Continence and stoma‑care nursing is a specialised NDIS support that helps people manage bladder, bowel and stoma issues at home. It gives participants the skills and confidence to maintain hygiene, reduce infection risk and live independently. This article explains who can access the support, what it covers, how funding works and the steps to request it.
What is continence and stoma‑care nursing and who benefits?
Continence nursing focuses on bladder and bowel management, while stoma‑care nursing covers care of colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy sites. Both services are delivered by trained nurses who provide assessment, education and hands‑on support. They are ideal for people with:
- Long‑term urinary or faecal incontinence
- Stoma formation or ongoing stoma maintenance
- Complex wound care around the stoma site
- Need for education on device selection and usage
Participants can be adults or children, and the support can be part of a broader care plan that includes personal care, household tasks or therapeutic services.
Eligibility and Access Rules
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for continence or stoma‑care nursing under the NDIS, a participant must:
- Have a diagnosed condition that requires regular nursing support for continence or stoma management
- Show evidence that the condition limits daily activities or causes health risks
- Be a registered NDIS participant with a current plan
Eligibility is assessed by the NDIS planner or support coordinator during the planning meeting.
How to Apply for Support
Participants should discuss their continence or stoma needs with their planner. The planner will determine if the support is a reasonable and necessary part of the plan. If approved, the support will be added to the participant’s plan budget under the relevant category (e.g., “Personal care” or “Therapeutic services”).
What is Included and What is Not Included
Included Services
Included services are those delivered by a qualified nurse and may cover:
- Assessment of continence status and stoma condition
- Training on device selection, usage and hygiene
- Hands‑on dressing changes and wound care
- Education on diet, fluid intake and medication impact
- Advice on environmental modifications to reduce accidents
- Follow‑up visits to monitor progress and adjust care plans
Excluded Services
Services not covered by the NDIS under this support include:
- Medical procedures such as stoma surgery or catheter insertion
- Purchasing of medical equipment not related to continence or stoma care (e.g., wheelchairs)
- Home modifications that are purely architectural (e.g., installing grab rails)
- Any service that falls under general healthcare or non‑NDIS funded care
Funding and Planning Considerations
Funding Limits and Pricing Arrangements
The latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set a maximum amount that can be claimed for continence and stoma‑care nursing per hour of service. The limit is applied to the total cost of all visits in a month. Participants should review the price limits before finalising the number of hours in their plan.
Planning Your Support Package
When planning, consider:
- The frequency of visits needed to manage the condition safely
- Any anticipated changes in health status that may affect support hours
- Potential overlap with other supports (e.g., personal care or household tasks)
- The possibility of using a plan manager to optimise budget allocation
Plan managers can help ensure that the allocated hours maximise the participant’s independence while staying within the price limits.
How to Request and Activate the Support
Step‑by‑Step Process
- Review Your Plan. Check that continence or stoma‑care nursing is listed under the relevant support category.
- Contact Your Planner. Discuss any changes in health or support needs that may require additional hours.
- Arrange Service Provider. Select a qualified nurse or service provider. For example, you can explore NDIS home care supports in Wyndham for local options.
- Schedule Visits. Coordinate the timing of visits with the provider and participant’s routine.
- Track Usage. Keep a record of hours used to ensure compliance with the plan budget.
- Review Regularly. Attend the annual plan review or any mid‑year reviews to adjust hours or services as needed.
Local Context: Victoria and Nearby Areas
Belgravia
In Belgravia, participants can find local nurses who specialise in continence and stoma care. Many providers offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy households.
Chelsea
Chelsea residents often rely on community health centres that provide integrated stoma support. These centres can coordinate with NDIS planners to ensure services fit within the participant’s plan.
Pimlico
Pimlico offers several home‑care agencies that have experience with NDIS-funded continence and stoma nursing. Participants can request a provider that matches their preferred care style and availability.
For broader home‑care options across Wyndham, see NDIS home care supports in Wyndham and NDIS home care in Wyndham for additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of stoma devices can a nurse help me choose? A qualified continence or stoma nurse can assess your specific needs and recommend devices that suit your lifestyle, such as pouch systems or protective barriers.
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Can I use my own stoma supplies with NDIS funding? Yes, you may purchase your own supplies, but the cost must be supported by the NDIS plan if it falls under the approved budget for nursing services.
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How often should I have a nurse visit for stoma care? Frequency depends on your condition. Some participants need weekly visits, while others may only require monthly check‑ups. Your planner will advise the appropriate schedule.
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Will the nurse also provide education on diet and fluid intake? Absolutely. Diet and fluid management are key components of continence care, and nurses will provide tailored advice to optimise outcomes.
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What if my stoma care needs change during the year? You can request a plan review to adjust support hours or services. The NDIS allows mid‑year reviews for participants who experience significant changes.
This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.