Expansion of Continence Aids Assistance Scheme

From 1 July, 2007 the eligibility criteria for the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) have been expanded to include low care residents in residential aged care facilities who have an RCS (Resident Classification Scale) category of 5 to 7.

The resident needs to have permanent and severe incontinence caused by a neurological condition or a resident with a non-neurological cause for their incontinence who holds a Pensioner Concession Card.

CAAS application forms are available from CAAS Helpline on 1300 366 455 or can be downloaded from www.intouch.com.au or www.bladderbowel.gov.au. The CAAS form includes a health report that must be completed by an appropriate health professional. This person can be the GP, medical specialist, continence nurse or physiotherapist.

Residential aged care facilities can lodge the CAAS application form on behalf of the resident provided the application has been signed by the applicant and the health professional. Residents in low care facilities were previously excluded from this program.