The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia helps people with disabilities by funding services that improve their daily lives. ‘Nurse in the Home’ means getting nursing care at home instead of going to a hospital or clinic. Home nursing was mostly part of general health care in the past, but now the NDIS funds more disability-related health services, which continues to grow.
Nurses play a big role in keeping people healthy. They can check health conditions, create care plans, and give personal support. They also help people be more independent and included in their communities. ‘Nurse in the Home’ can vary based on individual needs, particularly for people with disabilities, ensuring personalized care and support. Some individuals may have a nurse visit for wound care, injections, or diabetes support. Others with more complex medical needs may have a ‘Nurse in the Home’ to guide high-intensity support workers, train carers, and provide advanced care. Nurses also help with Continence Management, Bowel Care, Palliative Care, Dementia Care, and general wellness.
Finding the right ‘Nurse in the Home’ services is important. With the right information and a little effort, NDIS participants can connect with skilled and experienced nurses who provide high-quality care.
Understanding 'Nurse in the Home' Support Options Under the NDIS
The NDIS provides funding for different types of in-home support based on each participant’s needs. ‘Nurse in the Home’ helps participants with both basic and complex medical care, depending on their health condition. The level of support can range from simple daily assistance to specialized medical care.
NDIS ‘Nurse in the Home’ services fall into two main categories:
- Community Nursing Care: This involves day-to-day health support provided by a registered nurse. The nurse helps with medication, general health care, and advice to keep the participant in good health.
- Complex Nursing Care: Some participants have serious medical needs that require advanced care. For these cases, NDIS funds experienced nurses trained to handle complex medical conditions and provide ongoing clinical support.
Through ‘Nurse in the Home’, NDIS participants can receive the right level of care while staying in a comfortable and familiar environment. Whether they need basic assistance or high-level medical support, ‘Nurse in the Home’ support ensures the care they deserve.
Determining Eligibility for NDIS-Funded 'Nurse in the Home'
Understanding how to use NDIS funds for home nursing care can be confusing. Many participants are unsure whether they can use their existing funding or need to request more. The good news is that ‘Nurse in the Home’ can be funded through both NDIS Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports, even if it is not specifically mentioned in your NDIS plan.
Does the NDIS Cover 'Nurse in the Home' Support?
Yes! The NDIS funds nursing services when they are directly related to your disability and help you with daily activities. Nursing care can be provided in different settings, including your own home. The main funding categories that cover ‘Nurse in the Home’ are:
- Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living
- Core: Assistance with Daily Living
Since nursing care is listed under both categories, participants have more flexibility in accessing these services.
Step-by-Step Process to Avail 'Nurse in the Home' Services Under Your NDIS Plan
1. Review Your NDIS Plan: Check if your plan includes funding for ‘Nurse in the Home’ under Core or Capacity Building Supports. If not, but you need it, you can request a plan review to adjust your funding.
2. Find a Registered NDIS Provider: Look for an NDIS-registered nursing provider in your area. A registered provider ensures safe, high-quality care that meets NDIS standards. Many providers also offer additional services like occupational therapy or personal care, making support more seamless.
3. Assess Your Needs: A detailed assessment helps determine the right level of ‘Nurse in the Home’ care for you or your loved one. This ensures that the services meet your specific health requirements.
4. Choose the Right Nursing Team: Select a team with the right skills and experience to provide ‘Nurse in the Home’ services. Qualified nurses can help with wound care, medication management, continence support, and more.
5. Check Availability and Consistency: Ensure that the provider you choose has reliable nurses available when you need them. Consistent care is essential for your health and well-being.
What To Do If I Don't Have 'Nurse in the Home' Support in My Plan?
If your NDIS plan does not include funding for ‘Nurse in the Home’, but you need it, don’t worry—there are ways to update your plan and get the care you require.
- Request a Plan Review: You can ask the NDIS for a plan review to update your funding. Explain why you need ‘Nurse in the Home’ and how it helps with your daily living activities. Providing medical reports or assessments from your doctor or healthcare professional can strengthen your case.
- Speak to Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC): If you have an NDIS Support Coordinator or LAC, they can guide you through the process of requesting additional support for ‘Nurse in the Home’. They can help prepare your request and ensure you meet the NDIS criteria.
- Explore Alternative Funding Options: While waiting for your plan review, check if there are other ways to access nursing care. Some providers offer flexible payment options, or you may qualify for temporary assistance through community health services.
