Catheter Care at Home on the Central Coast
A registered nurse who comes to you. Catheter care, maintenance and support in the comfort of your own home, for you or someone you care for.
Servicing Gosford, Erina, Terrigal, Wyong, Chain Valley Bay, Newcastle, Hornsby and surrounding areas.
What catheter care at home includes
A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that drains urine from the bladder into a bag. Some people need one for a short time after surgery or illness, and others need one longer term. Either way, having a nurse who can visit means fewer trips to a clinic.
Insertion and changes
Catheter insertion and changes in your own home, carried out by a registered nurse.
Care and maintenance
Regular checks that your catheter and drainage system are working as they should.
Checking for problems
Watching for signs of infection, blockage or discomfort, and acting early if something is wrong.
Skin care around the site
Looking after the skin where the catheter is, to help keep it clean, comfortable and healthy.
Education for you and your family
Clear, practical advice on hygiene, fluids and equipment, so you feel confident between visits.
Working with your care team
Keeping your GP or continence service informed, with your consent, so everyone follows the same plan.
What happens at a catheter care visit
A simple process, with you and your family involved at every step.
Get in touch
Call or send an enquiry. I will ask about your catheter and who is involved in your care.
Home assessment
I check your catheter, the skin around it, and how you are going day to day.
Care plan
We agree a visit schedule and what you or your family will do between visits.
Ongoing support
I carry out care and checks, and keep your GP or continence service informed, with your consent.
Looking after a catheter
General tips only. Always follow the advice from your nurse and doctor.
Good everyday habits
- Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter or drainage bag
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder
- Keep the tubing free of kinks and avoid pulling on it
- Empty the bag regularly, and keep the outlet from touching the floor
- Keep the skin around the catheter clean and dry
- Drink enough fluids, unless your doctor has told you to limit them
Why someone might need a catheter
Common reasons include difficulty emptying the bladder, recovery after surgery, bladder or nerve conditions, and situations where it is safer or more comfortable than other options. Your doctor decides when a catheter is needed and how long it should stay in.
A nurse can look after your catheter at home and help you and your family feel confident with it.
When to get help
Call 000 or go to emergency if:
- You have severe pain, or your lower belly is swollen and hard
- You have a high temperature with shivering, confusion or you feel very unwell
- There is heavy bleeding or large clots
Contact your GP, nurse or urgent care the same day if:
- No urine is draining, or your lower belly is uncomfortable or swollen
- Urine is leaking around the catheter
- Urine is cloudy, smells bad, or has blood in it
- You have burning, pain or a fever
- The catheter has come out or been pulled out
Receiving Support at Home?
Under Support at Home & NDIS , a registered provider or care partner arranges your services, and participants do not contribute to clinical support costs such as nursing. A good first step is to ask your provider or care partner whether they can arrange nursing visits from me. You are also welcome to contact me directly to talk through your options.
Where I visit
Central Coast: Gosford, Erina, Terrigal, Wyong, Chain Valley Bay and surrounding suburbs.
Also visiting: Newcastle, Hornsby and surrounding areas.
Not sure whether I visit your suburb? Get in touch and I will let you know.
Catheter care FAQs
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a GP referral to get in touch. I may ask your GP or specialist for information about your care, with your consent.
How often will my catheter need changing?
It depends on the type of catheter and your doctor's advice. We will agree a schedule together after the first assessment.
Can you teach me or my family how to look after the catheter?
Yes. Education is part of the care, and family members are welcome to take part in the visit.
Can a family member arrange this for me?
Yes. Family members are welcome to call, and you can have as much involvement from them as you like.
Do you visit people in aged care facilities?
No. I only visit people in their own homes.
Need catheter care at home?
Call or send an enquiry. I will talk through your situation and arrange a visit.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your catheter or your health, speak to your GP or a nurse. In an emergency, call 000.