Comprehensive Guide to Incontinence Products & Continence Care in Australia

Living with incontinence, or caring for someone who does, requires reliable information and effective solutions. In Australia, a wide range of high-quality continence aids is available to help manage this condition, promoting dignity, independence, and skin health. This guide provides a neutral, fact-based overview of the types of incontinence products available, their purposes, and how to navigate support systems like the NDIS.

Understanding Incontinence and the Goal of Continence Care

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. It is a common medical condition, not a normal part of ageing, and can affect people of all ages for various reasons, including neurological conditions, post-surgical effects, and pelvic floor weakness¹. The primary goal of continence management is to improve quality of life by maintaining skin integrity, preventing infections, and supporting social participation and psychological well-being.

A Closer Look at Continence Products and Their Uses

Selecting the right continence products depends on individual needs, including the type and severity of incontinence, mobility, and personal preference. The Australian market offers a diverse selection designed for different situations.

Absorbent Products for Daily Management

These are the most commonly used continence aids. They work by absorbing and retaining urine or faecal matter to keep skin dry.

• Incontinence Pads and Liners: Ideal for light to moderate leakage, these are discreet and can be worn inside regular underwear.
• Incontinence Underwear and Pull-Ups: Resembling regular underwear, these products are suitable for moderate to heavy incontinence and are ideal for individuals with good mobility.
• All-in-One Incontinence Briefs/Nappies: Featuring re-fastenable tabs, these are designed for heavy incontinence and are often used for individuals with limited mobility, as they can be changed without removing clothing.

Reusable and Bed Protection Solutions

For economic and environmental considerations, or for overnight protection, several products are essential.

• Reusable Incontinence Pads: Made from washable, absorbent fabrics, these are a cost-effective and sustainable option for light to moderate leakage.
• Incontinence Bed Pads and Mattress Protectors: These waterproof sheets and mattress covers are crucial for protecting bedding from moisture. They help extend the life of the mattress and maintain a hygienic sleeping environment, which is vital for preventing skin breakdown and pressure injuries².

Catheters and Drainage Systems

For individuals who cannot empty their bladder effectively, intermittent catheters or indwelling catheters may be recommended by a healthcare professional.

• Male and Female Catheters: Intermittent catheters are used periodically to drain the bladder and are available in various sizes and designs to suit anatomical differences. The choice of catheter size and type should always be guided by a doctor or continence nurse.
• Catheter Drainage Bags: These bags collect urine from an indwelling catheter. They come as leg bags for daytime mobility or larger night bags for use while sleeping, and must be managed with strict hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)³.

Navigating Support: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

For eligible participants, the NDIS can provide funding for necessary continence products. These are typically classified as "consumables" under an NDIS plan. To access this support, a comprehensive assessment and report from a general practitioner or a continence nurse is usually required. This report should clearly link the need for specific continence aids to the participant's disability, outlining how these products are reasonable and necessary to help them pursue their goals.

The Science of Skin Health and Incontinence

Prolonged exposure to moisture is a primary cause of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), a form of skin irritation⁴. Using the correct absorbent products that wick moisture away from the skin is a key preventative strategy. Furthermore, a structured skin care regimen—involving gentle cleansing, moisturising, and the use of skin barriers—is strongly supported by clinical evidence to maintain skin integrity and prevent complications⁴.

About Plan Access

Plan Access is an Australian marketplace designed to make everyday essentials—including continence products—more accessible for people living with disability. The platform connects participants, carers, and providers in one place, offering NDIS-approved items from trusted brands across Australia. Whether you’re plan-managed, self-managed, or agency-managed, Plan Access provides simple checkout options and itemised receipts. With fast delivery, transparent pricing, and dedicated customer support, Plan Access helps you access the continence care products you need with confidence and ease.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Informed Choice

Managing incontinence effectively involves selecting the right products, understanding proper skin care, and accessing available support. By focusing on individual needs and consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals and caregivers can make informed decisions that significantly enhance comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Ready to explore your options further? Browse the Plan Access marketplace to discover a wide range of continence products and wellbeing essentials—available for every type of NDIS participant.

References

¹ World Health Organization. (2018). *Ageing and health*. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

² Beeckman, D. (2017). A decade of research on Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD): Evidence, knowledge gaps and next steps. *Journal of Tissue Viability*, 26(1), 47-56.

³ Gould, C. V., Umscheid, C. A., Agarwal, R. K., Kuntz, G., & Pegues, D. A. (2010). *Guideline for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections 2009*. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 31(4), 319-326.

⁴ Gray, M., Beeckman, D., Bliss, D. Z., Fader, M., Logan, S., Junkin, J., ... & Kurz, P. (2012). Incontinence-associated dermatitis: a comprehensive review and update. *Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing*, 39(1), 61-74.