Catheter Care at Home by Local Nurses in Australia
Need help with catheter care and insertion? Our team of home nurses at Homage can help with catheter insertion and care, as well as changing, emptying and cleaning of urine collection bag, anywhere in Australia
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An Introduction to Urinary Catheters
A urinary catheter is a hollow, partially flexible tube inserted into the bladder through the genital opening, in order to collect or drain urine into a bag attached at the other end of the tube.
There are 3 types of urinary catheters and it’s important to know which type you are using so that you can properly care for it. The 3 types of urinary catheters are:
1. Indwelling or Foley Catheters
2. Intermittent or Short-Term Urinary Catheters
3. External or Condom Catheters
When Does Someone Need a Urinary Catheter?
Some individuals may need a urinary catheter only over a short-term, until the condition affecting their bladder resolves. Meanwhile, others may require long-term catheter use.
- Neurological conditions that may compromise the function of our bladder, such as multiple sclerosis, dementia and spinal cord injury
- Surgery on the prostate or genital area, especially if it requires general anesthesia
- Critical conditions that require accurate urine output monitoring
- Urinary retention
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- End-of-life care
- Kidney failure
- Lower urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary urgency and frequency
- Bladder calculi (i.e. the presence of calcium stones in the bladder)
Catheter Care at Home
Proper catheter care is important to prevent complications such as infections, bladder stones and injury to the urethra. If you or your loved one require support with catheter care at home, our team of nurses and support workers at Homage can help.
How Can Home Nursing Care Help?
Simple Nursing Care
Assist with simple nursing procedures such as changing of feeding tubes and suctioning.
Complex Nursing Procedures
From injections to wound care, have your nursing procedures done safely in the comfort of home.
Urgent Situations
Our nurses visit families caught off-guard by situations which require specialised nursing care
Post-Surgery
Focus on recovery and leave the complex nursing care in the hands of our experienced nurse Care Pros
Cost of Catheter Care in Australia
We offer flexible pay-as-you-go pricing to ensure you or your loved one receives the care needed. We accept both private and government funding options with no lock-in contract. View Pricing.
Government and Private Funding Options Available
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Let us support you as you realise your goals in independent living. We respect every person’s diversity, culture and identity.
As a registered NDIS provider, we provide disability support to all NDIS participants no matter your funding:
NDIA-managed
Homage will submit your service invoices to NDIA via the NDIS portal. NDIA will be responsible for your service payments.
Self-managed
Homage will issue you the service invoices directly via email. You will be responsible for your service payments.
Plan-managed
Homage will issue your service invoices to your plan manager. Your plan manager will be responsible for your service payments.
Home Care Package (HCP)
Age with dignity and grace in your home and community with support from our certified Care Pros. We respect every person’s diversity, culture and identity.
If you self-manage your HCP, you can use our aged care services. Simply link Homage with your self-managed provider, and you are all set to book our services using your HCP funding.
We also support private clients and individuals who are on the government waitlist but require care urgently. Get in touch with us at 1300 705 029.
Why Families Prefer Homage
Zero Commitment
Book flexible care solutions from 1 hour with no ongoing commitment required.
No Management Fee
Pay only for the care services you receive.
Transparent Pricing
Know the exact cost of service before booking.
Dedicated Care Professionals
Receive quality care from a carefully selected pool of experienced Care Professionals.
Urgent Care Support
Find support for your urgent care needs.
Personalised Care Plans
Let Homage Care Advisors create a care plan specific to your needs and choices.
Long Term Care Packages
Allow your funding to last longer with our long term packages that offer the same quality care at at lower cost.
Care Reporting
Receive a care report after every visit so you understand the care your loved ones have received for peace of mind.
How does Homage work?
Speak to a Care Advisor
Call us at 1300 705 029 or request a callback from our friendly Care Advisory team. Learn more about our range of services and find out how Homage Care Professionals can help.
Make a Care Plan together
We will work with you to develop a personalised Care Plan based on your loved one’s health status, care requirements, and additional preferences.
Your personalised care begins
Together we will match you and your loved ones with an exceptional Care Professional. Stay up to date after every appointment with detailed reports on the Homage app.
Top Questions About Catheter Care
Is a catheter painful?
Catheter insertion may be uncomfortable, but anaesthetic gel is usually used to reduce any pain. You may also experience slight discomfort while the catheter is in place, but most people get used to it over time.
Can I shower with a catheter?
It is ok to shower with a catheter in. In fact, having a catheter should not change your living habits drastically.
If you are not able to shower, make sure to wash the area where the catheter enters your body at least twice a day to keep it clean. Wash it using downward strokes to prevent infection.
If you need support with showering or mobility, Homage support workers can help you with that.
How often should I empty my catheter bag?
You should empty your catheter bag every 2 to 3 hours or when the bag is about half to three-quarters full. This prevents your leg bag from becoming too full or heavy, which may tug on your catheter.
Most people are able to change the drainage bags on their own, but if you are worried about proper hygiene or infection, you can also hire a home nurse to help you with it.
How long can you leave a catheter in?
Catheters can usually be left in for 2 to 12 weeks, depending on a variety of factors including the type of catheter, the material it is made of, and the individual’s condition and situation.
However, it is best to follow your doctor’s or nurse’s advice, and be sure to check in with your healthcare team if in doubt.
Can a catheter fall out?
Indwelling urinary catheters do not usually fall out because it is held in place with a small inflated balloon filled with sterile water.
However, if you accidentally pull the catheter out or if the balloon is faulty and deflates, it is important to contact your doctor or nurse immediately and get it re-inserted.
Who are the Homage private nurses?
Homage nurses are enrolled or registered nurses who hold a valid Practicing Certificate with an active registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have at least one year of ward experience.
Our licensed nurses are locals and come from different walks of life, each with their unique specialisations and care experiences. But they all have one common trait – a passion and dedication to delivering quality nursing care to families and care recipients.
Can I use my Home Care Package (HCP) funding for Homage services?
You may use your Home Care Packages (HCP) to engage Homage services if you self-manage your HCP. You may connect Homage with your registered Self-managed provider to facilitate service bookings using your HCP funds.
We support both private clients and those on government waitlist but require care urgently. Please speak to our Care Advisor today at (03) 6146 0719 if you require care support.
Can I use my NDIS funding for Homage private nurse services?
You may use your NDIS funds to engage Homage services if:
1) You self-manage your NDIS funds – you may directly book services with us. Homage will issue you the service invoice for you to submit claims.
2) A plan manager manages your NDIS funds – you may connect Homage with your plan manager to facilitate service bookings using your NDIS funds.
We support both private clients and those on government waitlist but require care urgently. Please speak to our Care Advisor today at (03) 6146 0719 if you require care support.
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