In Australia, governmental schemes are in place (for those who need it) to support us. And, we usually see these schemes or funding as quite cut and dry.
For example, if we are unemployed currently and require financial aid, we would look to the right government scheme for support. But, what happens when two or more funding groups seem to merge? We can get confused with what we’re eligible for.
Turning 65, or older, means (by government standards, anyway) that there will be changes in your support needs and healthcare needs. It’s an even younger bracket for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which is 50 years old. As the government opens up new supports and funding to people over these ages, it means you might not be eligible for the NDIS anymore. It’s seen as a contradiction, you see.
But, what if your NDIS supports are vital to your health and life? And what about if the aged care supports aren’t available to you locally? Let’s get to grips with all the common questions about NDIS and the older age groups.
I’ve just turned 65, and I have an NDIS plan – do I lose it?
Although it does seem like Aged Care is for everyone over 65, sometimes the NDIS is a more appropriate funding source for you. So, no. You don’t lose access to your NDIS Plan.
You just need to meet the eligibility criteria of the NDIS funding to ensure you’re entitled to it. But, as you’re already with the NDIS, it’s unlikely you won’t meet the criteria. Especially as NDIS funds long-term disabilities, rather than short-term impairments like a broken leg.
What if I live in an aged-care facility, and I turn 65?
If your place of residence was in an aged-care facility – as is the case with many people in remote communities due to lack of local resources – then you can choose to stay with the NDIS funding even after turning 65.
However, if you start to receive Aged-Care funded services (such as home care or aged-care accommodation) after 65, then you will need to solely accept Aged Care funding.
Effectively, you can’t take from both funding packages as one or the other should be funding your care. It just depends which one is more suited to you and your needs.
How will I know which funding package suits my needs the most?
Hopefully you have people around you to help make these logistical decisions. But, this might depend on your disability and your environment. For example, are the NDIS providers near you more equipped to your needs than the local aged care services?
From a report in 2021, LASA found that the NDIS was able to fund:
- More hours
- More diverse supports such as behaviour support and social (community) access
- Assistive technology
- In-depth care management
But, this was a few years ago now and there is a big Aged Care reform due to the inadequacies in the scheme which came to light (advanced by The Royal Commission).
Key takeaways
At Kimberley Care Group, we’re well-versed in the difficulties with both funding packages. But we’re also aware of the best ways to maximise your funding from each, to make sure you get the most out of your life with supports.
As a provider of NDIS services, we’d love to talk you through the ways the NDIS funding can impact your life for the better. Give us a call today, or send us an email: contact@kimberleycaregroup.com.au.