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How to Access Private Disability Services Beyond NDIS Funding

How to Access Private Disability Services Beyond NDIS Funding

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 1 in 6 (18%) people in Australia – or about 4.4 million – have a disability. However, navigating the landscape of disability services beyond NDIS funding can be challenging due to various reasons, such as system complexity, awareness and accessibility, bureaucratic barriers, evolving needs, social and cultural barriers, advocacy challenges, and financial constraints. 

Hence, private disability services like Concept Care with a vision to improve the quality of life of the disabled, provide personalised and flexible services 24/7. 

In this guide, we will explore what private disability service providers are, how to access them, their benefits, and how they complement the NDIS plan.

Providing dedicated care to people with disabilities, private disability service providers assist those who may not qualify for NDIS funding, require additional support, or prefer customised solutions. For example, the Concept Care team supports their severely disabled clients with high care services like complex bowel care, dysphagia management, PEG feeding, and more. Other examples of private disability care include in-home support for housekeeping and personal care, therapy services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, organise recreational programs, holiday supports, and respite services. 

Also, private disability providers are completely flexible and tailor their services according to the clients who value control over their care.

Why Consider Private Disability Services?

Expert Private Disability Services are worth considering for many reasons, such as:

  1. Supplementing NDIS Services: While NDIS Funding Sydney covers major aspects of disability care, the private disability centres fill the much-needed gaps by being flexible according to clients preferences.
  2. Immediate Access: While NDIS funding can have lengthy procedures and longer wait times for approvals, private disability service providers like Concept Care can be quick with admissions and payment process, providing 24/7 support.
  3. Customisable: According to clients needs and preferences, private service providers tailor their solutions. For example, if you are on a holiday with a disabled person, you can ask for holiday support, which means a team member from Concept Care will be there with you to assist the disabled.
  4. Flexible: With private disability care services, you can choose your preferred provider, type of care, and schedule without being limited by NDIS Funding Sydney constraints.

Funding Options for Private Disability Services

NDIS-funded services are subsidised by the government. On the contrary, this is not the case with private disability service providers and they look for funding options, which may include:

  • Crowdfunding: Platforms like IndieGogo, Chuffed, Equitise, and Crowdcube, etc. help private sectors raise funds for specific services or equipment.
  • Community Grants: Various local organisations and charity programs often provide funding for services for disabled persons. For example, Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) and First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) provide advocacy support to disabled.
  • Self-Funding: Those who don’t like to reach out to charities or crowdfunding platforms choose to pay for private services out of pocket. This becomes a viable option if one pays attention to budgeting and planning ahead.
  • Private Health Insurance: Most private disability care providers accept health insurance. Depending on your policy, there might be a chance that a few therapies and care services are partially covered by your health insurance company.
  • Employer Support: If you’re employed, check if your workplace offers disability support programs or funding.

How to Choose the Right Private Disability Provider?

Always and always double-check every nook and cranny before signing up yourself in a disability program. Though there are multiple factors that you can consider while choosing the right private disability provider, we’ve gathered a few that you can lookout for:

  1. Check the Record: Before choosing the disability provider, make sure you check the proven track record and positive feedback on delivering quality care. You can ask for clients’ contacts to cross-verify the details. 
  2. Qualification: Check the qualifications of the support worker that the private disability centre wants to assign to you.
  3. Transparency: Choose the provider that communicates their pricing, policies, and processes clearly. Also, cross-check the same with the existing members.
  4. Service Offerings: List all your requirements beforehand to make sure the provider you choose aligns with that. For instance, if you are in Sydney, you can search for “NDIS Providers Sydney” to explore local options.
  5. Trial Periods: Many private service providers provide free trial services. If you choose the provider who is giving a free-trial, avail the session to assess the compatibility.

Combining NDIS and Private Disability Services

Combining NDIS and Private Disability Service Providers work wonders for most individuals as it provides a complete solution. For example, the policies or factors that aren’t covered in the NDIS funding services are filled or adjusted by the private disability providers. Also, you can use NDIS funds for essential support and use private services for urgency or customisation.

Recommended to Read How to Access Private Disability Services Beyond NDIS Funding

Budgeting for Private Disability Support

Hiring Private Disability Service Providers can be hard on your pocket if you are not financially sound. Here are some tips that you can follow to manage your finances and keep getting the support for long-term:

  • Track Expenses: Start maintaining a tracker for all your spendings to identify areas of savings.
  • Explore Discounts: Generally, the private disability care providers offer discounts on bundled services that might reduce overall costs. Also, check the seasonal offers before enrolling.
  • Set Priorities: Choose the services that are most valuable and improve the quality of life.
  • Negotiate: Some providers are open to discussing flexible payment options or discounts for long-term services.

Conclusion

Accessing private disability services isn’t as difficult as you think if you do proper planning and assess all your options before getting enrolled. For example, Concept Care is an NDIS-registered Disability Service Provider that enhances the quality of life by providing tailored solutions according to your preferences and needs. Also, understanding your options, planning the budget, and evaluating the providers on required criteria can help bridge the gap between NDIS funding and personal care requirements.

So, whether you are finding an alternative for your existing program or finding a new private care solution, private disability service providers are a valuable source towards your journey of independence and well-being.