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Continence management
One in five Australians experiences difficulty with bladder or bowel control. It’s important that if a person feels that they need help they should contact a health professional such as a GP to discuss the problem.
The following services provide information and advice about bladder and bowel health, continence management, treatment, services and support for people affected by incontinence, their families and carers as well as health professionals, service providers and researchers.
- National Continence Helpline (more information)
- Bladder and Bowel
- Doctors
- Pharmacists
- Getting financial help
- Subsidy schemes
- Carers Australia (more information)
- Information for carers
- Carer support groups
- Short-term care
National Continence Helpline
The National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 is staffed by qualified continence nurse advisors who provide prompt, confidential expert advice to health professionals and members of the public. Helpline staff can provide information about continence products, national and state government continence subsidy schemes and arrange for continence information resources to be sent to callers. Information is also available about continence services in local areas including:- continence clinics
- community nursing services
- hospital and outpatient clinics
- community therapy clinics
- continence physiotherapists
- medical specialists
- state continence resources centers
- support groups
- indigenous services
- independent living centers
- financial support schemes
Bladder and Bowel Health Website
The Australian Government’s Bladder and Bowel website promotes bladder and bowel health and provides information for people affected by incontinence, their families and carers, as well as to health professionals, service providers and researchers on the prevention, management and treatment of bladder and bowel problems. Access to continence information resources and information on the Australian Government’s Continence Aids Assistance Scheme is also available.Doctors
Doctors provide medical assessment and treatment options, review and prescribe medications, order clinical tests, and may refer you to a medical specialist, a continence nurse advisor or a continence physiotherapist.Pharmacists
Pharmacists advise on medications and sell continence products. They may also keep information leaflets on incontinence or local clinics.Getting financial help
Many people with incontinence have other health problems. Many are pensioners or have limited incomes.To find out if you’re eligible for financial assistance, contact:
- a Centrelink office on 13 23 00
- the Network of Carer Associations on 1800 242 636
- the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 13 32 54
- a financial adviser
- your doctor, or
- any health professional associated with your care.
Continence Subsidy Schemes
Different schemes are available in each state and territory to help with continence aids and appliances. Each scheme has its own rules for eligibility and a financial limit on the amount of supplies provided. Contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for further information.Support for Carers
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres located across Australia provide a link to a wide range of community, aged care and support services available locally or anywhere in Australia. Centres provide information about services for older people, people with a disability, and those who provide care and services, and can also assist carers with options to take a break through short-term and emergency respite services, based on assessed need. Centres provide advice on and coordinate access to respite services in a carer’s local area.For information contact 1800 200 422 during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours on 1800 059 059*. (*calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.)
Carers Australia
Carers Australia represents carers of people with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or those who are frail or aged. It also provides information, support, education, training and counselling.Carer support groups
Carer support groups provide emotional support to carers. For information about these groups in your area and about other organisations which also offer support, contact 1800 200 422.Short-term care
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres can organise either short-term or emergency respite services so that carers can take a break. This can take place in people’s homes or at another location.For information contact 1800 200 422 during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, call
1800 059 059.
Read more: About Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres