Daily living component activity 5 descriptor B (2 points)

Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to manage toilet needs or incontinence.

Who it applies to

Daily living component activity 5 descriptor B is most likely to apply to an individual who needs the assistance of an aid or appliance, because of their physical abilities.

Aids and appliances

Aids or appliances used to assist an individual to manage toilet needs or incontinence can include but is not limited to the following items:

• raised toilet seat
• commode
• long handled bottom wiper
• bidet
• grab rail(s)
• stoma bag
• catheter bag
• incontinence pad(s)

Information on commodes

A commode is most likely to be used by an individual with mobility needs that prevent them from walking to the toilet.

There may be circumstances where a commode is used not because of mobility needs but because of a bladder or bowel condition which causes a sudden urge to fully evacuate the bladder or bowel.

A commode may be considered an aid if an individual has a bladder or bowel condition which causes a sudden urge to fully evacuate the bladder or bowel.

Information on stoma bags and catheter bags

If an individual has a stoma bag or catheter bag, this is likely to be considered an aid.

For example, an individual with an indwelling catheter that they can manage themselves is likely to satisfy descriptor B (link to descriptor B).

If an individual has a stoma bag or catheter bag, they’re likely to be considered incontinent.

If an individual has a stoma bag or catheter bag which they cannot manage themselves due to their functional ability, they’re likely to receive a higher descriptor for daily living component activity 5 (descriptor E or F).

Information on incontinence pads

An incontinence pad is likely to be considered as an aid, where an individual experiences a lack of control over their bladder or bowel function.

Dribbling of urine when sneezing and / or coughing is usually unlikely to satisfy daily living component activity 5 descriptor B.

Example: an individual who has a permanent catheter who satisfies daily living component activity 5 descriptor B

Application form

Joey had prostate cancer and had an operation to remove his prostate gland.

There was a complication that means he now has an indwelling (permanent) catheter. This is a tube in his bladder that transfers urine into a catheter bag.

He has a letter from his practice nurse that shows he’s prescribed replacements of his catheter and all the accompanying catheter equipment.

His application for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) shows that he’s able to manage the catheter himself and he’s able to connect new bags and empty these whenever he needs to.

Case manager’s decision

As Joey has an indwelling catheter, he’s considered to be incontinent. Joey manages incontinence himself using the catheter. The catheter and bag are considered to be aids.

The case manager determines that Joey satisfies daily living component activity 5 descriptor B because the catheter is an aid to help him manage incontinence.