Advocacy sees positive outcome for older people with incontinence

Continence Health Australia welcomes person-centred policy change to continence support for older people.

Continence Health Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to enable eligible people to continue accessing the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) while receiving support through Support at Home or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

This is a positive and practical policy change that will help people with permanent and severe incontinence meet some of the costs of continence products, supporting their health, dignity, independence and ability to remain active in their homes and communities.

From 1 July 2026, the CAPS payment rate is $739.40 per year. For people who rely on continence products every day, this support can make a meaningful difference to household budgets and to their confidence, comfort and wellbeing.

“This change will help ensure older people are not left navigating disconnected systems when they are simply trying to manage an essential health need.” Jim Cooper, CEO Continence Health Australia

The change follows sustained advocacy by Continence Health Australia, informed by calls to the National Continence Helpline, feedback from consumers, carers and health professionals, and correspondence to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors highlighting the need for better alignment between aged care, Medicare and CAPS.

Continence Health Australia had raised concerns that people moving into Support at Home could face confusion, administrative burden, out-of-pocket costs and gaps in essential continence care if CAPS eligibility ceased before continence support was clearly built into their aged care arrangements.

“This decision recognises continence care is fundamental to dignity, safety and quality of life,” said Jim Cooper, CEO of Continence Health Australia.

“We are very pleased to see a sensible, person-centred outcome that will reduce confusion for consumers and carers and help people continue to access the supports they need.

“We acknowledge the Federal Government’s responsiveness to the issues raised by consumers, carers, clinicians and the continence sector. This change will help ensure older people are not left navigating disconnected systems when they are simply trying to manage an essential health need.”

Continence Health Australia will continue to work constructively with government, providers, clinicians, consumers and carers to ensure continence support is easy to understand, simple to access and centred on the needs of each person.

As the national body for bladder and bowel control health, Continence Health Australia provides information, resources and support through continence.org.au and the free National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66), where people can speak with experienced Nurse Continence Specialists.

For information, please contact us.

Read more about:

• Continence Aids Payment Scheme
• NDIS and continence products