Are you spending more on water and laundry costs because of incontinence?
Thousands of people receiving the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) in Western Australia can now save on their water bill. CAPS is an Australian Government program that helps people with permanent and severe incontinence pay for some of their continence products.
The cost of managing incontinence doesn’t stop at products. Extra laundry, cleaning and showering means water bills are usually higher than other households.
Under the Medical Assist allowance of the Water Corporation, households with a CAPS recipient can use up to 180,000 litres of water per year at no cost. The average person will save over $380 each year. (4/11/24 the current amount is now 30kL water allowance per household on every bill).
However, many National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants do not receive CAPS. A Water Corporation spokesperson says it is looking at expanding the Medical Assist program.
“The Water Corporation are investigating the possibility of including NDIS recipients with permanent and severe incontinence in the Medical Assist program.”
Apply online for the WA Medical Assist program: watercorporation.com.au/medicalassist
Find out more about the Continence Aids Payment Scheme from the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66.
This story was first published in Bridge Magazine. Subscribe and receive Bridge straight to your inbox.