Real-Life Case Examples of 'Nurse in the Home'
Case 1: Mark’s Story
Mark had surgery that wasn’t related to his disability, but his wounds got infected and wouldn’t heal. His doctor recommended at-home nursing care to treat his wounds. Mark asked the NDIS to fund this support.
Would the NDIS fund this?
No, because ‘Nurse in the Home’ for medical conditions not related to a disability is funded by the health system, not the NDIS. The NDIS only funds supports that are directly linked to a person’s disability.
Why not?
The NDIS does not cover medical treatments, hospital care, or short-term health services. Mark’s wound care falls under the responsibility of the health system. The NDIS only funds disability-related supports, like help with daily activities if a disability makes self-care difficult.
However, if Mark’s disability prevented him from managing his wound care (for example, if he had trouble keeping the dressings on due to an intellectual disability), the NDIS might fund a support worker to assist. But the actual medical treatment, such as wound dressings or antibiotics, would still need to be covered by the health system.
Case 2: Sarah’s Story
Sarah has Parkinson’s disease and also lives with obesity and diabetes. She receives NDIS support for help with daily activities. After knee surgery, she was discharged from the hospital with a two-week ‘Nurse in the Home’ plan for wound care.
Unfortunately, Sarah developed an infection in her wound, likely due to her diabetes. The hospital-in-the-home service extended her care plan, including daily nurse visits and injections for infection control. But after two weeks, Sarah was told she would have to pay for the nurse and medical supplies herself.
Sarah asked the NDIS to cover:
- Three months of ‘Nurse in the Home’ visits
- Medical supplies like dressings and injections
- Extra care worker visits since she needed more help with daily tasks
Would the NDIS fund this?
The NDIS reviewed Sarah’s request using its funding criteria. Here’s what they decided:
- No funding for wound care treatment. The wound and infection were not caused by her Parkinson’s disease, so ‘Nurse in the Home’ for her wound was not related to her disability. The health system is responsible for covering this type of care.
- No funding for medical supplies. The dressings and injections are medical needs, not disability support, so they should be covered by the health system.
- Funding for extra care worker visits. Since Sarah’s condition temporarily reduced her ability to manage daily tasks, the NDIS approved three additional care worker visits per week for three months. This support was considered reasonable because it directly helped with her disability-related needs.
After three months, the NDIS planned to check in with Sarah to see if she still needed extra support.
Choose SafeLane Healthcare for Trusted 'Nurse in the Home' Services
When it comes to ‘Nurse in the Home’ support, SafeLane Healthcare offers professional and compassionate care right at your doorstep. Our experienced team provides high-quality ‘Nurse in the Home’ services to NDIS participants, ensuring comfort and safety in your own home.
We specialize in customized ‘Nurse in the Home’ care plans tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Our nurses are trained to deliver a range of services, from basic health checks to more advanced care, all within the comfort of your home.
Choosing SafeLane Healthcare means choosing peace of mind. We are dedicated to providing expert ‘Nurse in the Home’ care that helps you live independently while receiving the support you need. Whether you’re managing a long-term condition, recovering from surgery, or need assistance with daily activities, our ‘Nurse in the Home’ services are designed to give you the highest level of care.
Let SafeLane Healthcare be your trusted provider for all your ‘Nurse in the Home’ needs. Fill out this form or call us at 13 0010 9333 to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved ones with professional home nursing care.
Key Takeaways
‘Nurse in the Home’ support is a vital service for NDIS participants who need help managing their health and daily activities in the comfort of their own homes. Whether it’s for basic health support or more complex medical needs, ‘Nurse in the Home’ can make a real difference in your quality of life, promoting independence and ensuring you get the care you deserve.
The NDIS provides funding for ‘Nurse in the Home’ services that are directly related to your disability. By understanding how these services work and what’s available in your NDIS plan, you can ensure that you receive the right care at the right time. If ‘Nurse in the Home’ isn’t included in your current plan, don’t worry – you can always request a plan review or speak with your Support Coordinator to explore your options.
By carefully assessing your needs and working with registered NDIS providers, you can access high-quality, tailored nursing care that meets your unique requirements. The goal is to keep you healthy, comfortable, and empowered to live your life with confidence. So, take the time to explore your ‘Nurse in the Home’ options and make sure you’re receiving the support you need to thrive.
