Feeling lost in the NDIS jungle? Need a plain English guide to NDIS support services? Us too. It’s a veritable rabbit warren of jargon, plans and funding codes that drives families up the wall.
Don’t worry — we’ve heard you. That’s why we’ve pulled together this cut-the-crap, nuts-and-bolts guide to NDIS Support Services. If you’re new to the NDIS or thinking of making changes to your NDIS plan, this simple guide to NDIS supports will walk you through the system. We cover everything you need to know about NDIS supports, how the process works and what’s available to you in Melbourne. So, grab a cuppa and settle in. Time to get into it.
What Are NDIS Support Services?
NDIS Support Services refers to the funded supports a person with disability receives from the NDIS to help them to live a more independent, participating and goal-focused life. NDIS supports can be categorised into a number of different categories such as daily living assistance, therapy, transport and assistive technology.
The funding received for support services is based on a person’s individual goals, needs and level of functional impact. The idea is to provide the participant with the appropriate support at the right time, in the right measure so they can gain confidence and a greater quality of life.
How Does the NDIS Program of Supports Work?
NDIS uses a program of supports model, where services funded for group or ongoing sessions are considered a program, rather than individual items. This includes:
- Social and community participation programs
- Skill building support groups
- Therapy support groups
- Capacity building activities
A program of supports will typically have a set timeframe and focus on improving participant outcomes — as opposed to registered hours. The NDIS model was designed with the goal of providing consistency and quality support, rather than singular sessions. You can find the official guidelines on the NDIS website.
Who Is an NDIS Support Worker and What Do They Do?
An NDIS support worker is a trained professional who provides support to NDIS participants with activities that help them to live a more safe, independent and dignified life. This can include:
- Personal care such as showering, grooming, dressing and undressing
- Household tasks
- Support for community participation and transport to appointments
- Emotional and social support
- Skill building
Support workers will help to improve the participant’s confidence and ability to do daily tasks. This can range from light-weight support to complex care under a specialist nursing team.
Our Complex Nursing Care service can help with a high level of medical support.
Who Qualifies for NDIS Support?
In order to access NDIS Support Services, a person must be considered eligible for the scheme. To be eligible for the NDIS a person must:
1. Age Requirement
You must be younger than 65 years of age when applying for the NDIS.
2. Residency Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Australian citizens or
- Permanent residents or
- Protected Special Category Visa holders
3. Disability Requirement
Your disability must be:
- Permanent or likely to be permanent
- Significantly impacting day-to-day functioning
- Requiring ongoing support
- Affecting communication, social interaction, mobility, learning or self-care
The NDIS will assess your eligibility with supporting medical and functional evidence.
What Are the 6 Main Areas of the NDIS?
NDIS breaks supports down into six functional domains. These are the main areas of impact considered when a person goes through an assessment. These six areas are:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Learning
- Self-care
- Self-management
What Are the 4 Types of Disabilities Recognised by the NDIS?
There are four broad categories of disability recognised by the NDIS. They are:
1. Physical Disability
– mobility problems, chronic illness, neurological conditions
2. Psychosocial Disability
– mental health conditions that significantly impact daily living
3. Intellectual Disability
– learning difficulties, developmental disorders
4. Sensory Disability
– hearing impairment, visual impairment, sensory processing challenges
If your loved one’s main issue is mental health, you may find this Mental Health Support for NDIS Participants resource helpful.
What Are the 4 Types of Supports Funded by the NDIS?
There are four primary types of NDIS supports that are funded for participants. They are:
1. Core Supports
Core supports help a participant with their day-to-day activities. This includes personal care, household tasks, community access, transport, local appointments and more.
2. Capacity Building Supports
This group of supports help the participant to build new skills, gain greater confidence and live more independently.
3. Capital Supports
Capital supports include the funding for assistive technology (AT) and equipment, home modifications, wheelchairs and hoists, communication devices, sensory equipment, and transport and vehicle modifications.
4. Specialist Supports
This category includes supports with a higher level of intensity, such as nursing, clinical care and complex behaviour support.
Our NDIS Hospital to Home Support service can be helpful for families coming from health settings.
Why NDIS Support Services Matter for Families in Melbourne
Melbourne is a beautiful disability-friendly city and one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia. Whatever your needs and challenges are, you’re likely to find the support you need within the local community.
Empowerment Care Support is here to help you access the services that work best for your family. We’re local and know the city and suburbs like the back of our hands, so we’re a great starting point if you’re looking for a quality NDIS provider.
Our NDIS services in Melbourne can help you compare your options.
How NDIS Providers Like Empowerment Care Support Help Families
Choosing the right NDIS provider is the first step towards a long-term plan that really meets your goals and needs. At Empowerment Care Support, we know how important it is for the planning to be truly participant-centred.
We specialise in a tailored approach that puts your loved one’s needs first. Whether your family is looking for daily support and care, community access and participation, therapeutic support, or complex transition support, we can help.
Our other specialist services include:
- Complex clinical care
- Post-release support (after prison and corrective facilities)
- Mental health support
- Transition support and planning
- Daily living support and assistance
- Community engagement and participation programs
If you would like to know more about our After Prison Support service.
For verified information, please visit:
Conclusion
Knowing how NDIS Support Services work is the first step towards a better, more independent and more fulfilling life for your loved one. If you need daily living support, community support, clinical support or specialised transition programs, a little guidance can go a long way.
In Melbourne, Empowerment Care Support is here for you. Our local team is just a phone call or message away and we would love to help you along the way.
Get in touch today and start your NDIS journey with a little more certainty. We’re here to answer your questions, understand your goals, and assist with personalising the support you need.
Reach out today to get started on the NDIS with more confidence and security.
Visit our Disability Support Service in Melbourne.
FAQs
1. What are NDIS Support Services?
NDIS Support Services include the funded supports a person with a disability receives from the NDIS to help them to live a more independent, participating and goal-focused life. NDIS supports can be categorised into a number of different categories, such as daily living assistance, therapy, transport and assistive technology.
2. How do I know what NDIS supports I’m eligible for?
Your eligibility for NDIS supports is based on your disability and level of functional impact. Your planner will talk with you about your goals, medical evidence and daily challenges to determine what supports may be appropriate.
A registered NDIS provider in Melbourne can help you prepare for your NDIS planning meeting.
3. Are NDIS support workers qualified?
Yes, all NDIS support workers are required to undergo training, background checks and ongoing supervision. Some supports also require additional qualifications, such as high-intensity care and complex nursing. It’s always important to work with a registered and experienced provider, for the safety of your loved one and peace of mind for your family.
4. Can the NDIS fund transport and community activities?
Yes, if transport or community access is important to your goals, the NDIS will likely fund this under Core Supports. This includes transport for appointments, social activities, programs and workplace, depending on your personal needs and independence.
5. How do I choose the right NDIS provider in Melbourne?
Find a local NDIS provider with experience and strong communication skills, as well as personalised care plans. Providers should offer the supports you need and be flexible with your scheduling. It’s also an advantage if the provider is familiar with local community networks in Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs.
