NDIS and Aged Care: What Every Australian Needs to Know
Introduction to NDIS and Aged Care
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program in Australia that provides support to people with permanent and significant disabilities. Launched in 2013, it aims to empower individuals by funding personalized support services, fostering independence, and enhancing community participation.
What is Aged Care in Australia?
Aged care refers to the range of services designed to support older Australians who can no longer live independently. This includes in-home care, residential aged care facilities, and respite care. It is largely funded and regulated through the My Aged Care platform.
Purpose and Importance
Both systems aim to provide dignity and support, but they serve different populations. Understanding where they overlap—and where they don't—is vital for participants, families, and caregivers to make informed decisions.
Eligibility Criteria for NDIS and Aged Care
NDIS Eligibility Requirements
To access the NDIS, you must:
Be under 65 years of age when applying
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
Have a permanent and significant disability
Aged Care Eligibility
To access aged care services, individuals must:
Be 65 years or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
Need help with everyday activities
Undergo an assessment through an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team)
Transition Considerations
If you’re on the NDIS and turn 65, you can choose to:
Continue receiving NDIS support
Transition to the aged care system
However, new applicants over 65 can’t join the NDIS. This crucial cutoff shapes many long-term planning decisions.
Key Differences Between NDIS and Aged Care
Funding Models
NDIS: Provides individual budgets for eligible participants based on a personalized plan.
Aged Care: Primarily subsidized by the government, with individuals contributing based on their financial situation.
Service Delivery
NDIS: Focuses on choice and control; participants choose their providers.
Aged Care: More structured with government-approved providers, especially in residential settings.
Support Coordination
NDIS includes funding for support coordinators who help manage plans and navigate systems. In aged care, case managers serve a similar role but with less emphasis on participant-led choice.
Overlap and Gaps Between the Two Systems
What Happens at Age 65?
When an NDIS participant turns 65, they can stay with NDIS or switch to aged care. However, this choice is not available for those applying after 65, leading to a sharp divide in service accessibility.
Dual Eligibility Challenges
Some individuals may qualify for both systems temporarily or simultaneously. Unfortunately, the lack of integration often causes confusion, delays, or even gaps in service delivery.
Government Policies
While both are federally funded, they operate independently. Efforts are underway to better align the two, but systemic coordination remains a work in progress.
NDIS and Aged Care for Indigenous Australians
Cultural Sensitivity in Care
First Nations people may have different care expectations and cultural needs. Programs must respect language, customs, and traditions to ensure effective service delivery.
Access Barriers
Remote locations, limited internet access, and a historical mistrust in institutions can hinder participation. Targeted outreach and Indigenous-run service providers are helping bridge this gap.
Community Support Programs
Local programs such as Indigenous Remote Aged Care Services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) play a vital role.
Planning and Management
Creating a Support Plan
NDIS participants receive a personalized support plan, while aged care recipients undergo a care needs assessment that guides their service access.
Choosing a Provider
NDIS offers full freedom of choice, but aged care providers must be government-approved, limiting options in rural regions.
Ongoing Review and Evaluation
NDIS plans are reviewed annually or after life changes. Aged care services also include periodic reviews, but flexibility is generally less.
