Residents with an indwelling urinary catheter need consistent daily care, and having the right supplies on hand makes that care safer and easier. Catheters also carry a risk of urinary tract infection and skin damage, so good technique and the right equipment matter. This guide lists the supplies aged care facilities commonly keep for catheter care and what to check before ordering. It is general information, not clinical advice: catheter insertion, changes and care should follow your facility's policy and be carried out by appropriately trained staff, with guidance from a continence nurse or GP.

Catheter care supplies facilities commonly keep

Supply	Purpose	Things to check
Catheter securement straps and fixation devices	Hold the catheter in place to reduce pulling and skin irritation	Skin-friendly materials, adjustable sizing, ease of fitting
Drainage bags: leg bags and night bags	Collect urine during the day and overnight	Capacity, tube length, outlet type, connector compatibility
Bag stands, hangers and leg straps	Keep bags below bladder level and secure	Stability, cleaning, fit for chairs and beds
Catheter and procedure packs	Support sterile or clean procedures as set out in policy	Pack contents, sterility, sizes suited to your residents
Disposable gloves	Protect staff and residents during care	Material, sizes, powder-free
No-rinse cleansers, wipes and cloths	Gentle cleaning of the genital and catheter area	pH-balanced, suitable for daily use
Saline and sterile water	Used as directed in procedures	Volumes, single-use packaging
Hand rub and soap	Hand hygiene before and after catheter care	Dispensers at the point of care

Daily good practice

• Keep the system closed. Avoid disconnecting the catheter from the drainage bag unless it is needed.
• Keep the bag below the bladder. This helps drainage and stops urine flowing back.
• Secure the catheter. A securement device reduces tugging and skin damage.
• Clean the area gently. Follow your policy for routine hygiene around the catheter.
• Empty bags when needed. Use a clean container and avoid touching the outlet to anything.
• Review whether the catheter is still needed. Catheters should stay in only for as long as there is a clinical reason.

Signs to report

Fever, new confusion, pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, a blocked catheter or no urine draining, leaking around the catheter, or skin breakdown around the site should be reported to a nurse or GP promptly.

Ordering catheter care supplies from BIOFAST

BIOFAST is a Melbourne-based Australian supplier of continence products, wound care, PPE and personal care supplies for aged care. Aged care facilities can apply for a 30-day trade account (a completed credit application is required). Orders placed before 2pm normally ship the same day, and delivery is free over $199 in metro areas. Browse continence products and aged care supplies, or email the sales team at sales@biofast.com.au or call 03 8905 4449 to check availability of specific catheter care items.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies are needed for catheter care in aged care?

Commonly securement devices, drainage bags and stands, gloves, gentle cleansing wipes, hand hygiene products, and catheter or procedure packs as used in your policy.

Why is catheter securement important?

Securing the catheter reduces pulling on the urethra and skin, which helps prevent discomfort, trauma and leaking.

How do you reduce catheter-related infection risk?

Follow hand hygiene, keep the drainage system closed, keep the bag below bladder level, clean the area gently and review daily whether the catheter is still needed.

Can aged care facilities buy catheter care supplies on account?

Yes. BIOFAST offers 30-day trade accounts to aged care facilities, subject to a completed credit application. Email sales@biofast.com.au to start.