Managing Ongoing Health Needs With an NDIS Community Nurse
Managing an ongoing health need can involve more than occasional medical appointments. For some NDIS participants, regular nursing support can help with day-to-day health needs, monitoring and care related to their disability. NDIS health management can include clinical nursing care, education, monitoring and communication with other people involved in a participant’s care. The type of support depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
What Is Ongoing Health Management Under the NDIS?
Ongoing health management refers to the regular support a participant may need to manage health needs related to their disability or ongoing condition. Unlike one-off medical treatment, it can involve continued monitoring, nursing care, education and support over time. The type of support depends on the participant’s individual health needs and may change as their circumstances change.
How Can an NDIS Community Nurse Help With Ongoing Health Management?
An NDIS community nurse can provide ongoing support based on a participant’s individual health needs. This may include:
- Monitoring changes in health
- Providing clinical nursing care
- Supporting medication-related needs
- Managing disability-related health needs
- Educating participants and carers
- Communicating with the wider healthcare team
- Reviewing support needs when circumstances change
Managing Ongoing Health Needs at Home
For many participants, managing health needs at home can make day-to-day life more manageable. An NDIS community nurse can provide appropriate nursing support in the participant’s usual environment while helping them understand and manage their ongoing needs. The support can be tailored to the person’s health requirements, routines and level of independence, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Supporting Participants With Complex or Ongoing Health Needs
Some participants have health needs that require regular nursing support and careful management. Depending on their circumstances, this may include support related to:
- Complex wounds
- Diabetes
- Continence and bowel care
- Epilepsy and seizure management
- Respiratory support
- PEG or nasogastric feeding
- Spinal or acquired brain injury-related needs
The level of support will depend on the participant’s individual health needs and care requirements.
How Nurses Work With Participants, Families and Other Professionals
Ongoing nursing support often involves more than the nurse and participant. With the participant’s needs in mind, nurses may communicate with families, carers, support workers, doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare providers. Keeping relevant people informed can help everyone understand changes in health, follow the right care approach and respond when a participant’s needs change.
How Ongoing Nursing Support Can Promote Independence
Ongoing nursing support can help participants better understand their health needs and build confidence in managing them. Nurses can provide guidance while supporting the participant to take an active role in their care wherever appropriate. The aim is to provide the right professional support while helping participants maintain as much choice, confidence and independence in their everyday lives as possible.
STARR Care’s NDIS Community Nursing Support
STARR Care provides NDIS community nursing in South Hedland and supports participants across Port Hedland and the wider Pilbara region. Nursing support is tailored to individual health needs, helping participants manage ongoing care while staying in their usual environment.
Need Support With Ongoing Health Needs?
If you require ongoing nursing support related to your disability or health needs, STARR Care can help you explore suitable community nursing options in South Hedland and across the Pilbara region.
FAQs
1. What is ongoing health management under the NDIS?
It is ongoing support that helps participants manage health needs related to their disability or ongoing condition, rather than providing one-off medical treatment.
2. Can an NDIS community nurse help manage ongoing health conditions?
Yes. Depending on the participant’s needs, a community nurse may provide clinical care, monitoring, education and other appropriate nursing support.
3. What types of ongoing health needs can a community nurse support?
Support may include complex wounds, diabetes, continence and bowel care, epilepsy, respiratory needs, feeding support and needs related to spinal or acquired brain injury.
4. Can ongoing nursing support be provided at home?
Yes. Appropriate nursing support can be provided within a participant’s usual home environment, depending on their individual needs.
5. How do community nurses work with a participant’s other healthcare professionals?
With the participant’s needs in mind, nurses can communicate relevant information with families, carers, support workers, doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Ongoing health needs can look different for every NDIS participant. With the right nursing support, participants can receive appropriate care while building greater confidence in managing their health and everyday routines. STARR Care provides personalised community nursing support based on each participant’s circumstances and needs.
Call us: (+61) 487-468-829
Email us at: info@starrcare.com.au
Visit us: Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
Follow STARR Care: Registered NDIS Provider on Facebook and Instagram