NDIS and continence support: how to include Orykas in your plan

If you're an Australian man living with urinary incontinence, you may already know how much the right products can improve day-to-day life. What many blokes don't realise is that an NDIS continence aids plan can help cover the cost of high-quality reusable underwear — saving money, reducing waste, and giving you one less thing to worry about. This guide walks you through how the National Disability Insurance Scheme supports continence needs, what funding pathways are available, and how washable options from Orykas can fit neatly into your plan.

What is an NDIS continence aids plan?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with a permanent and significant disability. Continence management falls under the "Consumables" or "Assistive Technology" categories of an NDIS plan, depending on the type of product and your individual circumstances. In practical terms, this means eligible participants can have continence aids — including reusable incontinence underwear — funded as part of their support package.

Your continence funding isn't a separate document; it's the continence-related portion built into your broader NDIS plan. Your plan may include a specific budget line for consumables that covers items like absorbent underwear, bed protectors, and skin-care products. The key requirement is that the items must be deemed "reasonable and necessary" to help you pursue your goals and participate in daily life.

To have continence products included, you'll typically need an assessment from a qualified continence professional — often a continence nurse or physiotherapist — who provides a report outlining your needs. This assessment helps your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) understand what products and quantities are appropriate for you.

Who it affects and why it matters in Australia

Urinary incontinence is far more common among Australian men than most people think. The Continence Foundation of Australia estimates that millions of Australians experience some form of bladder or bowel control issue, yet many never seek help. Among men, incontinence can be linked to prostate surgery, neurological conditions, age-related changes, spinal cord injuries, or chronic health conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

For men on the NDIS, incontinence is frequently a secondary condition related to their primary disability. A bloke with cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury, or a spinal cord injury may deal with bladder management challenges every single day. Without the right products, this can lead to skin irritation, social withdrawal, and a reluctance to leave the house — outcomes that directly undermine the NDIS goal of building independence and community participation.

The costs add up, too. Disposable continence products can run into hundreds of dollars each month. Over a year, that's a considerable expense, particularly for those on a Disability Support Pension. Knowing how to access NDIS funding for continence aids — and choosing cost-effective reusable alternatives — can make a real difference to both comfort and budget.

Evidence-based care pathways Australians can access

The first step for any Australian man experiencing incontinence is to speak with a GP. Many bulk-billing GPs can provide an initial assessment, a referral to a specialist (such as a urologist), or a referral to a continence physiotherapist. The RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) includes continence management in its guidelines for chronic disease care, so your doctor should be well placed to help you get started.

A continence nurse adviser can carry out a thorough assessment, including a bladder diary review, physical examination, and product trial. This assessment is essential if you want continence aids included in your NDIS plan, as the resulting report forms the clinical justification for funding. You can find a continence professional in your area by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66, a free service run by the Continence Foundation of Australia.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy for men

Many men are surprised to learn that pelvic floor exercises aren't just for women. Evidence shows that targeted pelvic floor physiotherapy can reduce or even resolve urinary incontinence in men, particularly after prostate surgery. A Medicare-rebated referral from your GP to a pelvic floor physiotherapist can complement your continence aids plan, addressing the underlying cause while products manage the symptoms in the meantime.

Combining clinical treatment with the right products creates a practical, evidence-based approach. While you work on strengthening your pelvic floor, washable incontinence underwear provides discreet, reliable protection that lets you keep going about your day — whether you're at work in Melbourne, walking the dog in suburban Brisbane, or heading to the local club in regional Australia.

How Orykas washable men's incontinence underwear supports confidence

When you're choosing continence products for your NDIS plan, it's worth weighing up comfort, absorbency, durability, and long-term value. Washable incontinence underwear ticks all of these boxes, and Orykas has designed its range specifically with real-world use in mind.

The Men's Washable Incontinence Underwear collection from Orykas offers ultra-absorbent protection that looks and feels like regular underwear. There are no crinkly materials, no bulky padding visible under clothing — just well-made briefs with a built-in absorbent layer that handles light to moderate leakage. For men who want a straightforward, reliable option, the Men's Washable Incontinence Briefs are a popular choice, offering a classic fit with dependable protection.

Because Orykas products are washable, they can be reused hundreds of times — dramatically reducing the ongoing cost compared to disposables. That's a strong argument when discussing your NDIS continence aids plan with your planner or LAC, as the NDIS values supports that are cost-effective and sustainable. A single upfront investment in quality reusable underwear can replace months of disposable purchases.

