What is high‑intensity in‑home support?
High‑intensity support is a specialised form of in‑home care that offers 24‑hour assistance for participants who require continuous help with daily activities, medical needs or complex care tasks. The support is delivered by a registered provider or a qualified support worker and can include personal care, medication management, mobility assistance, and supervision for safety and wellbeing.
Who can benefit from 24‑hour care?
Participants with significant functional impairments, such as severe mobility restrictions, complex medical conditions or cognitive challenges, are the primary recipients of high‑intensity support. The service is also suitable for those who live alone and have no family or community support to provide round‑the‑clock care.
Eligibility and access rules
To be eligible for high‑intensity support, a participant must:
- Hold an NDIS plan that lists a goal requiring continuous care.
- Have a functional assessment that demonstrates a need for 24‑hour assistance.
- Be a resident of Victoria and not be receiving a comparable public service.
Participants must apply through the NDIS portal or contact their plan manager. The application is reviewed by the NDIS Commission to confirm the necessity of high‑intensity care before funding is approved.
What is included in high‑intensity support?
High‑intensity support typically covers:
- Personal care: bathing, dressing, toileting and grooming.
- Mobility support: transfers, positioning and use of mobility aids.
- Medication management and health monitoring.
- Meal preparation and dietary assistance.
- Household tasks that are essential for safety, such as cleaning spills or managing medication storage.
- Emergency response and supervision to prevent falls or accidents.
All activities must be documented in the participant’s plan and carried out by a qualified support worker.
What is excluded from funding
High‑intensity support does not cover:
- Non‑essential household chores, e.g. washing clothes or general tidying.
- Social or recreational activities that are not directly linked to a plan goal.
- Paid domestic services that are not part of the high‑intensity care package.
- Medical or therapeutic interventions that require a specialist professional (e.g. physiotherapy).
Any excluded service must be funded separately or negotiated with a different provider.
Funding and planning considerations
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set the maximum amount that can be claimed for high‑intensity support. These limits are reviewed annually and are based on the participant’s plan goals and the provider’s qualifications. Participants should:
- Ensure the plan includes a specific goal for 24‑hour care.
- Confirm that the chosen provider is registered and compliant with the latest price limits.
- Keep a record of all support hours and activities to support accurate claims.
- Review the plan annually to adjust the intensity level if circumstances change.
How to request and activate support
- Check your plan: Verify that a high‑intensity goal is listed and that you have the required hours.
- Contact a provider: Reach out to a registered service provider in Victoria. For example, you can explore options on this page for local services.
- Arrange a needs assessment: The provider will conduct a detailed assessment to confirm the level of support required.
- Submit a request: Submit the request through the NDIS portal or via your plan manager, indicating the start date and required hours.
- Activate the service: Once the NDIS Commission approves the request, the provider will begin delivering care as per the agreed schedule.
Participants may also contact this local service page to find additional support options in the Wyndham area.
Local context: Victoria, Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico
Victoria hosts a robust network of high‑intensity care providers, many of whom operate in suburbs such as Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico. Residents in these areas often benefit from:
- Proximity to specialist medical facilities for regular check‑ups.
- Access to community support groups that complement in‑home care.
- Flexible scheduling options to accommodate varying intensity levels.
For example, the Wyndham high‑intensity service page lists providers that serve the broader region, including Belgravia and Chelsea. Residents in Pimlico can also find tailored support through local agencies that focus on complex care needs.
FAQs
What is the difference between high‑intensity and regular in‑home support?
High‑intensity support offers continuous, 24‑hour care, whereas regular in‑home support typically provides a few hours per day or week. The intensity level is determined by the participant’s functional needs.
How do I know if I need 24‑hour care?
A professional assessment will determine whether your daily activities and medical conditions require round‑the‑clock assistance. If you have a severe mobility impairment or complex medication regime, high‑intensity support may be appropriate.
Can I change the intensity level of my support?
Yes. The NDIS plan is reviewed annually, and you can adjust the intensity level if your circumstances change. Any change must be supported by evidence from your care provider.
Are there any additional costs for high‑intensity support?
Funding is capped by the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. However, if you require services beyond the approved hours, you may need to pay out of pocket or seek additional funding.
How do I find a qualified provider in Victoria?
You can search the NDIS provider register or consult local directories. The Wyndham service page provides a list of vetted providers in the area.
This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
