What happens during a Continence Assessment?

If you've booked a Continence Assessment — or you're thinking about it — it's completely normal to wonder what actually happens.

Here's a calm, clear walkthrough, so you know exactly what to expect.

A Continence Assessment is a relaxed, private conversation with a Clinical Continence Nurse about your bladder and bowel health. They'll ask about your symptoms, your daily routine and your goals, may ask you to keep a short bladder or bowel diary, and — only if you're comfortable — may carry out a brief physical check.

It usually takes around 45 to 90 minutes, and you'll leave with a clear, personalised plan. It's an understanding conversation, not an examination to be nervous about.

First, the reassurance

Let's start with what a Continence Assessment isn't. It isn't an interrogation. It isn't embarrassing. And nothing you say will surprise your nurse — these are conversations they have every day, always with respect and without judgement.

If it helps to know how common this is: incontinence affects around 1 in 4 adults in Australia — more than 7.2 million people, or 1 in 3 people over the age of 15 (Continence Health Australia, The Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, Deloitte Access Economics, 2024).

The average age of someone experiencing it is just 51, and 7 in 10 are younger than 65 — so it is far from being only an older person's concern. You are genuinely not alone, and reaching out is a positive, ordinary thing to do.

You're welcome to bring a family member, carer or friend for support. You don't need a GP referral. And everything you share is kept private and confidential. The whole purpose is simple: to understand what's happening for you, and to find practical ways to help.

What happens, step by step

While every assessment is tailored to the perosn, most follow a similar shape.

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A conversation about you.

Your Clinical Continence Nurse will ask you to describe your bladder and bowel patterns, and how they affect your daily life. This is the heart of the assessment — the more openly you can talk, the better they can help.

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Your history and health

They'll ask about your medical history, any other conditions, and the medications you take, since these can all play a part in continence.

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A bladder or bowel diary

You may be asked to keep a short diary. A bladder diary is usually kept for two to three days, and a bowel diary for about seven days. This helps your nurse see your patterns clearly. If you haven't done one beforehand, your nurse can give you one to complete afterwards.

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A brief physical check-only if you're comfortable

Sometimes a short, non-invasive physical examination helps your nurse understand what's happening. This is always optional, always with your consent, and only done if it's genuinely useful. Many assessments are conversation-based only.

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Your personalised plan

Once your nurse understands the type and cause of your continence needs, they'll work with you to build a management plan around your goals — covering strategies, therapies, suitable products and supports.

Questions you may be asked

To give you a sense of it, these are the kinds of questions that might come up:

• How often do you go to the toilet?

• Do you ever need to rush to get there?

• Do you leak when you cough, sneeze or exercise?

• How often, and how much, do you leak?

• What do your bowel motions look like? (a chart like the Bristol Stool Chart can help)

• How much do you eat and drink, and what?

• What medications do you take?

• Do you have any other health conditions?

• Are you able to get to the toilet, and manage clothing, comfortably?

There are no wrong answers. Every question has a purpose — to build a full picture, not to judge.

Why it's worth not putting it off

Here's something worth knowing: on average, people live with incontinence for 4 to 6 years before seeking support, and only around 12% of those affected currently receive care (Continence Health Australia, 2025 National Survey).

Often that delay comes down to embarrassment or simply not knowing where to start — yet incontinence is not a normal part of ageing, and in many cases it can be significantly improved or managed once it's properly assessed.

A Continence Assessment is usually the first step towards that improvement. The sooner it happens, the sooner you have a plan.

What you'll receive afterwards

This is where a Continence Assessment really earns its value. After your appointment, your Clinical Continence Nurse prepares a detailed written report and a personalised plan. This typically includes:

The findings from your assessment

Recommendations for products, therapies and strategies

Practical next steps tailored to your goals

And importantly — for many people, this report is the evidence that unlocks funding. A clear, well-documented assessment is what supports funding applications through the NDIS, Support at Home or CAPS, because it translates your daily needs into the evidence those schemes require. It's not just a report; it's the key that helps you access the support you're entitled to.

How the assessment can happen

At McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions, you can have your Continence Assessment in the way that suits you best — in your own home, or by telehealth video or phone, anywhere in Australia. Wherever you are, and however you prefer to meet, we make it easy and comfortable.

Ready to arrange your Continence Assessment?

Now that you know what to expect, there's nothing to feel nervous about. If you're ready to take the next step — or you'd simply like to talk it through first — our friendly team is here to help.

Speak to our friendly team

you don't need a GP referral, and there's no obligation. We'll help you work out the rest. complete our referral form.

Frequently asked questions

1. What happens during a Continence Assessment? A Continence Assessment is a private conversation with a Clinical Continence Nurse about your bladder and bowel health. They ask about your symptoms, history and goals, may ask you to keep a short bladder or bowel diary, and — only with your consent — may do a brief physical check. It usually takes 45 to 90 minutes and results in a personalised plan.

   
   

2. Is a Continence Assessment embarrassing or uncomfortable? No. It's designed to be a respectful, judgement-free conversation. Your nurse has these discussions every day. You can bring a support person, and any physical check is optional and only done with your consent.

   
   

3. How long does a Continence Assessment take? The consultation usually takes around 45 to 90 minutes. Preparing your full report and personalised plan takes additional time to ensure it's genuinely tailored to you.

   
   

4. Do I need to do anything to prepare? It helps to note your bladder and bowel patterns for a few days, have your medication list handy, and think about your goals. But you don't need to do anything special — your nurse can guide you through everything.

   
   

5. Do I need a GP referral for a Continence Assessment? No. At McQuel Healthcare you don't need a GP referral. You can complete a referral form directly or contact the team to get started.

   
   

6. What will I receive after my Continence Assessment? You'll receive a detailed written report and a personalised management plan, including recommendations for products, therapies and strategies. This report can also provide the evidence needed to support funding through the NDIS, Support at Home or CAPS.