Ageing participants often need extra help to stay safe at home, keep up with daily tasks and maintain social connections. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a range of funded supports tailored for older Australians living with a disability. This guide explains who can access these supports, what is covered, how funding works and the steps to request them in Victoria.
What the support is and who it helps
The NDIS offers specialised assistance for participants who are 65 years or older, or who are approaching retirement age and have a permanent disability. The support aims to:
- Promote independence in everyday activities.
- Reduce the risk of falls or injury at home.
- Facilitate access to community and social activities.
- Provide respite for family or informal carers.
Typical recipients include people with physical impairments, sensory loss, intellectual disability or complex health conditions that affect daily living. The support is not limited to those living alone; it also assists participants who share a household with relatives or carers.
Eligibility and access rules
To qualify for ageing‑specific NDIS funding, a participant must meet the standard NDIS eligibility criteria:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Have a permanent and significant disability that impacts functional capacity.
- Be aged under 65 when they first join the NDIS, or be an existing participant who turns 65 while their plan is active.
In addition, the participant’s needs must relate to ageing‑related challenges, such as mobility decline, home safety concerns or increased reliance on personal care. Evidence from a medical professional, allied health practitioner or a specialist assessment is required.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the participant works with a planner or a support coordinator to develop a plan that includes ageing‑specific supports. The plan is reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if circumstances change.
What’s included
The NDIS can fund a variety of services that address ageing needs, including:
- Home modification assistance – advice and funding for ramps, grab rails, bathroom upgrades and other safety improvements.
- Personal care support – help with bathing, dressing, toileting and medication reminders.
- Assistive technology – devices such as mobility aids, hearing amplifiers and home‑automation tools.
- Transport assistance – community transport for appointments, social outings and shopping.
- Capacity‑building activities – training in daily living skills, nutrition and exercise programmes.
- Respite services – short‑term care for the participant, giving informal carers a break.
All services must be delivered by NDIS‑registered providers or, where appropriate, by a suitably qualified non‑registered provider under a plan‑managed arrangement.
What’s not included
Funding does not cover the following items:
- Routine medical treatment, hospital stays or prescription medicines.
- General household cleaning that is not linked to a disability‑related need.
- Home maintenance that is not specifically for safety or accessibility (e.g., garden mowing, painting).
- Any service that is already covered by other government schemes such as the Home Care Packages programme.
- Equipment that does not meet the NDIS assistive technology criteria or is deemed a personal preference.
Funding and planning considerations
Funding for ageing participants is allocated within the participant’s overall NDIS plan. The amount is determined by the participant’s functional capacity, goals and the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Prices are set nationally and cannot be negotiated beyond the published limits.
When budgeting, participants should consider:
- The frequency and duration of personal care visits.
- One‑off costs for home modifications versus ongoing maintenance.
- Potential use of plan‑managed or self‑managed funding to gain flexibility with providers.
- Co‑funding options where the NDIS may fund a portion of a high‑cost assistive technology item.
It is advisable to discuss these points with a support coordinator to ensure the plan reflects realistic needs and maximises the use of funded hours.
How to request or activate the support
Follow these steps to access ageing‑specific NDIS supports:
- Confirm eligibility. Provide medical evidence and complete the NDIS access form.
- Schedule a planning meeting. Meet with an NDIS planner or a support coordinator to outline ageing‑related goals.
- Develop the plan. Include the specific supports listed above and agree on funding amounts.
- Choose a funding model. Decide between agency‑managed, plan‑managed or self‑managed arrangements.
- Select providers. Use the NDIS Provider Finder or referrals from your coordinator. Ensure providers are registered if you are using agency‑managed funding.
- Submit service requests. For home modifications, submit a request through the NDIS portal with quotes and a risk assessment.
- Monitor and review. Track service delivery, keep receipts (if self‑managed) and prepare for the next plan review.
Local context – Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico
Victoria’s south‑east suburbs of Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico have a growing population of older adults with disabilities. Local councils offer community hubs that host NDIS‑approved activities such as low‑impact exercise classes, social clubs and technology workshops.
In Belgravia, the community centre partners with NDIS providers to deliver home‑modification assessments. Residents of Chelsea benefit from a dedicated transport service that links to medical appointments and the nearby shopping precinct. Pimlico’s neighbourhood watch programme collaborates with NDIS support workers to enhance safety for participants living alone.
When planning your supports, consider the services already available in these suburbs. Engaging local providers can reduce travel time and improve continuity of care. For example, you might combine a personal care package with a weekly community‑outdoor activity run by a Chelsea‑based provider.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive NDIS funding for home modifications after I turn 65?
Yes. If you are already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can continue to request home‑modification funding as part of your plan, provided the changes are linked to your disability and ageing‑related needs.
What if I already receive Home Care Package funding?
The NDIS and Home Care Packages are separate schemes. You may receive support from both, but you cannot claim the same service twice. Discuss with your planner to avoid duplication.
Do I need to use an NDIS‑registered provider for ageing supports?
If your plan is agency‑managed, only registered providers can be used. With plan‑managed or self‑managed funding you may engage non‑registered providers, provided they meet quality and safety standards.
How often can I review my ageing support plan?
Plans are reviewed at least every 12 months. If your circumstances change—such as a new health condition or a move to a different suburb—you can request an early review.
Is transport assistance covered for social outings?
Yes. The NDIS can fund transport for community participation, including social outings, provided the travel is directly related to your disability goals and is included in your plan.
Understanding the options available can help you stay safe, active and connected as you age. If you need personalised advice, reach out to a local NDIS planner or a qualified support coordinator.
This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.