Before
When Ray* was in hospital after a traumatic brain injury, everything felt foggy. He was still waiting on answers about what had happened, and what it would mean.
“Every day was a mission,” he says. He was also new to the NDIS. “I didn’t know where to go. There were so many terms being thrown my way.”
Two things worried him most about going home: whether he could look after his dog, Biscuit*, and whether he could manage his own personal care.
Getting Ready to Go Home
Before Ray could leave hospital, his supports needed to be in place. Through NDIS Hospital to Home Discharge Support, his Care Navigator worked with the hospital team to organise his assistive technology, so it was ready and set up at home before he arrived.
He also met his support worker before he was discharged.
“I was scared, if I’m honest. I didn’t know what it was like to have a support worker. What was good was I was able to meet my support worker before getting discharged, with my Care Navigator. It just felt a bit more familiar.”
The First Day Home
“It was actually really smooth,” Ray says. The equipment was there, the support was there, and the home was ready for him to move around in.
The Turning Point
For Ray, the moment things started to feel normal again was about Biscuit.
He wasn’t very mobile yet, and he didn’t feel like going out. But he arranged for a friend to come along that day. While his support worker helped him get out into the community, his friend walked the dog.
“I was really mentally down and I didn’t want to access the community,” he says. But he went.
Leaving hospital soon, or supporting someone who is? Speak with a Care Navigator →
Now
Ray’s supports are steadier, and so are his days.
“I know what to expect. I actually have a better routine.”
He’s using allied health through his NDIS plan to work on his posture and his memory, and he says having someone to talk to has made a real difference.
Ray’s Advice for Someone in Hospital Right Now
“Ask the right questions. Don’t be shy, and tell them when you don’t understand.
“Advocate for yourself, especially when you’re going home. And get clear on what your goals are, not just for the NDIS, but what you want to achieve for yourself.”
How NDIS Hospital to Home Discharge Support Helped
Through our NDIS Hospital to Home Discharge Support, we worked with Ray, his hospital team and his providers to get supports ready before he left hospital, including assistive technology and a meet-and-greet with his support worker. Once he was home, our In-Home Support & Personal Care helped with daily living, and his Care Navigator continues to check in as his needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can NDIS support start after leaving hospital?
Support can start on the day of discharge, where it’s funded in the participant’s plan. Letting us know before discharge helps us plan.
Can I meet my support worker before I leave hospital?
Yes. Aus Care Community Services arranges a meet-and-greet before support starts, where it can be arranged in time.
What if I’m new to the NDIS?
Our Care Navigators can help you understand your plan and coordinate your supports. The NDIA makes all decisions about plans and funding.
Planning a Return Home From Hospital?
For health professionals: Information for referrers →
*Names changed to protect privacy.
Aus Care Community Services provides and coordinates NDIS supports. What the NDIS funds, and decisions about access and plans, are made by the NDIA. The treating hospital team decides discharge.
