Does NDIS fund continence-related supports?
Does NDIS fund continence supports?
Continence supports are products or personal assistance used to help manage incontinence, whether mild or severe. The NDIS may provide funding for these supports when a participant's disability prevents them from managing their continence independently.
What does the NDIS fund?
Some examples of NDIS funded continence supports are:
- Products such as pads, nappies, bedding or chair protection (bed pads and chair pads), liners or shields, and anal plugs.
- Continence products if the participant uses a catheter, e.g. collection bags, bottles, straps, or tape.
- Registered/clinical/enrolled nurse or support worker to help manage continence, depending on individual needs.
- Continence supports for younger participants, e.g. nappies, bed wetting alarm as recommended by nurse.
- Consumables such as barrier creams, lotion, wash, etc.
Other continence-related supports
Can laxatives be funded as continence supports?
Laxatives (e.g. Movicol, Coloxyl and Senna tablets) are not considered NDIS supports, as per the NDIA’s 'Outs' list and therefore need to be specified within the plan copy or require NDIA approval to be funded. The outs list has this information under Pharmaceuticals (including prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines).
Can NDIS fund hygiene removal services?
Hygiene removal such as safe disposal of nappies and other continence products can be funded as continence supports under Continence – Consumables.
Can NDIS fund hygiene cleaning supplies?
Everyday items like tissues, paper towels, detergent, laundry sanitiser, bin liners, etc., require NDIA approval for funding. If the disability leads to additional needs for these items due to continence requirements, we will need NDIA approval.
Can NDIS fund training/education for parents and carers to manage participant's incontinence?
Training to support participant's disability related continence requirements can be funded under Improved Daily Living (15_038_0117_1_3).
These trainings are provided by allied health professionals, (typically Occupational Therapists) but billed under the above-mentioned specific line item. The invoice must adhere to the hourly rate stipulated in the pricing arrangements.
If the provider of this training is not an allied health professional, then this needs to be billed as regular support work.
Will the NDIS fund STOMA costs?
If you have a stoma, you may be able to access funding for products and appliances that support your everyday life:
The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) provides eligible Australians with access to free stoma products and appliances.
Some stoma care products may also be funded through your NDIS Consumable Budget if they're considered reasonable and necessary for your disability-related needs.
Your NDIS contact or plan manager can help you understand what supports are available to you and how to access them.