Age is just a number, though it is very true that your needs may change as the years go by. If you are over 60 and you have significant disability, NDIS support services will be there to keep you active, safe and in charge of your own choices. Here is a simple guide that you can use to get the most from your plan.
Can You Stay on the NDIS as You Get Older?
Yes, you can. If you are already a participant, you will generally be able to stay on the scheme after you turn 65. However, if you are a new applicant, you must apply at least in 64. Yes, we know, in that age, people often miss important dates. That is why, if he/she is a family member or a friend, you need to tell them about it early. Also, the rules can change time to time. So please check the official NDIS website for the latest details.
Which Supports Would Be Right for You?
Your plan is made for you, and it would be wrong to copy what another person has. Here are some common supports which older participants generally use:
- Daily living support
It offers assistance in as personal care, meal preparation and light household tasks.
- Allied health
You can avail various health related therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
- Assistive technology
Here you get the support of various assistive technological equipment like grab rails, shower chairs and mobility aids in your house or living arrangement.
- Home modifications
You will get necessary modifications in your home to make it safer and easier to move around.
- Community activities
Here, you can stay in touch with friends and have some fun activities.
Yes, we feel ‘safest’ in our home and this is very true. That is why it is very important to make it safe first as your health abilities generally change with age. Besides that, a small change such as a ramp or a better bathroom can prevent a fall.
Why the Right NDIS Provider in Sydney Matters
If you are a prospective participant in Sydney, you must know that not every provider would be a perfect match for your personalised needs. That is why, you should take your time to choose, especially when you are in you have crossed 60. A good NDIS provider in Sydney can be a good choice as they know your local area, the transport options and the community groups near you very well. Obviously, this becomes very useful if you want to decide to stay in your own suburb.
Here are a few points you should check before you pick a provider:
- Is the provider registered, and do the workers have the right checks and training?
- Will you get the same support workers each week, as far as it is possible?
- Are the prices they demand clear and fair?
- Will they listen to your needs and respect your choices?
It is also fine to meet a few providers first and talk to them about your needs. Thus, you will get a rough idea about their service and operational style.
Keep Your Plan Up to Date
To be honest, your health will be the same at 65 than what used to be at 50 or 55. So, your NDIS plan needs to show it. Here, you can keep notes about your daily life, and ask your doctor or therapist to give you a short report. Thus, when your plan review comes, you will have good evidence in your hands.
It is a good habit to look at your budget every few months. Although it may seem boring, it is the best way to be sure that you are not leaving funds unused.
NDIS and Aged Care: You May Have Both
Many people think that they must pick one or the other. That is not always true. Aged care generally covers those things which come naturally with age. On the flip side, the NDIS covers those supports which are linked to your disability. Yes, sometimes they overlap, and they will not pay for the same thing twice. If you are not sure which one would be better for you, ask your planner or a local support coordinator. They will explain it to you in simple words.
Simple Tips to Get Started
- Whatever your goals are – be it big or small, write those down. (For example, it could be to walk to the shops, to cook again or to join a health club).
- Talk to your family, but remember that you have the final say.
- Ask your provider to explain every charge (even if it is small).
- Say it early if something is not working. A good provider will want to hear it.
Simplify Your Life with The Right NDIS Support
Yes, you perhaps have spent many years with disability and build your life out of it. It is your time now, and you have every right to enjoy it with dignity. With the right plan and the right NDIS support services, your later years can be full of comfort, choice and confidence. If you are ready to take the next step, speak with ZedCare Ability Services – a trusted NDIS provider in Sydney and ask about their NDIS support services for older participants. A short phone call on 1300 933 013 is quite often all it takes.