For those looking to build a practical rotation, the The Essential Orykas Set provides a ready-made starter kit, while The Everyday Colours Set adds variety without sacrificing performance. Having multiple pairs means you've always got a clean pair ready, even on laundry day — a small detail that makes a big difference to daily confidence.

NDIS, CAPS and funding options for Australians

The good news is there are several pathways for Australians to access financial support for continence products. Working out which one applies to you can save considerable time and frustration.

• NDIS funding: If you're an NDIS participant, continence aids can be included under Consumables or Assistive Technology. You'll need a continence assessment report to support your request at your next plan review or reassessment.
• CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme): Administered by Services Australia, CAPS provides an annual payment to eligible Australians to help with the cost of continence products. You don't need to be on the NDIS to access CAPS — it's available to people with permanent and severe incontinence who hold a valid concession card.
• State and territory schemes: Some states, including Victoria and Queensland, offer additional continence support programs. Your continence nurse or GP can advise on what's available in your area.
• DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs): Veterans with a Gold or White card may be able to access continence products through DVA arrangements.
• Private health insurance: Some extras policies include a small benefit for continence aids. Check with your fund to see if this applies.

If you're already an NDIS participant, the most direct route is to raise continence needs at your next planning meeting. Bring your continence assessment, a list of the products you use or wish to trial, and an estimate of annual costs. Your support coordinator or LAC can help you draft the request. Remember that the NDIS considers whether a support is "reasonable and necessary," so framing your request around independence, participation, and wellbeing is important.

For those not on the NDIS, CAPS is often the most accessible option. Eligibility requires a medical assessment confirming permanent and severe incontinence, plus a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Applications are lodged through Services Australia, and payments are made annually to help offset product costs. The amount may not cover all expenses, but it meaningfully reduces the out-of-pocket burden.

Tips for getting continence aids approved in your NDIS plan

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, but here's the thing — a clear approach makes a real difference to your chances of getting the right supports funded. Here are practical steps to follow:

1. Get a professional continence assessment. This is the single most important step. A report from a continence nurse or qualified health professional gives your planner the clinical evidence they need.
2. Be specific about products and quantities. Rather than a vague request for "continence aids," list the specific items — for example, six pairs of washable incontinence briefs, plus bed protectors — and estimate the annual cost.
3. Explain the link to your NDIS goals. The NDIS funds supports that help you pursue your goals. If incontinence is preventing you from attending work, socialising, or participating in community activities, make that connection explicit in your plan meeting.
4. Highlight cost-effectiveness. Reusable products like Orykas washable underwear have a lower long-term cost than disposables. This aligns with the NDIS principle of value for money and can strengthen your case.
5. Bring a support person if needed. Talking about incontinence can be uncomfortable. A trusted support coordinator, family member, or advocate can help you communicate your needs clearly during planning meetings.

If your request for continence aids isn't included in your plan, you have the right to request a review. The NDIS has a formal review process, and organisations such as disability advocacy services in your state — whether you're in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, or anywhere else in Australia — can assist you with this process at no cost.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use NDIS funding to buy washable incontinence underwear?

Yes. Washable incontinence underwear can be funded under your NDIS plan, typically under the Consumables or Assistive Technology budget categories. You'll need a continence assessment from a qualified professional to support the request. Reusable products are often viewed favourably because of their cost-effectiveness over time.

What is the difference between NDIS continence funding and CAPS?

NDIS continence funding is available only to NDIS participants and is built into your individualised plan. CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme) is a separate program through Services Australia, open to eligible Australians with permanent and severe incontinence who hold a concession card. You may be able to access both, depending on your circumstances — speak with your support coordinator or continence nurse for guidance.

How do I get a continence assessment for my NDIS plan?

Start by speaking with your GP, who can refer you to a continence nurse or specialist. You can also call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 to find a continence professional near you. The assessment will evaluate your bladder and bowel function, recommend appropriate products, and produce a report that supports your NDIS funding request.

Are Orykas products suitable for moderate incontinence?

Orykas washable incontinence underwear is designed to handle light to moderate urinary leakage. The built-in absorbent layers provide reliable protection while maintaining a look and feel similar to regular underwear. For men with heavier incontinence needs, a continence nurse can help you determine the right combination of products as part of your broader NDIS continence aids plan.

This article is informational and does not replace advice from your GP, a qualified continence nurse or a specialist.