HSE Continence Support - How to Access Supplies and Services
Access to HSE continence support usually starts with your local Public Health Nurse (PHN) or Local Health Office. A nursing assessment helps identify clinical need and may lead to publicly funded continence products through community schemes, depending on local arrangements and eligibility.
If you do not have a Medical Card, the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) may help with approved prescribed items under the scheme rules. Your pharmacist can confirm what counts towards the monthly cap.
What you will learn in this guide:
This guide explains the main steps for accessing HSE continence support and what families can do while support is being arranged.
How to start the HSE continence support process
What a PHN continence assessment usually covers
How to prepare for the appointment
What financial supports may help with costs
Practical steps that support comfort and dignity at home
What is the HSE Continence Care Pathway?
The HSE continence care pathway is built around assessment first. HSE guidance for registered nurses says adults with continence care needs should receive a comprehensive bladder and bowel assessment and an individualised plan of care.
Many families start by looking for continence pads, but assessment comes first. That review helps identify day-to-day needs, practical changes at home, and any follow-up support that may help.
PHN as Your First Point of Contact
In many areas, the PHN is the main contact for community continence support and access to publicly funded products. Some people speak with their GP first, then move to community services for assessment and follow-up.
Contact your Local Health Office and ask for a continence assessment. The PHN may arrange a home visit or a clinic appointment. The review often covers medical history, current medicines, mobility, toilet access, and routines at home.
Access to Publicly Funded Continence Products
If you have a Medical Card, publicly funded continence products may be available once clinical need is confirmed. Eligibility is based on clinical need rather than age alone.
Assessment can also lead to advice beyond products. Some people may be offered bladder retraining, pelvic health support, or timed toileting plans. If first-line support does not help, the PHN or GP may refer you for more specialist continence assessment.
How to Prepare for a PHN Continence Assessment
These steps can help the PHN match support to day-to-day needs and reduce delays.
1. Contact your Local Health Centre
Ask for a continence assessment. That gives the PHN a clear starting point and helps confirm if a home visit or clinic review is the best fit.
2. Complete a 3-day bladder diary
Track drinks, toilet visits, urgency, and leaks. Note rough amounts such as small, moderate, or large. Bring the diary to the appointment so the discussion reflects real patterns.
3. Prepare a medicines and health summary
List current medicines and recent changes, including diuretics and sedatives. Note recent UTIs, mobility changes, and any fall risks, as highlighted in fall prevention at home.
4. Check the home setup
Note the route to the toilet, lighting, stairs, and trip hazards. The PHN may suggest practical aids such as a commode, a raised toilet seat, or simple night lighting to support safer access.
For families supporting a person living with cognitive changes, it can help to have a trusted family member or Comfort Keepers support present during the review.
Financial Support Options for Continence Supplies
Families without a Medical Card can face ongoing costs for continence supplies. A few schemes may help, but eligibility and cover vary.
Scheme | Eligibility | Benefit |
Medical Card | Means-tested or medical need | Access to publicly funded supports following a continence assessment, subject to local arrangements |
Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) | People living in Ireland without a Medical Card | Monthly family spending is capped at €80 for approved prescribed drugs and medicines, plus certain listed rentals under the scheme |
Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme | Listed long-term conditions | Approved drugs, medicines, and appliances linked to the covered condition are provided free |
If you do not qualify for a Medical Card, you can apply for a DPS card online or by post. Your pharmacist can confirm what is covered for your prescription.
You may also want to review how wider state-funded support works. Our guide to the HSE home support service explains how publicly funded homecare is arranged in Ireland.
Medical Card and prescription charges
With a Medical Card, a prescription charge can still apply per item, up to a monthly maximum. You can check current prescription charges on the HSE website.
DPS for people without a Medical Card
To use a DPS card at a pharmacy, items must be approved under scheme rules and are usually prescribed by your GP or another authorised prescriber. Use the same pharmacy during the month, where possible, and ask the pharmacist to confirm what counts.
Tax Relief on Medical Expenses
Some privately paid health expenses may qualify for tax relief through Revenue, subject to their rules. Keep receipts and check eligibility before claiming.
Practical Tips at Home
While you are waiting for assessment or delivery, a few practical steps can help. Use products that fit well and match needs, change them at suitable intervals, and keep skin clean and dry. If toilet access is difficult, ask the PHN about equipment such as a commode or raised toilet seat.
Store supplies discreetly near the bathroom and use a lidded bin for used products. Family carers may also need planned breaks, and respite care can help keep routines consistent at home.
How Comfort Keepers Supports Daily Continence Care
Home Support Workers can help with agreed toileting routines, discreet product changes, and day-to-day observations that families may want to share with the PHN. Our guide to starting care at home explains how Comfort Keepers supports comfort, dignity, and consistency at home.
Common Questions About HSE Continence Support
How do I start the HSE continence support process?
Contact your Local Health Office or ask your GP or PHN about a continence assessment. The first step is usually a nursing review to identify clinical need and agree on the next steps.
What if I do not have a Medical Card?
You may still be able to use the Drugs Payment Scheme for approved prescribed items under the scheme rules. Your pharmacist can explain what counts and what costs may still apply.
When You Need Extra Help at Home
Accessing continence support through the HSE can involve a few steps, and home routines still need day-to-day attention. Comfort Keepers can support the plan agreed with your PHN and help families keep care consistent.
Home Support Workers can help with:
Respectful support with toileting and timed prompts
Discreet product changes and safe disposal routines
Skin checks and the skin care routine agreed during assessment
Recording changes in urgency, leaks, or skin comfort so families can act early
Practical support for family carers, including respite where it suits the care plan
Contact our team if you want to talk through continence support options alongside a homecare plan.
