A hospital stay—whether for a planned procedure, a sudden illness, or an injury—can be disruptive and stressful. The discharge process is often fast-paced, and ensuring you have the right supports waiting for you at home is vital for preventing complications and readmission.

For NDIS participants, the transition from a clinical environment back to the comfort and familiarity of home requires careful coordination between hospital discharge planners and your NDIS support provider.

At UinCare Support, we specialise in providing the robust, flexible support needed for a smooth and safe recovery, ensuring your focus remains entirely on your health.

The Critical Role of NDIS Supports in Discharge

While the health system handles your medical care and rehabilitation, the NDIS is responsible for funding the disability-related supports you need to manage your daily life and recovery at home.

When you are admitted, it is essential to tell hospital staff you are an NDIS participant as soon as possible.

Your NDIS plan can be reviewed quickly during this period to ensure you have funding for short-term support needs, such as:

1. Increased Personal Care: You may need more assistance with showering, dressing, and hygiene than usual due to limited mobility or pain immediately following discharge.
2. Specialised Assistance: Your needs might shift, requiring support workers with training in managing specific equipment or assisting with complex health tasks.
3. Temporary Household Help: You might need intensive support for cleaning, laundry, or meal preparation while you are medically restricted.

Three Key NDIS Supports for a Safe Return Home

UinCare Support focuses on coordinating these three areas to bridge the gap between hospital and home:

1. Post-Discharge Support Workers (Core Supports)

We arrange for immediate, often increased, support hours to match your doctor’s instructions. This may include:

• Waking Night/Overnight Support: To assist with pain management, repositioning, or bathroom visits during the night.
• Medication Supervision: Ensuring you take new or changed medications correctly and on time.
• Mobility Support: Assistance with transferring and moving around the home safely to prevent falls.

2. Medium Term Accommodation (MTA)

In some cases, your existing home might not be safe or accessible for a short period of intense recovery (e.g., if major home modifications are planned). MTA funding can provide temporary, accessible housing for up to 90 days, acting as a “bridge” while you await a permanent solution or until you are stable enough to return home.

3. Support Coordination

This is the most crucial element. If funded, your Support Coordinator acts as your discharge advocate and link to the NDIS:

• Liaison: They communicate directly with the hospital’s Discharge Planner, your medical team, and the NDIS to ensure your support needs are understood.
• Plan Adjustment: They can help you request a quick review or variation of your NDIS plan if you need urgent, temporary support funding (like extra Personal Care hours or MTA).
• Service Setup: They quickly arrange and coordinate all the necessary non-medical services (cleaners, support workers, transport) to be in place the moment you walk through your door.

Your Checklist for Discharge Success

To make the process as smooth as possible, remember to:

• Communicate: Inform your UinCare Support Coordinator (if applicable) and your regular support team immediately upon hospital admission.
• Advocate: Ask the hospital Discharge Planner to contact your NDIS provider directly.
• Document: Keep all discharge summaries, new medication lists, and follow-up appointment details handy for your support worker and family.

We Are Ready When You Are

A hospital discharge should mark the start of recovery, not a new set of logistical problems. UinCare Support is ready to provide the professional, reliable support you need to make your transition safe and smooth.

If you are preparing for a hospital stay or awaiting discharge, contact UinCare Support immediately. We can help you start coordinating your safe return home today.