A Closer Look at the Factors Considered During an NDIS Continence Assessment
When it comes to managing continence in individuals with a disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a range of support. One of these is a continence assessment that helps tailor a person's support plan based on their needs. Essentially, a continence assessment assesses various factors that affect the person's ability to perform toileting and other healthcare-related activities. Despite being a fundamental process, several factors come into play when conducting an NDIS continence assessment. Take a closer look at the factors considered during an NDIS continence assessment.
Focusing on the Person's Health Status
The primary objective of a continence assessment is to evaluate the person's current health status related to continence management. Thus, the assessment specialist evaluates the person's medical history, medication and fluid intake and bowel and bladder function. This factor helps identify if the person has an underlying medical condition requiring specialist medical interventions to manage incontinence.
The Person's Daily Activities
The assessment specialist also checks out the person's daily activities that facilitate continence management. For instance, wheelchair use and assistance with transfers will be considered. Knowing the person's unique abilities, disabilities and how their functional needs are met can aid in better planning, choice and control for the person.
Assistance and Support
The assessment team also considers the kind of assistance and support the individual requires to maintain continence. For instance, the nature of personal care required, the type of equipment necessary, and how the individual uses the equipment and support available to them will be part of the assessment.
Environmental Factors
Toileting is a process that depends highly on environmental factors. The assessment team carefully considers factors such as the type of toileting environment within the person's home and in various settings. Other environmental issues include cleanliness, privacy, lighting and access to facilities. Thus, the assessment specialist will look at how the person with a disability can access the environment and what kind of support may be needed to facilitate this access.
Mental Health
The assessment team also considers the person's mental health while conducting the assessment. For instance, people with autism may experience significant stress due to factors such as sensory overload, unfamiliar environments or changes in routine. Thus, the assessment team considers the factors that trigger the person's anxiety and fear to aid in managing their stress.
A continence assessment evaluates an individual's needs to support them in developing a personalised support plan for enhanced health and better use of materials and assistance allowances under the NDIS. The factors outlined above are only a few that form part of the assessment and indicate how comprehensive an NDIS continence assessment can be. It also highlights the critical role of an assessment team in providing the right assessment, thus leading to the creation of the most appropriate support plan.
Share