Some NDIS participants need personal care support that goes beyond standard assistance with daily tasks, support that involves clinical risk and requires specific training to deliver safely. This is often referred to as high-intensity daily personal care, and it plays an important role in keeping participants safe, comfortable and supported at home.
Understanding what qualifies as high-intensity support, and how it's funded and delivered, helps participants and families know what to expect and helps support coordinators build accurate, well-evidenced plans. This guide explains what this type of care involves and the role registered nurses play in delivering it safely.
What Counts as High-Intensity Personal Care
High-intensity daily personal care generally refers to support tasks that carry a higher level of clinical risk, such as complex bowel care, tracheostomy management, subcutaneous injections, enteral feeding, or management of ventilation equipment. These tasks require specific training and competency beyond general personal care skills.
Because of the risks involved, this type of support is typically delivered by workers who have completed recognised training and, in many cases, ongoing supervision or support from a registered nurse. The exact supports required depend entirely on a participant's individual clinical needs, as determined by their treating team.
Eligibility and How It's Funded
Eligibility for high-intensity supports is based on a participant's documented clinical needs, usually supported by reports from treating doctors, specialists or allied health professionals that clearly outline the tasks required and the level of risk involved. This funding generally sits within a participant's Core Supports budget.
Because high-intensity supports involve specific competency requirements for workers, the NDIA looks for clear evidence linking the support to the participant's disability-related needs. A support coordinator can help make sure this evidence is gathered and presented clearly when a plan is developed or reviewed. Specific pricing for these supports is set out in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
The Registered Nurse's Role in High-Intensity Support
A registered nurse plays a key role in high-intensity personal care, often providing the initial training and competency assessment for support workers, ongoing supervision, and direct hands-on care for the more complex tasks involved. Nurses also act as a point of contact between the participant's treating team and the day-to-day support workers.
This oversight helps make sure that high-intensity tasks are carried out safely and consistently, and that any changes in a participant's condition are picked up early and communicated to their GP or specialist promptly.
What to Ask a Provider About High-Intensity Support
Families and support coordinators should feel comfortable asking a provider how support workers are trained and assessed as competent for specific high-intensity tasks, and how often that competency is reviewed. It's also worth asking how a registered nurse is involved in oversight and what happens if a worker has a question or concern during a shift.
Clear communication between the provider, the participant's treating team, and family members is one of the most important markers of a provider who delivers this kind of support well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of tasks are considered high-intensity personal care?
Examples include complex bowel care, tracheostomy management, enteral feeding and subcutaneous injections, though the exact tasks depend on each participant's individual clinical needs.
Do support workers need special training for high-intensity tasks?
Yes, workers generally need to complete recognised training and a competency assessment, often provided or overseen by a registered nurse, before delivering these tasks.
How do I get high-intensity support included in my NDIS plan?
Your treating doctor, specialist or allied health professional can provide reports outlining your clinical needs, which your support coordinator can use to request appropriate funding.
High-intensity personal care requires the right training, the right oversight, and a genuine understanding of each participant's clinical needs. Epitome Support's registered nurses provide training, supervision and hands-on high-intensity nursing care for NDIS participants — contact our team if you'd like to discuss your support needs or those of someone you care for.
