Find continence care in Ballarat, VIC

In-home continence care rates in Ballarat typically range from $50-$90/hour (NDIS/Support at Home subsidised rates available). The rate depends on whether the visit involves a Registered Nurse, a Continence Nurse Advisor, or a trained support worker assisting with continence management tasks. Clinical assessments and specialist consultations cost more per visit than routine management assistance.

For NDIS participants, continence care can be funded under Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Life) for ongoing management tasks or under Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) for assessments and management plans by a specialist. Continence products may be funded through a separate NDIS Consumables budget. Self-managed participants can negotiate rates directly. Plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants must use NDIS registered providers charging within the NDIS price limits.

Home Care Package holders use their package budget to cover continence nursing visits and product costs. Continence aids and equipment may also be subsidised through the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS), which operates separately from HCP and NDIS funding and provides a direct annual payment toward the cost of continence products.

DVA-funded clients may access continence assessments and products through DVA community programs. Private clients pay market rates, which vary by provider and the complexity of care required.

Continence care at home can be funded through several government programs and paid privately. The right pathway depends on your age, disability type, and whether you need clinical assessment or ongoing management support.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): Ongoing continence support tasks (such as catheter care and pad management) fall under Core Supports. Continence assessments and management plans by a specialist fall under Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building). Continence products are funded through a separate NDIS Consumables budget. A report from a Continence Nurse Advisor or urologist can strengthen a request to include continence support in your plan review.

Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS): CAPS is a government program that provides an annual contribution toward the cost of continence products for people with permanent and severe incontinence. It is available to permanent Australian residents who are not eligible to receive continence products through the NDIS or through the DVA. Application is through the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Home Care Packages (HCP): Continence nursing and product costs can be covered through a Home Care Package for older Australians. Your case manager can help allocate package funds across nursing visits, management tasks, and product procurement.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA): Eligible veterans can access continence assessments and products through DVA community programs. Contact DVA directly to confirm entitlements under your Gold or White Card.

Private payment: All providers accept private payment. This is the quickest option for people who are waiting on a package or plan, or who prefer to manage this area of their health privately.

In-home continence care covers a range of services from initial assessment through to ongoing management. The starting point for most people is a formal continence assessment, which is typically carried out by a Registered Nurse or Continence Nurse Advisor with specialist training.

During an assessment, the nurse will review your medical history, current continence challenges, and any relevant conditions (such as neurogenic bladder, diabetes, post-surgical changes, or age-related changes). They will assess your mobility, cognitive function, and existing use of any continence products. Following the assessment, they will develop a management plan that may include recommended products, scheduled toileting routines, pelvic floor or bladder training where appropriate, dietary and fluid management guidance, and a referral to a urologist or urogynaecologist if further investigation is needed.

Ongoing management at home can include catheter care (insertion, change, and monitoring for complications), pad and garment management, bowel care, skin integrity checks, and product procurement coordination. Support workers trained in continence management can assist with these tasks under a nurse-developed plan. For tasks such as catheter changes, a Registered Nurse must be involved.

You should expect your provider to communicate regularly with your GP or specialist and to review your management plan at least annually or whenever your condition changes. Product recommendations should be evidence-based rather than driven by supplier relationships. If products are not working well for you, a good provider will reassess and adjust the plan promptly.