What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers support to Australians with disabilities, including funding for a range of allied health services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy.
The NDIS has three different support budgets, known as “buckets”, which participants can use to access different types of support. These buckets include Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports.
Allied Health Supports are part of the Capacity Building Support bucket, which receives significant funding under the NDIS. Sometimes, participants might need core supports in addition to capacity building depending on their specific situation. In this case, a support coordinator can help you navigate the core supports and capacity building funding in your NDIS plan to ensure you’re getting the most benefit at all times.
In this article, we will explore the various allied health services available to those receiving NDIS Supports, the benefits of physiotherapy for mental and cognitive well being, the average budget allocation for allied health services, and how to make the most of your funding with the guidance of a Support Coordinator. So, let’s dive in.
Allied Health Offerings under the NDIS
Allied Health services that can be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can include a wide range of therapies and interventions. The role of allied health in disability support is to help improve the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of individuals with disabilities. Some examples of Allied Health services that can be funded under the NDIS include:
- Physiotherapy – for the management of physical disabilities, movement disorders, and pain management.
- Chiropractic Care – for the management of musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain or spinal cord injuries.
- Exercise Physiology – for the assessment and management of physical health conditions and the provision of exercise programs tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Remedial Massage – for the management of muscle tension, pain, and related conditions.
- Podiatry – for the management of foot and lower limb conditions, such as skin conditions, joint problems, or diabetes-related complications and biomechanical assessments, orthotics, and wound care.
- Personal Training – for the provision of tailored fitness programs and support to improve an individual’s physical health and wellbeing.
- Occupational Therapy – for the assessment and treatment of individuals who may have difficulty with daily living activities, work or school, or community participation.
- Speech Pathology – for the assessment and management of communication and swallowing difficulties.
- Psychology – for the assessment and treatment of emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues.
- Dietetics – for the assessment and management of nutritional requirements and dietary needs.
Individualized treatment plans are developed to cater to the specific needs, goals, and preferences of each client. The majority of Allied Health Facilities are designed to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including ramps and equipment that cater to their unique needs.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Mental and Cognitive Wellbeing
While the physical benefits of physiotherapy are well-known, such as pain relief, function, fitness, and strength, the benefits of physiotherapy extend to mental and cognitive wellbeing as well.
The team at Pro-Form Physiotherapy believes in the many benefits of exercise on mental health and that regular movement is key to enhancing mood, concentration, focus, energy, and vitality. Through physiotherapy, chiropractic care, exercise physiology, remedial massage, podiatry, personal training, and Pilates, clients can improve their cognitive and mental wellbeing.
Physiotherapy
Reducing pain and stiffness through physiotherapy can alleviate physical symptoms that contribute to stress and anxiety, improving mental clarity and the ability to focus on specific tasks.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can also reduce stress and positively impact mental health by addressing back pain and other conditions that can cause discomfort and stress.
Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiology involves a holistic approach to health that combines physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle management, releasing endorphins that make people feel good and help cognitive ability.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage can promote sleep and reduce stress, leading to more focus and resilience, and less negative emotions.
Pilates & Personal Training
Pilates and personal training can improve core strength, balance, flexibility, as well as reduce worry and lower depression levels.
Average Budget Amount of Allied Health Services
The amount of funding someone receives for allied health supports through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can vary greatly depending on their individual needs, goals, and circumstances. There is no fixed or average amount of funding that is allocated for allied health supports under the NDIS. The amount of funding provided is determined through a process of assessment and planning that takes into account the person’s individual circumstances, including their disability-related needs, goals, and support requirements.
Participants may use funding from Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports budgets to access allied health supports such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and other services.
Maximising Allied Health Funding with a Support Coordinator
The NDIS has three different support budgets or “buckets” that participants can use to access different types of support: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports.
A Support Coordinator is a person who works with NDIS participants to help them navigate the system and access the supports they need. If someone wants to maximise their Allied Health Funding through the NDIS, they can work with their Support Coordinator to explore different options and strategies.
One strategy is to use their Core Supports budget to pay for allied health services that are deemed necessary for daily living activities, such as personal care, transport, and assistance with household tasks. This can free up capacity building funding to be used for more specialised allied health services that may not be covered by the Core Supports budget.
Another strategy is to work with the Support Coordinator and allied health professionals to develop a comprehensive plan for how to use the available funding in the most effective way. This might involve prioritising certain services, spreading out appointments to make the most of each session, or exploring alternative therapies that may be more cost-effective.
The key to maximise the Allied Health Funding through the NDIS is to work closely with a Support Coordinator and allied health professionals to develop a clear and effective plan that meets the participant’s needs and goals.
Maple Community Services and Pro-Form Physiotherapy
Maple Community Services and Pro-Form Physiotherapy have partnered to provide exceptional Allied Health and Disability Support Services to the NSW community. This close working relationship allows us to ensure our participants receive the highest quality of services available. With the support of a Maple Community Services Support Coordinator and the expertise of Pro Form Physiotherapy‘s Allied Health professionals, we can develop clear and effective plans for our clients that meet their unique needs and goals.
