Understanding NDIS Services
NDIS services help you live the life you want. Whether you need help with daily tasks, want to join community activities, or need equipment to support your independence, NDIS services cover a wide range of supports designed around your goals.
At Mambourin, we’re a registered NDIS service provider offering personalised support that puts you in control. We work with you to understand what matters most and help you get the most from your plan.
What NDIS Services Are Available?
The NDIS organises supports into three main types. Each one serves a different purpose in helping you achieve your goals.
Core Supports
Core supports help with everyday activities. This is usually the biggest part of your plan and gives you the most flexibility.
- Daily personal activities might include help with showering, dressing, or taking medication. You decide what support you need and when.
- Household tasks cover things like cleaning, washing, or preparing meals. These supports help you manage your home the way you want.
- Community participation gives you support to join activities, meet friends, or try new things. This could mean going to the gym, attending social groups, or exploring your local community.
Transport helps you get where you need to go. You can use this for getting to appointments, visiting family, or accessing your other supports.
Capacity Building Supports
These supports help you build skills and independence over time. They focus on what you want to achieve in the future.
- Support coordination connects you with the right providers and helps you understand your plan. Your support coordinator makes navigating the NDIS easier.
- Improved daily living includes therapy services like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or speech therapy. These help you develop new skills or maintain abilities.
- Finding and keeping a job provides employment support, training, or workplace assessments. This support helps you achieve your career goals.
- Increased social participation funds programs that help you engage with your community independently. This might include leisure and recreation activities, life skills training or group activities.
Capital Supports
Capital supports fund one-off purchases of equipment or modifications.
- Assistive technology covers equipment like wheelchairs, communication devices, or hearing aids. These items help you with daily activities.
- Home modifications make your home more accessible. This could include ramps, bathroom modifications, or automatic doors.
- Vehicle modifications help you travel more easily. Hand controls, wheelchair hoists, or other modifications can be funded if they’re part of your plan.
Choosing the Right NDIS Service Provider
Finding the right NDIS disability services provider makes a real difference to your experience.
What to Look For
- Experience matters. Look for providers who understand your specific needs and have worked with people in similar situations.
- Communication style should suit you. Some people prefer regular check-ins, others want more independence. Find providers who work the way you do.
- Flexibility means providers who can adapt when your needs change. Life doesn’t always go to plan, and your supports shouldn’t either.
Choosing the Right NDIS Service Provider
Questions to Ask
When talking to potential providers, consider asking:
- What services do you offer?
- How do you personalise support?
- Can I change my support times if needed?
- How do you handle concerns or complaints?
- Are your workers trained in my specific needs?
Making the Most of Your NDIS Plan
Your NDIS plan is built around your goals. Understanding how to use it helps you get better outcomes.
Using Your Budget
- Core supports usually give you the most choice. In many cases, you can move funding between different core categories to suit your needs.
- Capacity-building supports are less flexible. Each category usually has its own budget that you need to use for specific purposes.
- Capital supports require quotes and approval before purchases. Plan ahead if you need equipment or modifications.
Working With Your Providers
- Be clear about your goals. Tell your providers what you want to achieve. This helps them support you in the right ways.
- Track your spending. Keep an eye on your budget so you know what you have left. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help with this.
- Ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. Good providers want to make sure you understand your supports.
Common NDIS Support Services
Personal Care and Daily Living
These NDIS support services help with personal tasks and household activities.
You might get support with showering, dressing, or grooming. Support workers can assist with these tasks while respecting your privacy and dignity.
Meal preparation support includes help planning meals, shopping for ingredients, or cooking. You stay in control of what you eat while getting the help you need.
Household tasks like cleaning, laundry, or maintaining your home keep your living space comfortable and safe.
Community Access and Social Activities
Getting out and about matters. These supports help you participate in community life.
Support workers can go with you to activities, helping you feel confident and safe. This might be shopping, visiting friends, or attending events.
Group activities provide chances to meet new people and try new things. Many providers run social groups, art classes, or fitness programs.
Life skills training helps you do more on your own. This could include using public transport, managing money, or cooking independently.
