The aim of the CPSS is to enable statewide, equitable access to continence products for people with ongoing continence conditions who are financially disadvantaged and are unable to access existing schemes beyond the Commonwealth Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS), including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and federal aged care programs.
The CPSS is administered on behalf of the state by the Department of Health and is delivered under contract with Independence Australia.
Eligibility
Individuals are eligible for the CPSS if the applicant:
- has a defined chronic or intractable continence condition lasting for 6 months or more
- is a permanent resident in WA
- is 3 years and older and deemed eligible under Continuity of Support Arrangements (COSA)* by the Department of Communities
- is 16 years or older and holds a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card
- is not in receipt of:
- NDIS funding
- Commonwealth Home Care Package at Home (Level 1 to 4)
- continence appliances or continence financial assistance through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- a compensation settlement where continence products are included.
- is not living in federal funded residential aged care.
Note:
*COSA: Continuity of Support Arrangements - Local Coordination.
People with a permanent disability who are:
- under 65 years (at the time of COSA approval) who do not meet the NDIS residency requirements and are legally entitled to reside in Australia
- deemed eligible for Department of Communities COSA
- ex WANDIS.
- People may receive the CAPS payment and the CPSS at the same time. People should be encouraged to apply to access CAPS in addition to the CPSS. Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders are not eligible.
Ineligibility
The applicant is not eligible for the CPSS under the following circumstances:
- they are eligible to receive assistance for continence consumables under one or more state or federal programs:
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- NDIS
- Work Cover WA
- Motor Injury Insurance including Catastrophic Injuries Support (administered by the Insurance Commission of WA)
Commonwealth home care package (administered by the federal Department of Health and Aged Care).
How to apply
- Visit your GP to organise a referral to the Silverchain Continence Management and Advice Service (CMAS) Silverchain - Continence Management. The CMAS delivers services at clinics throughout Western Australia. Specialist continence nurses provide assessment and advice on how to best manage and improve your bladder or bowel condition
- Once a referral is received, Silverchain will evaluate your eligibility for the CMAS service and book you in for an assessment with a Continence Nurse.
- People over 3 years of age eligible under Continuity of Support Arrangement (COSA) funding should contact your Local Coordinator.
