What Can NDIS Funding Be Used For? Maximising Your Benefits
Navigating the landscape of disability support can be overwhelming, with many unaware of the vast potential that NDIS funding offers. Established to revolutionise the way Australians with disabilities access support, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) works to bridge the gap between people with disability and receiving the right support services to meet their needs and achieve their goals. For those who grapple with the intricacies of the NDIS, this article intends to provide some clarity on what NDIS funding can be used for and how St Jude’s can help support you in your journey.
Introduction to the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is more than just a government program; it represents a fundamental shift in the way Australia perceives and supports people with disabilities. Introduced by the Australian government, the NDIS has been designed not merely as a financial aid but to allow those with disabilities to exercise autonomy and make decisions about their own lives.
Eligibility for the NDIS is thoughtfully designed to ensure that those most in need have access to its benefits.The NDIS is primarily accessible to Australians under the age of 65 who are living with a permanent disability.
The focus of the NDIS is to provide support that can genuinely make a difference in disability-related challenges, enabling individuals to lead lives that are empowered and enriched. Whether it’s by facilitating physical mobility, enhancing communication, providing therapeutic support, or enabling community participation, the NDIS envisions a life for its participants that is both holistic and fulfilling.
While the NDIS is a national initiative, its approach is personalised. It recognises that disabilities, even of the same type, can manifest differently in every individual.
In order to benefit from their NDIS funding, it is crucial that the participant works with the right support services that meet both their needs, and align with their goals outlined in their NDIS plan.
Understanding NDIS funding
NDIS funding is categorised into various support categories, each tailored to accommodate unique needs. The funding structure allows flexibility, ensuring individuals receive necessary assistance at every life stage. It’s important to grasp these categories to maximise the benefits.
The three main categories of supports and services offered by the NDIS are as follows:
- Core: Assistance provided to a participant in accomplishing their everyday tasks, including daily activities, assistance with social and community participation, and transport.
- Capacity Building: Assistance aimed at achieving an individual’s plan goals, fostering independence and skill development.
- Capital Support: Support for specific items including assistive technologies, equipment for mobility, personal care, communication, and home or vehicle modifications.
What can NDIS funding be used for?
To see the full list of services and supports which fall under these three categories, you will find it on this page on the NDIS website.
A comprehensive range of support services with St Jude’s
At St Jude’s, we understand the significance of offering a wide range of NDIS disability support services to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. From personal care assistance to capacity-building services, we aim towards every individual receiving the holistic support they deserve.
Therapeutic and allied health services
Quality of life extends beyond physical well-being, encompassing mental and emotional health as well. Therapeutic and allied health services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology and occupational therapy, play a pivotal role in achieving this. With NDIS funding, individuals can readily access these therapies at St Jude’s.
Housing/accommodation
At St Jude’s, we’ve developed a tailored, adaptable service model that caters to both independent and shared living preferences for NDIS-funded individuals.
We understand that making adjustments to your current living situation can significantly impact your sense of belonging. St Jude’s provides a variety of disability housing options in both Western Australia and Queensland, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can discover the most suitable accommodation for their specific circumstances.
St Jude’s offers Supported Independent Living options with dedicated support workers available 24 hours a day to assist participants with their daily living activities. For those seeking greater independence and flexibility, we also provide a Drop-in support option. This choice is ideal for participants who don’t require constant staff assistance but would like the reassurance of having support nearby when needed.
Our team collaborates closely with you and your family to identify specialised disability housing options that align with your requirements and preferences, enabling you to attain greater independence.
Community participation
An enriched life is one where a person feels part of their community. To facilitate greater community engagement for participants, the NDIS offers funding for social activities and programs. These initiatives encourage a sense of belonging, ensuring no one feels isolated.
At St Jude’s, we understand the significance of community participation services in fostering independence and inclusivity for our clients. Addressing lower levels of community participation among people with disabilities can enhance well-being and reduce the need for long-term care and associated costs.
Psychosocial recovery coaching
NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coaches play a vital role in the recovery process. They establish empowering relationships, assist in accessing mental health services, and facilitate participants’ engagement with the NDIS. Additionally, they provide coaching to enhance recovery skills, such as motivation, strength, resilience, and decision-making. Recovery coaches also support participants in their recovery planning and collaborate with the wider network of supports.
Support coordination
At St Jude’s, our support coordination team works closely with clients to help them fully grasp their NDIS plans. We assist them in connecting with the right service providers and ensuring they make progress towards achieving their plan goals. We offer all three levels of support coordination as part of an NDIS plan: support connection, support coordination, and specialist support coordination.
Wanting to know more about how St Jude’s can maximise your NDIS plan?
No two individuals are the same, and neither should their NDIS plans be. NDIS funding supports the creation of tailored care strategies, ensuring everyone gets the unique care they require. At St Jude’s, our core values are centred on providing our clients with supports that align with their individual goals and aspirations.
With potential pain points like limited awareness, uncertainties about eligible expenses, and financial concerns, it’s crucial to have a trusted partner by your side.
At St Jude’s we are dedicated to helping individuals understand how the NDIS works, and how it can work for them. With our vast array of services and deep understanding of NDIS funding, we wish to ensure that every individual receives the care they rightfully deserve to live a more fulfilling and independant life. Contact us today to begin your journey.
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