. Our nurses are experienced in this area and approach it with sensitivity and respect.
This is an area where consistent, skilled nursing care makes a measurable difference. When your nurse sees you regularly, they build a clinical picture of what's normal for you. They can identify changes early, adjust the care plan proactively, and coordinate with your GP or specialist before small issues become serious problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is community nursing covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Community nursing is funded under the Capacity Building section of your NDIS plan, specifically under Improved Health and Wellbeing. The amount of funding depends on your assessed needs and the complexity of care required.
How do I choose a community nursing provider?
Look for NDIS registration, AHPRA-registered nurses, local presence in your area, and a track record of consistent service. Ask about their experience with your specific health needs and how they handle communication with your broader care team.
Can I change my community nursing provider?
Yes. Under the NDIS, you can switch providers at any time. There is no lock-in period. A professional provider will facilitate a smooth handover to your new service.
How MediHealth Connect Can Help
MediHealth Connect provides community nursing to NDIS participants across South East Queensland. Our team is locally based, NDIS registered, and experienced in working with participants who have a wide range of needs and circumstances.
If you would like to find out more about our community nursing services, get in touch for an obligation-free conversation. You can also ask your support coordinator to refer you, or fill in our online referral form.
Related Resources
- What Is NDIS Community Nursing? A Complete Guide
- NDIS High Intensity Supports Explained
- Our Community Nursing Services
Practical Tips for NDIS Participants
Making the most of your community nursing service comes down to a few practical habits. Keep a list of questions or concerns between visits so you don't forget to raise them when your nurse arrives. If you notice changes in your health — new symptoms, worsening of existing conditions, or side effects from medications — don't wait for the next scheduled visit. Call your provider and let them know.
Stay engaged with your care plan. Your nurse should share it with you and explain what each intervention is for. If you don't understand something, ask. The plan is there to serve you, not to sit in a folder.
Make sure your support coordinator, GP, and community nurse are all in communication. Gaps in communication are where things go wrong — a medication change that doesn't get passed on, a specialist recommendation that nobody follows up on. At MediHealth Connect, we proactively coordinate with your care team because we know how important it is.
Keep your NDIS plan accessible. Your nurse may need to reference it to confirm funding categories or check what services are covered. Having a copy at home saves time and avoids confusion.
What to Look For in a Provider
When evaluating community nursing providers, the fundamentals matter more than marketing. Are the nurses AHPRA registered? Does the provider hold NDIS registration for the relevant support categories? Do they have experience with your specific clinical needs?
Beyond qualifications, ask about consistency. Will you see the same nurse regularly, or will different staff turn up each time? Consistency of care is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes in community nursing — your nurse gets to know your baseline, your preferences, and your routine.
Ask about their communication practices. Do they send reports to your GP after each visit? Do they communicate with your support coordinator? Can you reach them by phone between scheduled visits if something urgent comes up?