NDIS High Intensity Support: Specialized Care for Complex Needs

What is NDIS High Intensity Support?

NDIS high intensity support refers to specialized and continuous care for individuals with severe functional impairments, complex health needs, or challenging behaviors. These supports are designed to provide comprehensive assistance that goes beyond standard care, catering to the unique requirements of participants who need more intensive and specialized services.

Types of NDIS High Intensity Support Services

Complex Health Care Support
- Nursing Care: Skilled nursing services provided by registered nurses or qualified healthcare professionals. This includes:
  - Wound management and dressing changes.
  - Administration of medications, including injections and intravenous (IV) therapies.
  - Catheter care and management.
  - Diabetes management, including blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration.
- Ventilation and Respiratory Support: Essential for individuals with severe respiratory conditions. Services include:
  - Operation and monitoring of ventilators and other respiratory equipment.
  - Tracheostomy care, including cleaning, suctioning, and tube changes.
  - Management of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines.
  - Oxygen therapy and monitoring.
- Tube Feeding and Nutritional Support: For individuals who cannot eat orally. Includes:
  - Administration of enteral feeding through a gastrostomy or nasogastric tube.
  - Monitoring and managing nutritional intake.
  - Ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
Behavioral Support
- Positive Behavioral Support: Development and implementation of individualized strategies to manage challenging behaviors. This involves:
  - Functional behavior assessments to understand the causes of challenging behaviors.
  - Creation of behavior support plans tailored to the individual’s needs.
  - Training for caregivers and support workers on implementing behavior strategies.
  - Continuous monitoring and adjustment of behavior plans.
- Crisis Intervention: Immediate and intensive support during behavioral crises to ensure safety and stabilize the situation. Includes:
  - On-call crisis support teams.
  - Short-term intensive interventions to de-escalate and manage crises.
  - Post-crisis support and review to prevent future incidents.
Personal Care Support
- High Intensity Daily Personal Activities: Assistance with complex personal care tasks. This includes:
  - Bathing, dressing, and grooming for individuals with severe disabilities.
  - Feeding and assistance with eating, particularly for those with swallowing difficulties.
  - Toileting and continence management, including catheter and colostomy care.
- Manual Handling: Specialized support for individuals requiring assistance with transfers and mobility. This includes:
  - Use of hoists, slings, and other manual handling equipment.
  - Training for support workers on safe manual handling techniques.
  - Positioning and repositioning individuals to prevent pressure sores and maintain comfort.
Specialized Support Coordination
- Specialist Support Coordination: Intensive case management for individuals with complex needs to ensure they receive appropriate services. This includes:
  - Development of a comprehensive support plan.
  - Coordination of various service providers and supports.
  - Monitoring and review of the support plan to ensure it meets the participant’s needs.
  - Advocacy and assistance with accessing additional services and resources.
- Plan Management: Assistance with managing NDIS funds and coordinating services. Includes:
  - Budgeting and financial management of NDIS funds.
  - Processing payments and invoices for service providers.
  - Ensuring compliance with NDIS guidelines and regulations.
Assistive Technology and Equipment
- Complex Assistive Technology: Provision of specialized equipment to aid daily living and enhance independence. This includes:
  - Customized wheelchairs and mobility devices.
  - Communication devices for individuals with speech impairments.
  - Specialized beds, seating, and positioning equipment.
  - Environmental control units for managing home automation systems.
- Home Modifications: Structural changes to the home to improve accessibility and safety. This includes:
  - Installation of ramps, handrails, and grab bars.
  - Modifying bathrooms and kitchens for accessibility.
  - Widening doorways and hallways.
  - Installing lifts or stair climbers.
Training and Supervision of Support Workers
- Training Programs: Comprehensive training for support workers on providing high intensity care. This includes:
  - Training in complex health care procedures and use of medical equipment.
  - Behavioral support and crisis intervention training.
  - Manual handling and personal care techniques.
- Supervision and Monitoring: Ongoing supervision to ensure high standards of care. Includes:
  - Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions.
  - On-site supervision and support for complex care tasks.
  - Continuous professional development and upskilling opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for NDIS High Intensity Support

To access NDIS high intensity support, participants must meet specific criteria:

Disability Requirement: The individual must have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impacts their ability to perform daily activities.
Complex Support Needs: The individual must have high intensity or complex support needs due to severe functional impairments or significant medical conditions.
Residency Requirement: The individual must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Age Requirement: The individual must be under the age of 65 at the time of application.

The NDIS conducts detailed assessments to determine the level of support required, considering medical reports, assessments from healthcare professionals, and the individual’s specific circumstances.

Accessing High Intensity Support

The process of accessing high intensity support through the NDIS involves several steps:

Initial Application: Submit an Access Request Form to the NDIS, detailing the individual’s disability and support needs.
Assessment: An NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand the individual’s needs, goals, and current supports.
Planning Meeting: During the planning meeting, the individual’s goals and support requirements are discussed, and a personalized NDIS plan is developed to include high intensity support services.
Plan Approval: The NDIS plan is approved, detailing the funded supports and services the individual will receive.
Implementation: The individual, with the help of a Support Coordinator if necessary, begins to implement the plan by connecting with service providers and accessing the funded supports.
Plan Review: The NDIS plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the individual’s needs and can be adjusted as required.

Conclusion

NDIS high intensity support and high support needs cater to individuals requiring specialized and continuous care due to severe disabilities or complex health conditions. These supports ensure that participants receive the necessary assistance to manage their health, well-being, and daily activities safely and effectively. By understanding the types of high intensity support services available, the eligibility criteria, and the process of accessing these supports, individuals and their families can navigate the NDIS and secure the resources needed to meet their unique and complex needs. Through its commitment to providing tailored and comprehensive supports, the NDIS empowers individuals with disabilities to lead safer, healthier, and more independent lives.