Why We're Here
For millions of Australians, Incontinence isn't just personal, it can be a funding and access issue. The support system hasn't kept up. The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is outdated, difficult to access and under-delivers.
The Continence Funding Advocacy Network (CFAN) is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers, clinicians, carers and individuals with lived experience. We’re advocating for a modern, inclusive CAPS that reflects real-world needs and delivers funding with dignity.
Incontinence in Australia
7.2 million
Australians living with incontinence
1 in 3
People over 15 experience incontinence
2× more likely
Women experience incontinence more than men
71% under 65
Most people with incontinence are younger than 65
What is Incontinence?
- Urgency: Sudden, uncontrollable need to go
- Stress: Leaks with movement or pressure
- Overflow: Dribbling from a full bladder or bowel
- Mixed: A combination of urgency and stress
The Scope of the Problem
- 30% of Australians experienced incontinence in 2023
- Economic cost: $100.4 billion
- 71% of affected people are under 65
- Caregivers provide over 5 hours of unpaid support each week
- 3% unable to work due to incontinence
The Issue
The current CAPS payment is under $700 per year—far short of the $1,500 to $3,000 that many Australians spend on continence products.
Eligibility is too narrow, access is too hard, and it doesn’t align with NDIS or My Aged Care. This leaves too many people stuck, out-of-pocket, or unsupported.
Stories from Real Australians
“I contacted the local healthcare centre to be told they did not have a continence nurse in my area. Eventually, I found a nurse through Catholic Care. This is a condition I’ve had to deal with mostly on my own.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 62
“It is very hard to access appointments in the public health system for incontinence.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 63
“There is a distinct lack of specialists in urogynecology in Sydney. I’ve waited 12 months to get an appointment.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 62
“I’d like to know if I am eligible for financial assistance. It is very hard to tell.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 13
“I would like to get financial support but don’t know how.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 13
75 yr old from VIC had a spinal cord injury and is in a wheelchair. Currently uses SelfCath & has CAPS funding. Uses SWEP funding for wheelchair accessories. She is applying for My Aged Care but does not know if she will be able to get catheters. Knows she should be using a hydrophilic coated catheter as better for her urethra health and will reduce UTIs but is unable to fund them.
Source: Patient experience, Coloplast
“I spend many more dollars than CAPS and [state level scheme] to purchase the aids needed for my incontinence.”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 13
“I get $500 from the FedGovt and $500 from the NSW Govt towards buying catheters. I spend close to $4000 on catheters...”
Source: Economic Cost of Incontinence in Australia, 2024, page 13
Robert started Intermittent catheterisation in October 2024. He is not receiving any Govt funding. He is exploring CAPS/SWEP applications. He is using Self Cath because of cost and has already had one UTI in the last month.
Source: Patient experience, Coloplast
What Needs to Change
- Broaden access—include working adults, temporary conditions, and moderate needs
- Lift funding to a base of $1,500 per year, indexed to inflation
- Make claiming easier with digital GP sign-off and auto-renewals
- Allow subsidies for reusable and sustainable products
- Promote awareness through GPs, hospitals and pharmacies
Download Key Reports
Access key documents that highlight the true impact of incontinence in Australia. These reports provide essential data for advocacy, policy, and public awareness.
Who Are We?
The Continence Funding Advocacy Network (CFAN) is led by experienced professionals from across the continence, healthcare, and advocacy sectors. Together, they represent the key voices of manufacturers, suppliers, clinicians, and community advocates working to create a fairer, more accessible funding system for all Australians.
Scott AtkinsonBrightSky
Carl CeddiaStayDry
Matthew DaltonColoplast
Norm DouglasConni
Karen FullerTena
Vinita NandColoplast
Suzie BratuskinsContinence Health Australia
Tim YoungSayco
Mission Statement
To unite the continence care industry in advocating for equitable, sustainable, and improved government funding that ensures all Australians living with incontinence have access to the products, services, and support they need to live with dignity and independence.
Purpose
CFAN exists to:
- Represent a unified industry voice in discussions with government and policymakers.
- Advocate for funding models that reflect the real needs of people living with incontinence.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and consumers to ensure our advocacy is informed, inclusive, and evidence based.
- Raise awareness of the impact of incontinence and the importance of accessible continence care solutions.
Your story can help push change. If you're a clinician, carer, supplier or product user, we want to hear from you.
Need Help Now?
If you're looking for immediate support or guidance with incontinence, visit Continence Health Australia for expert advice, resources, and a national helpline.
The National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) is staffed by nurse continence specialists who provide free, confidential information, advice and support to health professionals and people affected by incontinence.
You may also be eligible for financial assistance with continence products through a range of national and state-based schemes. Continence Health Australia has compiled a fact sheet outlining who can get support and how to apply.