Community nursing is a vital component of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria. It helps people with complex medical needs manage daily health tasks, such as wound management, diabetes control and catheter care, while staying in their own homes. This guide explains what the support offers, who can access it, how it is funded, and the steps to activate it.
What Community Nursing Support Is and Who It Helps
Community nursing under the NDIS is a specialised service delivered by registered nurses or allied health professionals. It focuses on:
- Regular wound assessment and dressing changes
- Diabetes education, monitoring and medication management
- Catheter care, including insertion, maintenance and troubleshooting
- Health education and self‑management strategies
These supports are designed for NDIS participants who:
- Have a disability that affects their ability to manage these health tasks independently
- Require professional care that cannot be provided by family members alone
- Are living in Victoria and need support to maintain health and safety at home
Eligibility and Access Rules
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for community nursing, an NDIS participant must:
- Have a documented medical condition that requires ongoing wound, diabetes or catheter care
- Be assessed by a medical professional who can provide a written recommendation for nursing support
- Show that the support is essential for achieving their personal goals and maintaining health
Accessing the Support
Access follows the standard NDIS pathway:
- Submit a request through your NDIS planner or support coordinator
- Provide a medical report outlining the need for nursing care
- Include a detailed plan of the nursing tasks, frequency and expected outcomes
- Await approval from the NDIS Manager who will decide on inclusion in your plan
Once approved, you can engage a community nurse who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
What Is Included and What Is Not Included
Included Services
- Professional wound assessment and dressing changes
- Diabetes monitoring, insulin administration and education sessions
- Catheter insertion, maintenance and removal when medically indicated
- Health education and self‑management training
- Support for medication management and coordination with other health services
- Travel to and from the participant’s home for scheduled visits
Excluded Services
- Hospital admission or emergency care (covered under separate health services)
- Medication costs (unless part of a bundled service with the nurse)
- Home modifications or equipment (unless explicitly included in the plan)
- Personal care tasks unrelated to wound, diabetes or catheter management
Funding and Planning Considerations
Funding for community nursing is governed by the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. The cost of each nursing visit is capped at the price limit set for the specific activity. Participants receive a budget for the total number of visits per year, which can be adjusted if their health needs change.
When planning your budget, consider:
- The frequency of nursing visits required by your medical team
- Potential additional visits for acute flare‑ups or complications
- Travel costs if the nurse travels a long distance (within the price limit)
- Any bundled services that might reduce overall cost
It is advisable to review your plan annually with your planner to ensure the budget remains aligned with your health status.
How to Request and Activate the Support
- Consult Your Health Professional. Obtain a written recommendation for community nursing.
- Speak with Your Planner or Support Coordinator. Discuss how the nursing support fits into your overall NDIS plan.
- Submit a Formal Request. Include the medical recommendation, a detailed nursing service plan and any supporting documentation.
- Await Approval. The NDIS Manager reviews the request against your goals and budget.
- Engage a Registered Nurse. Once approved, you can choose a nurse who is registered with AHPRA and experienced in wound, diabetes or catheter care.
- Start the Service. The nurse commences visits as per the agreed schedule. Keep a log of visits for reporting purposes.
For more information on home care supports in Victoria, see our guide on NDIS home care supports in Wyndham and NDIS home care supports in Wyndham 34.
Local Context: Victoria and {NearbyAreas}
Community nursing is available throughout Victoria, including major cities, regional centres and smaller towns. In the nearby areas of {NearbyAreas}, participants can access nurses who are familiar with local health services and transport options. Many nurses operate in partnership with local hospitals and community health centres, ensuring seamless care coordination.
Participants in {NearbyAreas} can also benefit from the NDIS home care in Wyndham 20 program, which offers additional support for those living in rural settings.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between community nursing and hospital nursing?
Community nursing is delivered at the participant’s home and focuses on ongoing care such as wound dressing, diabetes monitoring and catheter maintenance. Hospital nursing involves acute care in a medical facility and is covered under separate health services.
Can I use community nursing services if I have a minor wound?
Yes, if a medical professional determines that professional assessment and dressing are necessary to prevent infection or complications. The service will be included in your NDIS plan if it is essential for your goals.
How many nursing visits can I get per year?
The number of visits is determined by your medical needs and the budget allocated in your NDIS plan. You can request additional visits if your condition worsens, but these may need separate approval.
Do I need a support coordinator to get community nursing?
While a support coordinator can help navigate the application process, you can also work directly with your NDIS planner if you prefer. Both roles can facilitate the approval and management of the service.
What happens if my health condition improves and I no longer need nursing care?
Your planner can review your plan and adjust the budget accordingly. You may reduce the number of visits or remove the service from your plan if it is no longer necessary.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
