Update on NDIA home and living decisions

Mr Ed Duncan.

Mr Ed Duncan gave the Reference Group an update on the NDIA’s work to improve home and living decisions.

2 older participants raising their hands and above them are 2 plans that are the same.

Reference Group members shared that plans for participants over 65 years old are often the same.

A person supporting someone with a cross next to them.

This might mean some older participants don’t get the supports they need.

A person supporting an older person in front of an aged care home.

Members worry that some NDIA staff tell older participants to move into aged care.

Aged care is where older people live when they can’t stay in their home anymore.

2 people from aged care organisations having a meeting and above them is a speech bubble.

Members explained that disability and aged care organisations should work together.

An aged care worker supporting an older person who has their hand raised. Above them is a disability icon.

They should work together to understand how the age of a person affects:

  • their disability
  • the support they need.

A person in front of a house. Above them are 3 stacked calendars.

Members shared that people with disability should be able to live in their own home for as long as they want.

A person helping someone read a document.

Members also shared that some people with disability need help to use their home and living supports.

A house with an accessible ramp with a change icon and a money icon.

For example, people with disability might need support to understand the changes to the cost of SDA.

A rules document next to an NDIA worker holding a clipboard. Above them is a speech bubble with a tick and cross.

The NDIA has rules for how long it will take them to make a decision.

A rules document with a cross.

Members explained that the NDIA does not always meet these rules when they make decisions about home and living supports.

An NDIA worker supporting a person. Above them is a speech bubble with a tick and cross inside it.

The NDIA need to make sure they support participants while they make decisions.

An NDIA worker and a speech bubble with a tick and cross inside it. Behind them is a person in a wheelchair and a speech bubble with an exclamation mark inside it.

Members shared that some participants don’t feel heard when people make decisions about their home and living supports.