The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government initiative that provides support to Australians with disabilities to help them achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. One of the prime aspects of the NDIS is to offer a wide range of support services to the NDIS participants including those who require high-intensity support.
Health care is a huge domain where everybody should be treated as individuals as their needs differ. For people with disability, NDIS offers numerous services. These services may include normal and basic intensity services such as NDIS accommodation, assistance in completing daily activities and different therapies to high-intensity support services like specialist disability accommodation and centre-based supported independent living.
Through NDIS, a person with a disability who needs high-intensity support and care can get funding for the services that help meet his/her personalised goals. In this blog, we will be discussing the ‘high-intensity support’ – who may need them and how they are provided.
Decoding High-Intensity Support
Alternatively known as high-intensity daily personal activities, these are specialised support services for those participants who require more complex needs to meet their personalised goals. The caregivers are usually required to go through special nursing training sessions in order to deliver these services. The complexity of the task is quite variable and any caregiver may even need to complete a full nursing course. As the participant requires a high level of support, the health care provider often has to take a one-on-one’ approach to deal with the complexity.
Here are some of the cares that require high-intensity support and management:
- Respiratory support
- Diabetes management and subcutaneous injections
- Complex bowel care
- Urinary continence and catheter care
- Tracheostomy care
- Pressure care
- Stoma care
- Wound care
- Palliative care
- Enteral feeding and management (with PEG feeding)
- Day-to-day medication management
- Disease management
- Injury rehabilitation
& more.
Who Can Access NDIS High-Intensity Support in Australia?
People with disability who are willing to access NDIS high-intensity support must meet the general eligibility criteria to become an NDIS participant. This typically includes:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- A permanent disability that significantly affects ability to perform daily tasks
- Under the age of 65 (when applying for the scheme)
Moreover, to access high-intensity support, the participants will need to go through a comprehensive medical assessment to determine their support requirements. This assessment will ensure the nature and severity of the person’s disability, their current supports, and the level of assistance required across various domains of their life.
NDIS high-intensity support is specifically designed for participants with complex needs who require substantial assistance with their daily activities, health, and medical care.
This could include support with
- A ventilator
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy and high-risk seizures
- Complex wounds and pressure injuries
- Medication requirements administered by subcutaneous injections
- Complex bowel problems
- A tracheostomy
- A stoma
- A urinary catheter
- Swallowing and eating difficulties (tube feeding)
Ensuring Quality and Best Practices:
It is important to note that NDIS providers in Australia are expected to abide by strict quality standards when delivering high-intensity support. While a nurse or allied health care provider doesn’t need to deliver high-intensity daily personal activity supports, NDIS providers must ensure their workers meet the relevant skills descriptors and expectations.
The NDIS Practice Standard and Quality Indicators guide to ensure best practices are followed, and workers are equipped with the necessary skills to support individuals requiring high-intensity care effectively.
As one of the leading registered NDIS providers in Australia, ZedCare Ability Services has special nurses and healthcare staff who are professionally trained to offer high-intensity care. They abide by all the required strict standards of competency. They possess the knowledge, skills and expertise to deal with any adverse condition where prompt action is required.
Looking To Get High-Intensity Disability Support?
NDIS high-intensity support offers a vital safety net for Australians with complex needs, helping them to lead fuller and more independent lives. By providing tailored assistance and specialised care, the NDIS empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.
If you or someone you know requires high-intensity support, don’t hesitate to reach out to ZedCare Ability Services and take the first steps towards accessing the support and care you deserve.