Therapy and Allied Health
Professional services help you develop skills and manage your disability.
- Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities. Your OT might help with equipment, home modifications, or building skills for work or self-care.
- Physiotherapy helps with movement and physical function. This could include exercise programs, pain management, or improving mobility.
- Speech therapy supports communication and swallowing. Speech pathologists help with talking, understanding, eating, or using communication devices.
- Psychology provides support for mental health and wellbeing. This might include managing anxiety, building coping skills, or working through challenges.
NDIS Service Provider Registration
Not all NDIS service providers need registration, but it offers important protections.
Registered Providers
Registered providers meet NDIS quality standards. They’re checked regularly to make sure they provide safe, high-quality supports.
Choose registered providers when:
- You’re NDIA-managed or plan-managed
- You need high-risk supports like personal care
- You want extra protections and quality assurance
Unregistered Providers
Some providers choose not to register. If you’re self-managed, you can use unregistered providers for some supports.
This gives you more choice but means you need to check quality yourself. Make sure providers have appropriate insurance and qualifications.
Understanding Your NDIS Plan
Your plan outlines what NDIS disability services you can access. It includes your budget, support categories, and how long your plan lasts.
Plan Management Options
- NDIA-managed means the NDIS pays your providers directly. You choose from registered providers and the NDIS handles the paperwork.
- Plan-managed means a plan manager pays your invoices and tracks your budget. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
- Self-managed gives you complete control. You manage payments and budgets yourself, with access to any provider you choose.
Plan Reviews
Your plan gets reviewed regularly. This is your chance to talk about what’s working and what needs to change.
Prepare by thinking about:
- What goals you’ve achieved
- What supports have been helpful
- What you want to work on next
- Any new needs or circumstances
Getting Started With NDIS Services
Ready to access NDIS services? Here’s what to do next.
If You Have a Plan
Contact providers who offer the supports you need. Ask about their services, availability, and approach to support.
Tell them about your goals and any specific needs. This helps them understand how they can support you best.
Arrange a meeting or trial to see if they’re the right fit. You’re not locked in – you can change providers if things aren’t working.
If You’re New to the NDIS
Start by applying to the NDIS if you haven’t already. You’ll need to show that you have a disability and how it affects your daily life.
Once approved, you’ll meet with a planner who helps build your plan. Think about your goals and what supports might help you achieve them.
After your plan is approved, you can start contacting providers and accessing supports.
Finding the Right Supports for Your Goals
Everyone’s needs are different. Whether you’re looking for daily support, community activities, or employment pathways, the key is finding services that align with your goals.
Think about what you want to achieve. Maybe you want to build your independence, connect with your community, or develop work skills. Your NDIS plan should support these goals with the right mix of services.
How Mambourin Can Help
We provide person-centred NDIS support services across a range of areas. Our experienced team works with you to create supports that fit your life.
We offer:
- Daily personal care and household support
- Community access and social participation
- Life skills development
- Support coordination
- Employment opportunities and work readiness programs
- School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
- And much more
Our approach focuses on what you want to achieve. We listen, adapt, and work alongside you every step of the way.
Questions About NDIS Services
Can I change my NDIS service provider?
Yes, you can change providers whenever you want. Talk to your new provider about starting services, and let your current provider know you’re finishing up. Your support coordinator or plan manager can help with this.
How do I know if a service is covered?
Check your plan to see what’s funded. If you’re unsure, ask your support coordinator or contact the NDIS. As long as a support is reasonable, necessary, and helps with your goals, it might be covered.
What if I’m not using all my funding?
Talk to your support coordinator about why. You might need different supports, more services, or help understanding what’s available. Don’t let funding go unused – it’s there to help you.
Can I try a provider before committing?
Most providers are happy to arrange a trial or initial meeting. This helps you see if their approach suits you before you start regular services.
Next Steps
Finding the right NDIS services starts with understanding your options and what matters to you.
If you’d like to know more about how Mambourin works with the NDIS, reach out to our team. We’re here to listen, answer questions, and help you make the most of your NDIS plan.
Contact us today to start a conversation about your supports and goals.