Complex Care and the NDIS: Everything You Need to Know to Take Control of Your Future

When you think of the NDIS, you might picture support for everyday needs like personal care, transport, or equipment. But what about when things get more complicated? When a person’s needs involve multiple, interrelated conditions—physical, mental, or medical—the NDIS offers a solution to help make life more manageable. If you or a loved one has complex care needs, the NDIS is here to help you live more independently, with the right support, all under one plan.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what complex care is, how it fits into the NDIS, and how you can use it to get the support you need. Ready to take control of your NDIS plan? Let’s take a closer look!

‍

What Is Complex Care, Really?

The term "complex care" can mean different things to different people. Essentially, it refers to a combination of medical, physical, and/or mental health needs that require more than just basic care. If your disability (or a combination of disabilities) means you need help from multiple types of support services—like medical professionals, therapists, or personal care workers—that’s where complex care comes into play.

For example, someone with a severe acquired brain injury might need 24/7 disability support, help with mobility, and therapies like physiotherapy or speech therapy. At the same time, a person living with a physical disability might also face mental health challenges, requiring both medical and psychosocial support. Complex care often involves a multi-disciplinary team—doctors, nurses, therapists, and support workers—all working together to ensure the participant’s needs are met holistically.

Is Complex Care Right for Your NDIS Plan?

If your care needs go beyond basic assistance—whether because of medical conditions, physical disabilities, or mental health challenges—you may qualify for complex care through the NDIS. But how does it actually work?

‍

Eligibility for Complex Care in the NDIS

The NDIS is designed to support people whose disability significantly impacts their day-to-day life. If you require a high level of care, you can access the funding necessary to meet these needs, provided you meet NDIS eligibility criteria.

The NDIS doesn’t just provide funding for basic care—it’s about ensuring that your plan is tailored to your specific needs, whether those needs are physical, medical, or psychosocial. If you're already an NDIS participant, the best way to start is by discussing your complex care needs with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. They can guide you in ensuring that the right supports are included in your plan.

‍

What Goes into a Complex Care Plan?

When you’re managing multiple care needs, your NDIS plan will likely include several key support categories:

• Core Supports: These are the day-to-day supports you need to live independently, such as assistance with personal care, cleaning, or transport.
• Capacity Building Supports: These services are designed to help you build skills that improve your quality of life, such as therapies, life skills training, or employment support.
• Capital Supports: For complex needs, this could include funding for assistive technology (like mobility aids), home modifications (like wheelchair ramps), or any other equipment you might need for daily living.

‍

How Does Complex Care Fit into Your NDIS Plan?

Managing complex care is all about flexibility. The NDIS recognises that people have a variety of needs, and that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to health and well-being. So, if you require complex care, your NDIS plan can be personalised to ensure it meets all of your requirements.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Assessment: The first step is gathering information about your condition(s) and how they affect your daily life. This may involve medical assessments, reports from healthcare professionals, and other supporting documents to ensure your NDIS plan reflects your needs.
2. Coordination of Care: For complex care, a Support Coordinator is crucial. They help you navigate the system, coordinate multiple providers, and ensure everything runs smoothly. They’re your go-to person for managing your plan.
3. Tailored Supports: You may need more than one type of support, and that's where flexibility comes in. You might receive help with personal care, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and everyday care—all within the same NDIS plan.

‍

Who Can Benefit from Complex Care Under the NDIS?

Complex care isn’t just for those with one specific condition—it’s for anyone whose care needs are broad and require a range of different supports.

Here are a few examples of people who might benefit from complex care in the NDIS:

• People with multiple disabilities (for example, someone with both cerebral palsy and autism)
• People with severe brain injuries requiring both medical and personal support
• People with chronic health conditions like multiple sclerosis, who need regular medical care along with personal assistance
• People with complex mental health needs who require therapeutic support along with everyday care

‍

How the NDIS Funds Complex Care

One of the biggest advantages of using the NDIS to fund your complex care needs is that the funding is personalised to your situation. The NDIS doesn’t just provide blanket support—it tailors the budget to meet your specific requirements.

Here’s how you can make the most of your NDIS funding:

• Regularly Review Your Plan: Your complex care needs will likely evolve over time, so it’s important to review your NDIS plan regularly. If your needs change (e.g., you require more support or new equipment), your funding should reflect that.
• Use Support Coordination: A Support Coordinator can help you keep track of your services, ensure providers are delivering on their commitments, and help you navigate the NDIS system.
• Budgeting Tips: Make sure your budget aligns with your real-world needs. If you're unsure whether you’re maximising your funding, an NDIS planner or Support Coordinator can provide advice on how best to allocate resources.

‍

The Power of a Coordinated Care Team

When your care needs are complex, a team approach works best. Complex care often involves several healthcare providers—nurses, doctors, therapists, personal support workers, and more. Having a Support Coordinator to pull everything together ensures that each team member is on the same page and working toward your goals.

Here’s why coordination matters:

• Better Communication: A Support Coordinator ensures that all your providers communicate, reducing the risk of missed appointments or overlapping services.
• A Holistic Approach: When all aspects of your care—physical, mental, and social—are addressed together, you’re more likely to reach your goals and maintain independence.
• Peace of Mind: With a clear care plan in place, you can feel confident that your needs are being met without juggling multiple services on your own.

‍

United for Care: Your Partner in Complex Care

At United for Care, we understand that managing complex care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We specialise in providing the right support for people with high-level care needs, helping you navigate the NDIS system, access the funding you deserve, and connect with the services that will make a real difference in your life.

We offer:

• Support Coordination: Expert guidance to help you manage your NDIS plan and ensure you’re getting the services you need.
• Personalised Care Plans: Tailored support that reflects your unique situation, combining personal care, therapies, and health services to help you thrive.
• Ongoing Support: We’re here for you every step of the way, ensuring your care remains flexible and meets your evolving needs.

‍

Take Control of Your Complex Care Today

If you’re living with complex care needs, the NDIS can be the key to unlocking the support and resources you need to live your life on your terms. At United for Care, we’re ready to help you take the next step. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your NDIS planning, or to discuss the complex care options available to you.

Let’s work together to create a care plan that empowers you to live your life with confidence and independence.

‍