Frequently Asked Questions about NDIS

Am I eligible?

Everyone wishing to participate in the NDIS should first visit the www.ndis.gov.au website and click on the ‘My NDIS Pathway’ link. There is an array of resources available to explain eligibility and access.  You can apply up to six months prior to the NDIS rolling out within your region.

Once registered, you can manage your NDIS activities in the ‘My Portal’. There are a range of instruction guides on the NDIS website to assist in the development of the portal which needs to be linked to a ‘myGov’ account.

There is a lot of discussion around the fact that “the NDIS is coming” as though an enormous storm is about to descend. Early preparation is key to success. Individuals or their carers as relevant will receive a phone call to discuss their NDIS plan. Some have felt that discussing such personal issues over the phone is inappropriate. Others feel that they were tricked into developing their plan over the phone without realising the purpose of the call. As a result, there has been a growing number of participants demanding face to face meetings and a review by the Government to consider making face to face meetings the protocol moving forward.

What In-Home Services are Available?

SAI Home and Community Care is an innovative service that ensures all of the individual needs of clients are taken care of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide carers (known as support workers under the NDIS) that are fully qualified to support our clients with a level of customer service that exceeds their expectations. We encourage our clients to maintain their independence with dignity and respect. We offer but do not limit to following services-

  • Personal Care
  • Social Support
  • Nursing Care
  • Home Support and Capacity Building Skills
  • Individual Support

Core, Capital, Capacity? What are they all about?

With the introduction of the NDIS there a collection of new phrases that we must familiarise ourselves with including core, capital and capacity building supports, support coordination, price guide and types of plan management. Core funding relates to the funding needed to maintain daily living such as domestic tasks, consumable items such as continence aids, meals and short term accommodation. Capital funding relates to equipment and home modifications this funding is not flexible. Capacity Building funding supports the individual to build their independence and skills for example behaviour therapy.

There are some fantastic discussion groups on Facebook including ‘NDIS Grassroots Discussion’ to speak to others who are facing the same challenge. The NDIS is new and clunky but it is not something to be feared, it is simply something to prepare for and help is out there if you need it.

What is Support Coordination?

Support coordination is support to implement your NDIS plan. It is the new NDIS term for what was known as case management.

Payment for support coordination is in addition to the funding that you will receive for your daily living and equipment needs as part of your NDIS plan. If you choose to have support coordination, this will be extra funding and will not be taken out of your other budget. You don’t lose by having support coordination.

Do I Need An NDIS Support Coordinator?

A support coordinator will work with you to determine the best way to utilise your NDIS budget to maximise value for money. They will also assist you to access a variety of community and informal supports so that you can reach your goals. They will liaise with your preferred providers. They can negotiate services and prices on your behalf with your nominated service providers. They can assist with service agreements and initial bookings with your providers.

You will work closely with your support coordinator to resolve any issues or concerns that you might have and arrange additional assessments as needed. They can also work with you to prepare for your plan review which is undertaken annually.

A good support coordinator will support you to increase your confidence and independence with your NDIS plan so that you may opt for self-managing in the future if appropriate.

Support Coordinators are unable to assist with transport, plan administration, plan management, support rostering and advocacy.

What happens when my NDIS Plan Is Approved?

When your NDIS plan is approved, you will meet with your planner. The planner will contact the service coordinator on your behalf if you have received funding for support coordination. The support coordinator will review the request and decide whether or not to accept the role. If accepted the planner will handover to the support coordinator. The support coordinator will then contact you to arrange a meeting.

Your support coordinator will have a good understanding of the NDIS legislation. They will be able to assist you to understand the price guide and flexibility within budgets. They must be registered to provide support coordination. They will assist you to exercise true choice and control to achieve your goals.

SAI Home and Community Care can assist with support coordination and is a registered NDIS provider. If you have any questions, please just phone 03 8785 0999. We look forward to meeting you.

What to do next?

  • Chat with our friendly staff on  8785 0999 and book your pre-planning meeting where we will provide one-on-one coaching and support to help you prepare for your NDIS meeting.
  • Once you have your funding, SAI Home and Community Care can assist you with the provision of personal carers, support workers, cleaning, respite (this has a new name under NDIS) and Support Coordination.
  • Welcome to SAI ! Now you are part of our expanding family. Lets walk on this journey together.

More about NDIS

NDIS Resources
Contact SAI

Why choose SAI Home and Community Care?

Personalised Services

Experience one-on-one complementary consultation with SAI Team. No individual needs are same and so we aim to provide services based on your needs. We invest time to know your needs and ensure that you receive individual exact care you need and request.

Quality Assurance

SAI Home & Community Care is committed to the provision of high-quality services which consistently satisfy the needs and expectations of our customers and so we have established a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the requirements of Standard ISO 9001:2015.

Our Care For You 

We ensure individual needs are taken care 24/7 backed by 40+ years of experienced leaders providing high quality care. We passionately commit to assist and empower our clients to fulfill their goals and enable choices to remain living independent in their homes.

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