Continence, catheter and stoma support built around the person’s routine
EmpowerLink nurses provide respectful assessment, implement current catheter and stoma instructions, support skin integrity and help the person and their support network understand the agreed care routine.
What this service involves
EmpowerLink nurses provide respectful assessment, implement current catheter and stoma instructions, support skin integrity and help the person and their support network understand the agreed care routine.
Information for referrers
Send the diagnosis, device details, current orders, product schedule and escalation contacts. We confirm scope and competency before accepting the referral.
Who this service may suit
- NDIS participants seeking disability-related nursing supports that align with their approved plan
- Support at Home participants whose registered provider is seeking to arrange an agreed nursing service through a documented third-party delivery arrangement
- Private clients and families seeking self-funded nursing care after a written scope and fees are confirmed
- People who need a continence assessment or implementation of an existing continence plan
- People living with an indwelling or suprapubic urinary catheter
- People requiring established stoma care and education at home
- Support teams who need competency-based education for an authorised care routine
Eligibility and funding
- NDIS continence supports must relate to disability needs and the participant’s approved plan; product and clinical-service funding are confirmed separately.
- Device changes require current clinical orders, the correct equipment and an appropriate escalation plan.
- For a Support at Home participant, service can begin only if their registered provider formally engages EmpowerLink for the agreed service under a documented third-party delivery arrangement. The registered provider remains responsible for care management, the service agreement and program obligations. EmpowerLink does not claim direct Support at Home provider approval.
- Private clients can request a written scope and quote. Care begins only after clinical fit, service capacity, fees, products or consumables, and the service agreement are confirmed.
Care that may be included after intake
The final scope is documented for the individual person after clinical, operational and funding review.
- Continence history, functional assessment and practical care planning within scope
- Catheter observation, routine care and changes when supported by current orders and nurse competency
- Established stoma care, appliance support and peristomal skin observation
- Product-use education and documentation for the person and authorised supporters
- Hydration, bowel, skin-integrity and infection-risk observations relevant to the plan
- Escalation of blockage, bypassing, pain, bleeding, skin breakdown or infection concerns
From referral to planned visits
- 01
Respectful intake
We clarify goals, consent, privacy needs, communication preferences and who may receive reports.
- 02
Review the clinical plan
The nurse checks diagnosis, device type and size, change schedule, products, history and escalation instructions.
- 03
Deliver and teach
Care is provided in the home with practical education matched to the person and authorised support team.
- 04
Review patterns
Recurring leakage, blockage, skin concerns and product issues are documented for the treating clinician or continence specialist.
Safety and clinical governance
- Catheter and stoma procedures are assigned only to nurses with current assessed competency for the requested intervention.
- New severe pain, no urine output with symptoms, significant bleeding, fever or acute illness requires urgent clinical advice.
- Product recommendations are based on assessment and funding rules; the site does not promise that a particular item will be funded.
- Privacy and dignity are planned before the first home visit.
Service boundaries
- Complex assessment may require a continence, urology or stomal therapy specialist outside EmpowerLink’s service.
- Funding approval and product availability are not guaranteed.
- General web content cannot diagnose the cause of continence or device problems.
Continence, catheter and stoma care FAQs
Can you provide a continence assessment for an NDIS plan review?
We can assess whether the requested report is within the nurse’s qualifications and the participant’s funding. The report purpose, required format, deadline and supporting evidence must be agreed before booking.
Do you perform catheter changes at home?
Potentially. Acceptance depends on the catheter type, current clinical order, required competency, equipment, known risks and an escalation pathway.
Can support workers be trained in the daily routine?
Education may be included for authorised workers where the task is appropriate to delegate and the clinical governance requirements are met. Training completion does not expand a worker’s role beyond the approved plan and employer policy.
What information is needed before a catheter change can be considered?
Intake needs the catheter type and size, current clinical order, change schedule, equipment, relevant history and clear instructions for blockage, bleeding, pain or other complications. Acceptance also depends on an appropriately competent nurse and a suitable escalation pathway.
Can a nurse help with leakage or sore skin around a stoma?
A nurse can assess the immediate concern within scope, provide care under the current plan and document patterns for the treating clinician or stomal therapy service. Complex or persistent problems may require specialist review, and a particular appliance or product cannot be guaranteed.
What should happen if a catheter stops draining or causes new pain?
Follow the person’s catheter escalation plan and seek prompt clinical advice, particularly when reduced output occurs with pain, fever, bleeding or acute illness. Call Triple Zero (000) for an immediate threat to life or severe deterioration; general website information cannot identify the cause.
Does a continence assessment guarantee NDIS funding or particular products?
No. An assessment can document needs and recommendations within the nurse’s scope, but funding decisions are made under the participant’s plan and applicable rules. Product suitability, availability and payer responsibility are confirmed separately.
Refer for continence care
Include current device details, products and clinical instructions.