NDIS Access and Pre-planning

NDIS Access

If you are under 65 years and have an official diagnosis of Younger Onset Dementia you can request access to The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national scheme that provides funding for people under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability. It allows them to access supports and services to help them in their daily life, connect with their community and achieve their goals.

To be eligible for the NDIS:

  • You must be under 65 to access the NDIS. You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen or have a Permanent or Special Category Visa. You must usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability. You must also need some supports now to reduce your future needs.

If you meet the criteria and you would like to become a NDIS participant, you can either:

Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an Access Request (be sure to request a reference number and make a note of the call for future reference if required). Complete and submit the Access Request Form and send by email to NAT@ndis.gov.au or contact your local LAC or NDIA office. According to the NDIS Participant Service Charter you can expect an Access request decision within 21 days of your application.

As part of the Access Request process, you will be asked:

• to confirm your identity and/or a person’s authority to act on your behalf

• questions to see if you meet the NDIS access requirements (age, residence and disability)

• questions about providing consent to enter the NDIS and about seeking information from third parties. This is especially significant if you are requesting access for a person with Younger Onset Dementia who may not have insight into their diagnosis of the need for supports.

Even in the early stages and following a diagnosis of dementia, we encourage you to access the NDIS and gain access to supports and services to help you “live well with dementia”. Once you have your plan, we can work with you to ensure it is adapted to your needs and circumstances as they change. It is well worth the effort and can make a difference to the life you live.

We also recommend you take a look at Dementia Australia’s YOD hub and the programs they have to offer such as “The Living with Dementia Program” and Dementia Australia’s six sessions of “Post Diagnostic Support” program.

“Everyone who lived to a ripe old age has a fascinating story to tell and this story informs the way they live their final years” (Patricia Edgar – In Praise of Aging).

Pre-planning

Upon gaining access to the NDIS, the next step is to prepare for your NDIS meeting. This is expected to be scheduled within 21 days after your access request has been approved and you can expect your approved plan within 70 days. This is where you provide information regarding your disability, current circumstances and needs.

 

The NDIS have created a booklet for you entitled Planning which covers:
• Understanding your current supports
• Creating an NDIS plan to achieve your goals
• Receiving an approved NDIS plan

Dementia Australia have also created some resources regarding Younger Onset Dementia and the NDIS which you may find helpful.
The types of supports that the NDIS may fund for participants with Younger Onset Dementia include:
• Assistance to maintain and develop social connections with family and friends and to participate in local community activities.
• Assistance with daily personal activities like showering and personal care (if required)
• Transport funding to enable participation in community, social, and daily activities and to attend medical appointments
• Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiotherapy to help maintain strength and mobility.
• Domestic assistance (e.g., cleaning, home maintenance, meal preparation and gardening) to support the participant to maintain their home environment
• Occupational Therapy and assistive technology to ensure a participant is safe at home and in the community (Driving assessments, GPS, Handrails and low risk items like Lockboxes, Clocks ect)
• Speech Therapist to support communication and swallowing support (if required).
• If you are experiencing changes in behaviour (common with BFTD dementia), a Behavioural Therapist can be engaged to offer advice and develop a support plan (this can include training for staff and carers)
• Workplace help to allow a participant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market
• Home modification design and construction (external handrails, ramps and bathroom modifications)
• A Plan Manager can be requested to assist you to manage the funding included in your NDIS plan (an accountant type role)
• Support Co-ordination to assist you to understand your plan, connect with supports and services and manage your plan.

The funding you receive within your NDIS plan is based on your disability and associated needs which are deemed “reasonable and necessary”. Your personal goals are also very important and we can assist you to determine what these may be.

At YOD Reflections we understand that the process of Access and Pre-planning can be a little overwhelming. If you feel like you would benefit from assistance, please contact us. We can assist you with determining what is required and provide some information and resources to ensure you are confident and prepared for your NDIS Planning meeting. Taking the time to consider your needs at this stage will make a difference in the funding and supports you receive in your plan.

If you feel Support Co-ordination will be beneficial to you, would like assistance to prepare for the planning meeting and have us attend the NDIS meeting with you, if we have capacity we would be happy to help. Please give is a call or make an inquiry on this website.

Implementation

Following the Pre-planning meeting, you will receive your NDIS plan.

For participants who Support Coordinator funding included in their NDIS plan, we can assist with implementation and provide this support to you.

We will help you understand your plan inclusions, access supports and services and discuss how you will work towards your goals. At all times you have choice and control regarding how your plan is implemented and what supports and services with which you engage.

Some people like to implement everything all at once, and others like to start with one support or service at a time. The pace at which you do this is entirely up to you and dependent upon your personal needs and circumstances. These supports are intended to make your life easier and be tailored to your needs.

At YOD Reflections, we walk beside you for the duration of your plan, providing information and connections so that you can make informed decisions about your life and care.

Contact us now