NDIS Incontinence Assessment: What to Expect
Understanding how incontinence-related needs are assessed within the NDIS planning process can help participants and families prepare more effectively for plan meetings and ensure appropriate consumables funding is included. Here's what to expect.
How Incontinence Needs Fit Into NDIS Assessment
The NDIS assessment process focuses on an individual's overall disability-related support needs, of which incontinence management may be one component, particularly where it's linked to the participant's underlying disability or health condition. This isn't usually assessed as a completely standalone item, but rather as part of a broader picture of the participant's daily living and health-related support needs.
What Information Supports an Incontinence-Related Funding Request
Documentation From Treating Health Professionals
A letter or report from a GP, specialist, or continence nurse outlining the participant's incontinence-related needs can meaningfully support a funding request, providing objective, professional context.
A Clear Description of Daily Impact
Describing how incontinence affects daily life, including the practical need for reliable products and any impact on participation in daily activities, work, or education, helps build a clear picture for NDIS planners.
Usage and Cost Information
Providing a realistic estimate of typical product usage and associated cost (based on actual experience, if the participant has already been managing this need) supports a more accurate funding allocation.
Preparing for a Plan Meeting or Review
If incontinence management is a relevant part of your support needs, it's worth preparing this information ahead of a planning meeting or review, rather than raising it for the first time during the meeting itself. This allows for a more thorough, well-supported conversation.
Who Can Help With This Preparation
Support coordinators, treating health professionals, and sometimes advocacy services can all assist in preparing appropriate documentation and framing for an incontinence-related funding request, particularly if you're unsure how to approach this conversation.
What Happens After Funding Is Approved
Once consumables funding relevant to incontinence management is included in your plan, you can then choose a provider, such as Bestiee, to supply your chosen products, following the ordering process appropriate to how your plan is managed.
If Your Initial Request Isn't Fully Approved
If your plan doesn't initially reflect your full incontinence-related needs, this can often be addressed at a plan review, particularly with additional supporting documentation or a clearer description of the practical impact on your daily life. The NDIS also has a formal review and appeals process if you believe a decision doesn't appropriately reflect your needs.
Ongoing Reviews and Changing Needs
Incontinence-related needs can change over time, through ageing, recovery, or changes in an underlying condition, meaning it's worth revisiting this as part of your regular plan reviews rather than assuming your initial assessment will remain accurate indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a formal diagnosis to get incontinence funding through the NDIS?
Funding is generally tied to your overall assessed disability-related needs rather than requiring a single specific diagnosis for this one item, though supporting documentation from a health professional can help.
Who can help me prepare for an NDIS planning meeting about incontinence needs?
Support coordinators, GPs, continence nurses, and disability advocacy services can all assist in preparing appropriate information.
What if my incontinence needs change after my plan is approved?
This can be addressed at your next plan review, or through an earlier review request if the change is significant and well-documented.
Can I choose Bestiee once my funding is approved?
Yes. Once relevant consumables funding is included in your plan, you can choose a suitable provider, including Bestiee.
Key Takeaways
Incontinence needs are generally assessed as part of a participant's broader disability-related support needs, not as a standalone item.
Documentation from health professionals and a clear description of daily impact support a stronger funding request.
Support coordinators and health professionals can help prepare for this conversation.
Changing needs can be addressed at plan reviews, ensuring ongoing funding remains appropriate over time.
Understanding this assessment process helps participants and families advocate more effectively for appropriate incontinence-related funding within their NDIS plan.