When Continence Changes: What Older People and Families Should Do Next

When is a change in continence a concern?

A change in continence is not always just part of getting older. While bladder and bowel issues can become more common with age, they may also be linked to health conditions, medication changes, mobility issues, cognition, diet, or an illness that needs attention.

It is a good idea to seek advice if continence changes are:

• new
• becoming more frequent
• starting to affect day-to-day life
• causing distress, anxiety, or embarrassment
• creating more care needs at home

Common signs to look out for include:

• needing to rush to the toilet more often
• more leakage or accidents than usual
• waking often through the night to use the toilet
• bowel accidents
• avoiding outings or social activities
• needing more help with hygiene or personal care

These changes can affect much more than physical comfort. They can impact sleep, confidence, skin health, mobility, social connection, and a person’s willingness to leave the house.

Why It Matters More Than People Think

Continence support is not only about managing leakage. It is also about protecting dignity, reducing discomfort, supporting skin integrity, lowering stress, and helping people stay engaged in everyday life.

When continence issues are not well managed, people may withdraw from activities, become anxious about leaving home, or lose confidence in routines that once felt simple.

Continence Health Australia’s 2025 survey found that 57% of people living with incontinence were reluctant to leave the house, highlighting the social and emotional impact continence issues can have.

Good support can reduce pressure on carers and help families respond earlier when something changes. The aim is not simply to react to accidents. It is to recognise issues early, understand what may be contributing to them, and put the right mix of support in place.

When to seek medical advice urgently

Some symptoms should be reviewed promptly by a GP or other health professional.

Seek urgent medical advice if there is:

• pain or burning
• blood in urine or stool
• fever
• sudden confusion
• severe constipation or diarrhoea
• rapid decline in health
• skin breakdown
• a major change in mobility or function

In these situations, medical review should come first rather than relying only on aged care support.

What support at home might include

For older people living at home, continence support may involve a mix of services depending on individual needs.

This can include:

• help with toileting routines
• personal care and hygiene support
• skin care
• monitoring symptoms or changes
• nursing input for assessment and clinical care, where appropriate
• allied health support where mobility, transfers, cognition, communication, or home setup are contributing factors

The right mix of support depends on the person’s needs, assessment, and approved services.

Who should families speak to first?

In most cases, the best first step is the person’s GP, especially if the issue is new, worsening, painful, or linked to another health concern.

It can also help to keep track of:

• how often it happens
• whether it involves the bladder, bowel, or both
• when the change started
• any pain or discomfort
• current medications
• any recent health or mobility changes

After medical advice, the next step may be to speak with My Aged Care, an aged care provider, or another relevant health professional about support options.



Understanding funding and support pathways

Funding for continence-related support can feel confusing, especially when families hear different terms used.



Support at Home is the main in-home aged care program for eligible older people. Depending on a person’s assessed needs and approved services, it may include:

• non-clinical support, such as personal care and assistance with routines
• clinical support, such as nursing assessment, monitoring, and management, where appropriate

However, not every continence assessment, service, or product is automatically covered. In some cases, support may need to come through the broader health system, such as a GP, specialist, or hospital service.

There may also be separate product funding pathways, depending on eligibility and individual circumstances.

The key point is that support may be available, but the pathway depends on the person’s needs, assessment, and approved services.

Support at Home and CHSP

Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or CHSP, remains a separate entry-level program and is expected to transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

This means it is important to clarify which program a person is accessing, as available supports can depend on assessment outcomes, eligibility, service availability, and approved services.

What about continence products?

Continence products may be funded through different pathways depending on a person’s circumstances.

For some people, product support may involve a separate continence product scheme. For Support at Home participants, product funding rules can be specific, and support may depend on whether the person has been approved for relevant services, such as nursing care consumables.

Because the rules can vary, families should ask their Support at Home provider, My Aged Care, or a relevant health professional what applies to their situation.

A simple way to think about it

When continence changes happen, families do not need to figure everything out at once.



A practical starting point is to:

• speak with the GP if the issue is new, worsening, painful, or causing concern
• identify whether there are urgent symptoms that need medical attention
• explore aged care support if extra help is needed at home
• ask what services, assessments, or products may be available based on the person’s circumstances

How FOCUS Connect Can Help

At FOCUS Connect, we understand that continence concerns need to be handled with dignity, discretion, and respect.

Our role is to support older people and families in a person-centred way, helping them access the right mix of care and services for their situation. That may include personal support, clinical input, or guidance in understanding what help may be available at home.

Final Thoughts

Continence issues are common, but they should not be dismissed or ignored. A change in bladder or bowel control can be a sign that extra support, assessment, or medical advice is needed.

The most important thing is to act early, ask questions, and seek the right help. With the right support in place, older people can feel more comfortable, confident, and supported to remain at home.

Need support at home for yourself or a loved one? Contact FOCUS Connect to discuss care options and the supports that may be available.