Bridging the NDIS and Aged Care: Why Integrated Disability Support is Essential

The NDIS Insider covers the latest industry developments, exploring how policy changes, emerging trends, and systemic challenges shape the everyday lives of participants, families, and providers. We’ll ask the difficult questions, advocate for change, and ensure your voice is heard.

Australia’s disability and aged care sectors stand at a crucial intersection. While the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has reshaped support for people living with disabilities, the aged care system remains vital for older Australians. However, when these systems overlap, gaps emerge—gaps that affect the quality of care and the overall experience of people navigating both services. Moving forward, integrating these systems to provide seamless, effective support is not just an aspiration—it’s a necessity.

The Current Landscape: Two Systems, One Person

The NDIS was designed to empower people living with disabilities by providing tailored, person-centred support, including specialised services that allow people to live independently, participate in their communities, and pursue personal goals. Aged care, on the other hand, is traditionally aimed at supporting older Australians with their daily living needs as they age.

However, these two systems—although they often serve the same person—operate under different frameworks, with varying eligibility criteria, funding models, and service structures. This can result in complications for people who fall into both categories, especially those transitioning from NDIS services to aged care.

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Transition Gaps: Turning 65 and Facing Tough Choices

One of the most significant challenges is the transition gap that occurs when a person with a disability reaches 65. At this point, they must decide whether to remain on the NDIS or transfer into the aged care system. Unfortunately, the aged care system frequently offers fewer personalised supports and less funding than the NDIS. This transition can lead to a significant reduction in services, leaving people without access to the specialised, tailored care they previously relied on under the NDIS.

Additionally, aged care is not always equipped to provide the same level of disability-focused care, which can reduce the quality of life for people with complex needs. This raises the question: why isn’t there a smoother, more integrated transition between these two vital systems?

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Service Duplication and Confusion: Navigating Two Worlds

The NDIS and aged care systems are complex in their own right. Combining them often leads to confusion for people, families, and even care providers. The differences in eligibility criteria, service offerings, and funding models can create a maze that is difficult to navigate, particularly for those already managing the challenges of living with a disability.

Service duplication can be a common issue when people are navigating both the NDIS and aged care systems. For example, they might have to undergo similar assessments in each system, or they may not know which services fall under the NDIS or aged care. This confusion can result in repetitive processes that waste time and resources, and it can be stressful for people trying to access the right kind of support.  

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Younger People in Aged Care: A Mismatch of Needs

A major concern is the placement of younger people with disabilities in aged care facilities. Many younger people, particularly those with complex care needs, are still housed in aged care institutions, even though they often lack the resources and expertise needed to properly support their needs.  

The NDIS is actively working to address this issue by transitioning younger people out of aged care facilities and into more suitable, community-based settings. However, progress has been slow, and the fact that this issue still exists highlights the broader misalignment between the two systems.

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The Call for Integration: A Unified Approach to Care

The fundamental issue here is a lack of integration between the NDIS and aged care systems. People with disabilities often find themselves caught between two fragmented systems that do not always communicate effectively or align their services. This not only reduces the quality of care but also undermines the broader goals of the NDIS and aged care, both of which are focused on improving the lives of service users.

An integrated approach—one that combines the strengths of both systems—would eliminate gaps in care, ensuring that people receive consistent, person-centred support throughout their lives.  

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The Future of Disability Support

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the division between the NDIS and aged care must be bridged. Integrated support will not only improve the lives of people but will also promote a more inclusive, efficient system of care.  

By addressing the transition gaps, reducing service duplication, and ensuring that younger people with disabilities are placed in appropriate settings, we can create a unified system that empowers everyone—regardless of age or ability.

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Aged Care Designed for Complex Needs  

At United for Care, we know that aged care is not a one-size-fits-all solution—especially when complex care needs are involved. Our in-home aged care services are designed to provide personalised, high-quality support that evolves with your unique circumstances, including managing chronic and complex health conditions.

With our flexible fee-for-service model, you receive the exact care you need without the restrictions of government-funded packages. Plus, our easy-to-use online platform offers access to Allied Health services, like physiotherapy and occupational therapy, all from the comfort of your home.

If you or a loved one is looking for specialised, compassionate aged care that prioritises independence and dignity, reach out to our team today.

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