The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has proved to be a big stride towards enhancing the provision of assistance to individuals with disabilities in Australia. But age is one of the major eligibility norms. The scheme is also limited to persons who are below 65 years at the time of application. And what about a person who acquires a disability or requires assistance past the age of 65? Although they cannot directly access the NDIS, there exist various NDIS over 65 options.
This blog will discuss the question of what aged Australians with disabilities can do and how they can get support even if they are not eligible for the NDIS.
Why the NDIS Has an Age Limit
NDIS was planned to provide assistance to people with permanent and significant disabilities at any early stage of their life to enable them to enjoy higher levels of independence and a better quality of life. This is why it has a strict requirement that the age of applicants should be below 65 at the time of application.
In case an individual is already accessing the NDIS support, and he or she reaches the age of 65, he or she can proceed with the scheme until death. But when a person gets disabled or requires assistance after 65 years of age, then he/she has to look into the options of elderly disability support Australia, which is not under NDIS.
The Aged Care System of Support
The aged care system usually provides support to people aged 65 years and above. This system is designed in such a way that it provides varying degrees of assistance based on the requirements and abilities of a person.
Among the most frequently used programs is the one that offers assistance in such day-to-day activities as cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene, and transport. The services are intended to assist older Australians to live at home as long as possible, and in their own homes.
Structured packages with more tailored services are also available to people requiring more detailed and continuing care, including nursing care, mobility support, home design modifications and access to allied health professionals. Being less individualised and disability-oriented, these packages are one of the key NDIS over 65 alternatives, ensuring a decent quality of life for seniors.
Support to past recipients
In certain situations, individuals who were on disability support prior to the launch of NDIS and have reached the age of 65 years in the course of the transition period can receive a special scheme referred to as Continuity of Support.
This plan was created in case older people who accessed state-based disability supports prior to the NDIS rollout are not disadvantaged or left without support because of the new eligibility criteria. It may not be as flexible as the NDIS, but it still supports a range of similar services to eligible people.
Veterans Services Disability Support
And if you have a military background, then disability support can be sought under veterans’ programs as well. Home care services, rehabilitation, community nursing and other kinds of support might be available to veterans and their families who live with the challenges of disability.
This is why these services are meant to dignify the service rendered by these veterans and offer continuing support to them in old age, and so, are another feasible alternative to the wider elderly disability support service in Australia.
Getting hold of Private Support Options
Although a number of individuals depend on the government-funded programs, there are privately funded disability support services offered to older Australians. Others may opt to fund their own care privately, either directly or with private health insurance, particularly when they want more specialised or urgent help.
With the private services, there is the opportunity to have greater choice over the type of care that an individual receives, who provides the service, and when they are available. Although this may not be an economically successful strategy for all, it can be used to complement government aged care initiatives.
Local Community and State-Based Support.
As well as federal programs of aged care, most states and territories provide their community-based services to older residents. Such services can cover mobility aid support services, home modification assistance services, community transport services, social inclusion services and disability advocacy.
These services differ according to the region and many factors, and therefore, individuals or their families should get in touch with local organisations to determine which particular assistance options are offered in their region. Such programs are particularly significant in the search for personalised and available NDIS over 65 alternatives.
Continuing in the NDIS beyond 65 Years of Age
It is also important to mention once again that those people who were accepted into NDIS when they were under 65 Years old can stay in the program even as they get older. This category of people will still enjoy NDIS funding and other benefits, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria, which is a continuous process.
Such continuity of care is becoming more personalised and holistic compared to the conventional aged care support. Participants of the NDIS can also receive assistance that helps achieve independence, community involvement, and well-being, which is sometimes restricted in aged care packages. Therefore, the aforementioned leads to a high number of people opting to remain on the NDIS rather than transfer to an aged care option, unless their situation or care requirements alter dramatically.
Pre-emptive Planning to Include Supporting Disability in Later Life.
When you are approaching 65 and you have a disability or you are likely to develop a disability, you need to plan in advance. It is beneficial to apply to the NDIS earlier than meeting the age requirement to have a more long-term support system.
And if you are already past the eligibility age, it is important to do some research and apply to get the right aged care or veterans’ services available to you. Wait times may be long when applying to certain services, and planning ahead will help you receive more aid when it is most necessary.
Conclusion
Although the NDIS does not apply to those who submit the application after reaching 65 years of age, numerous NDIS over 65 options and elderly disability support Australia options exist. Whether it is government-subsidised aged care programs, services to veterans or just privately funded care, the point of entry into the system to get the help and support needed is many.
The needs of every individual are different, and although the aged care programs do not provide the same degree of personalisation as NDIS, they can deeply contribute to daily living, independence, and quality of life. When you or a loved one is over 65 and co-exists with a disability, it is important to understand all options available to you and plan early to receive the appropriate support at the appropriate time.
