Leaving hospital can involve more than recovering from an illness or injury. NDIS participants may also need disability-related support at home, such as assistance with personal care, daily routines, community nursing or changes to their living arrangements. The type of support required depends on the person’s circumstances, disability-related needs and NDIS plan.
Planning ahead can help participants, families, hospital staff and support providers coordinate the assistance needed for a safe transition home. The hospital remains responsible for medical treatment and discharge planning, while the NDIS may fund eligible disability-related supports that meet its funding requirements. This guide explains the types of NDIS support that may be relevant after hospital discharge, what to consider before returning home and how to explore suitable support options.
What Happens When an NDIS Participant Is Ready to Leave Hospital?
Being medically ready to leave hospital does not always mean a person can immediately manage their usual daily activities. An NDIS participant may need additional help with personal care, mobility, meals or other routines after an illness, injury or change in their condition. The hospital team is responsible for medical treatment and discharge planning. Before the participant returns home, it is important to identify any changes in their disability-related support needs and discuss what assistance may be required.
The participant, their family or nominee, support coordinator and existing providers may be involved in these discussions, depending on the person’s circumstances. If their needs have changed, they should communicate this to their NDIS contact so the appropriate next steps can be explored.
For more information, read the NDIS guide to planning your hospital stay and transition home.
What NDIS Supports Might Be Needed After Hospital Discharge?
The support needed after hospital discharge depends on the participant’s disability-related needs, daily routine and NDIS plan.
1. Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance
Participants may need help with showering, dressing, meals, mobility or daily routines. Daily living and personal care support can help with these activities.
2. Community Nursing and Clinical Support
Some participants may need disability-related nursing at home, such as medication assistance or wound care, where appropriate and delivered by qualified professionals. Hospital treatment remains the responsibility of the health system.
Learn more about NDIS community nursing in South Hedland.
3. Short-Term Support and Respite
Temporary support may help participants manage daily routines while longer-term arrangements are organised. Eligible participants can explore NDIS respite care in South Hedland, depending on their circumstances and funding.
4. Home and Living Support
If returning to their usual home is difficult, participants may need to explore alternative arrangements. Supported independent living in WA may suit eligible participants who require ongoing daily assistance.
Who Organises NDIS Support After Hospital Discharge?
Organising support after hospital discharge may involve several people, depending on the participant’s needs.
- Hospital Team: Manages medical care, discharge planning and relevant clinical information.
- NDIS Contact: Helps address changes in disability-related support needs and explains the next steps.
- Support Coordinator: Helps coordinate services and connect the participant with suitable providers, if they have one.
- Participant and Family: Share preferences, daily needs and concerns about returning home.
- Support Providers: Confirm service availability and coordinate support within their responsibilities.
Discussing these needs early can help everyone understand their role before the participant returns home.
What If Your Current NDIS Plan No Longer Meets Your Needs?
A hospital stay may reveal that a participant needs more help with everyday activities than before. If their current NDIS plan no longer meets their disability-related needs, they should discuss the changes with their NDIS contact or support coordinator.
Relevant information from the hospital team and other professionals may help explain the participant’s changed needs. The NDIS can then advise on the appropriate plan review or change process. Additional funding is not automatic and depends on the participant’s circumstances, evidence and NDIS decisions.
For guidance, visit the NDIS information on responsibilities for support after hospital discharge.
How to Prepare for the Transition Home
Planning ahead can help make the move from hospital to home easier. Before discharge, consider the following checklist:
- Confirm the discharge date and follow the hospital’s instructions.
- Identify daily activities where extra assistance may be needed.
- Discuss changes in disability-related needs with the NDIS contact or support coordinator.
- Confirm support services, availability and start dates.
- Check whether equipment or home modifications may be needed.
- Share relevant instructions with support workers, with the participant’s consent.
- Know who to contact if support arrangements change.
For urgent medical concerns, contact the appropriate health service rather than relying on disability support services.
Finding Support After Hospital Discharge in South Hedland and the Pilbara
Returning home after hospital may require extra help with everyday activities. STARR Care supports participants in South Hedland and across the Pilbara with services such as daily living and personal care support and community nursing.
Participants may also explore respite care where suitable for their circumstances. Contact STARR Care to discuss your support needs and check service availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What NDIS support can I receive after leaving hospital?
Depending on your disability-related needs and NDIS plan, support may include personal care, daily living assistance, community nursing or suitable home and living arrangements.
2. Does the NDIS pay for hospital treatment?
No. Hospital treatment and medical care are generally the responsibility of the health system. The NDIS may fund eligible disability-related support needed at home.
3. Can I receive extra NDIS funding after a hospital stay?
If your support needs have changed, speak with your NDIS contact or support coordinator. Any plan changes depend on your circumstances, supporting evidence and the NDIS decision process.
4. Can an NDIS support worker help when I return home?
Yes, an eligible participant may receive assistance with personal care and daily routines if the support meets NDIS funding requirements. Clinical tasks must be handled by appropriately qualified professionals.
5. What if I cannot return to my usual home?
Speak with your hospital discharge team and NDIS contact or support coordinator as early as possible. Depending on your circumstances, you may explore home modifications or alternative living arrangements. Temporary accommodation is not automatically funded for everyone leaving hospital.
Need Support After Hospital Discharge in South Hedland?
Returning home after hospital can mean adjusting daily routines and arranging extra disability-related support. STARR Care provides services in South Hedland and across the Pilbara, including daily living assistance, community nursing and respite care.
Contact our team to discuss your circumstances and find out whether our available services may suit your support needs.
Call us: (+61) 487-468-829
Email us at: info@starrcare.com.au
Visit us: Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
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