Incorporating Physiotherapy in the Aged Care Plan under the NDIS

The process of understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme can be daunting, especially if you are trying to provide services such as Physiotherapy to older Australians under an aged care plan. Physiotherapy can improve mobility, reduce pain and increase the overall quality of life for older Australians. In this blog we explore how Physiotherapy services can be included in NDIS plans for older participants, eligibility, benefits and how to implement this effectively.

Understanding if you are eligible to access physiotherapy through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

In order for NDIS participants over the age of 65, who are not applying under the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach or receiving existing Queensland Government specialist disability supports, to access the NDIS they must have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to participate effectively in activities or perform tasks or actions, and the impairment to be assessed as likely to be permanent.

Advantages of Physiotherapy for Elderly NDIS Participants

Physiotherapy is very beneficial for older individuals, especially if they have conditions that affect their mobility and overall physical health. Regular physiotherapy treatments can help decrease pain and inflammation, improve a person’s mobility, increase muscle strength and coordination as well. Additionally, physiotherapy is a key component for preventing falls which is very important when considering an elderly person’s independence and safety. By incorporating physiotherapy into an NDIS plan, participants will have access to exercises and therapies that are tailored to their specific needs and health conditions. Participating in physiotherapy assessments and choosing exercises based on individual goals will ensure that the correct exercises are done in the correct way for individuals that are involved in physiotherapy sessions. Starting with some of these exercises may assist in developing a physio routine going forward.

How to Add Physiotherapy in Your NDIS Plan

The initial stage is to receive an assessment from a qualified physiotherapist. This assessment will produce a detailed report of your physical needs. That report will identify the frequency and type of physiotherapy required to maintain your health. This is an important step to access NDIS funding because it will guide the NDIS in approving your funding.

Establish Concrete Objectives: It is essential for your NDIS plan to include clear and quantifiable objectives. These objectives should represent the results you want to see from your physiotherapy, such as increased mobility, pain relief, or the ability to complete daily activities easier.