Leaving Hospital With the NDIS: A Simple Guide for Families

When someone with disability is ready to leave hospital, the days before can feel rushed. Knowing the steps early makes the move home calmer for everyone.

Tell the hospital you are an NDIS participant

Tell the hospital staff as soon as you can. With your consent, they let the NDIS know. The NDIS says it will contact you or your nominee within 4 days of being told a plan change may be needed. A hospital liaison officer may help.

Know what the NDIS pays for in hospital

Hospital staff provide everyday care, such as personal care and medication management. The NDIS generally does not fund these supports while someone is in hospital. However, it may cover specific assistance for complex communication needs or managing behaviours of concern. As part of the hospital to home NDIS transition, your usual support worker generally cannot be funded to provide everyday care during your hospital stay.

Plan where you will go

Some people go straight home with support workers. Others need somewhere to stay while the home or equipment is made ready. Short-term accommodation can help. Others move to supported independent living or specialist disability accommodation, if they are eligible and a place is available.

Remember what the NDIS does not pay

The NDIS does not pay your rent. Supported independent living pays the support workers in the home. Specialist disability accommodation pays for the building, for eligible participants.

Questions to ask the hospital team

Ask for the expected discharge date and who is the main contact on the ward. Ask what equipment and medicine the person will need at home. Ask if the person needs a new NDIS plan or a plan change, and who will tell the NDIS. Write the answers down so everyone has the same information.

Common problems to avoid

Waiting until the last day to plan is the biggest problem. Other problems are a home that is not ready, transport that is not wheelchair accessible, and support workers who have not met the person. A call to a provider early can fix most of these.

Key points

Tell the hospital you are an NDIS participant. Know what the NDIS does and does not pay for in hospital. Plan where you will go, and plan early.

If you are leaving a hospital in the south east of Melbourne, such as Dandenong, Casey, Frankston or Monash, local providers can plan with the hospital team. Read more about NDIS hospital discharge support in south east Melbourne and call early, before the discharge date.

About the author

Caring Hearts Home Care is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne. Visit caringhearts.com.au or call 1800 844 995.