Supplementing continence equipment benefit

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Q: I have quadriplegia and get the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) $470 per annum for my supplies. But that's doesn't cover all that I need in the year. Are there any other continence equipment programs and services I can use to supplement CAAS?

A: As you say, CAAS (funded by the Federal Government) currently provides $470 each financial year to eligible people. And that can easily run short of the year's supply.

But don't despair. A number of state and territory government equipment programs also provide continence supplies. The eligibility requirements may vary, as will the types and variety of continence equipment. The programs include:

  • QLD: Medical Aids Supplies Service (MASS)
  • VIC: Aids and Equipment Program (A&EP)
  • ACT: ACT Equipment Scheme
  • WA: Continence Management and Support Scheme
  • NSW:  Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP). The PADP Policy requires eligible people to spend a total of the CAAS funding prior to applying for PADP. However, due to the limited type and variety of continence equipment provided by PADP, it is better for the consumer to obtain the continence supplies available from PADP and utilise the CAAS money for other continence supplies not available from PADP.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides people with spinal cord injuries with a variety of free continence products. To be eligible to receive these items people must become members of the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association in their State. PBS Information Line: 1800 020 613

Some continence supplies can also be obtained from pharmacies on a doctor's prescription.

Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS): Intouch www.intouchcall.com.au; 1300 366 455 (operated by the Spinal Injuries Association) has the national contract CAAS. Information about the scheme is also available on this page of the federal Department of Health and Ageing website.

For further information:

Continence Foundation of Australia 
National Continence Helpline. 1800 33 00 66 for free professional advice.


yes, it is frustrating when reliable & familiar equipment becomes unavailable. ITL, manufacturers of the staubli valve, recommend a usage expiry period of one month. At a cost of approximately $40 each this is a significant expense. Cheaper alternatives, such as those from Bard and Simpla, retail for approximately $6-$7, have a usage expiry period of one week, and so are a more economical option in the long run. If you are using a disposable catheter bag, perhaps the Bard or Conveen range, with the flip flo style drainage mechanism as standard fitting, would be appropriate. These are designed to be replaced weekly, don't require an additional drainage mechanism and retail for approximately $7.

Posted by: Admin on 04 Sep 2009 5:14pm

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I am very disappointed and upset that Staubli Valves are no longer available on the CAAS scheme. I usually get 1 through the scheme and purchase 1 myself, as they are expensive but reusable. Not so with the cheaper alternatives. They must be changed every 10 days or so and they are not reusable! What do I do now?

Posted by: Kath on 20 Aug 2009 1:09pm

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