NDIS support after hospital discharge

Leaving hospital can be a stressful time, especially if your needs have changed and your existing supports need to be reviewed or rebuilt. For NDIS participants, having a support coordinator involved in the discharge process can make a significant difference to how smoothly the transition goes.

Why discharge planning matters

Hospital discharge often happens quickly. Without the right supports in place, people can return home to a situation that isn’t safe or sustainable, particularly if their disability has changed, they need new equipment, or different services are required.

A support coordinator can work with hospital staff, allied health teams, and NDIS providers to make sure everything is lined up before you leave.

What a support coordinator does during discharge

• Communicating with hospital discharge planners and social workers
• Reviewing your current NDIS plan to see what supports can be activated or adjusted
• Arranging or reinstating services (such as personal care, therapy, or equipment) before you go home
• Identifying any gaps between what the NDIS funds and what the health system provides
• Helping request an urgent plan review or plan variation if your needs have changed significantly
• Coordinating with family, carers, and other supports to make sure everyone knows what’s happening

If you’re new to the NDIS

If you’ve acquired a disability through illness or injury and are not yet on the NDIS, a hospital social worker or discharge planner can help you start the application process. Getting access to the NDIS can take time, but starting early is important.

You may also be eligible for interim support from the health system or other community services while you wait. Ask your hospital team what’s available.

Acquired disability and the NDIS

If your disability was acquired as a result of an accident, stroke, illness, or other event, the NDIS may be able to support you — depending on your age, the nature of your disability, and whether it’s likely to be permanent. Visit the NDIS website to find out more about eligibility.

Getting support quickly

Some NDIS providers offer expedited intake for participants going through hospital discharge. If you have support coordination in your plan, make contact as early as possible, ideally while you’re still in hospital, so arrangements can be made in time.

Get started with CoAct Support Coordination Services

CoAct Support Coordination is a new service designed to help NDIS participants get the most out of their plans with the right supports in place.

If you’re looking for guidance navigating the NDIS, connecting with providers, or making sense of your NDIS plan call us on 1800 226 228 or register your interest.