Sometimes, yes. The NDIS can fund nursing support at home when you need it because of your disability and the need is ongoing. It generally does not pay for short-term or medical nursing that belongs to the health system, such as care after surgery. This guide explains where the line falls, what nursing supports may be funded, and how to get started if you live in Yarra Junction, Warburton or the wider Yarra Valley.
The short answer
- The NDIS may fund nursing that is directly related to your disability and needed on an ongoing basis.
- Nursing for acute illness, recovery after surgery or hospital-in-the-home care is usually the health system’s responsibility.
- You may need supporting evidence, such as a letter or care plan from your GP, specialist or nurse.
- Nursing needs to be reflected in your plan before it can be claimed.
NDIS or the health system: who pays?
The NDIS and the health system have different jobs. The health system is responsible for treating illness and injury, hospital care and post-acute care. The NDIS focuses on supports that help you live with the impact of your disability in daily life.
When your nursing needs come from your disability and are likely to continue, they are more likely to be considered by the NDIS. When they relate to a health event, such as an injury, an infection or recovery from an operation, they are usually expected to be provided through the health system. The NDIS explains this in its Our Guidelines page on nursing in the home.
What nursing supports might the NDIS fund?
Depending on your disability and your plan, funded nursing supports may include:
- Catheter care and continence or bowel management
- Enteral (tube) feeding support
- Tracheostomy care
- Skin integrity and pressure care checks
- Support with diabetes management or seizure management plans
- Medication management that relates to your disability support needs
- Wound care where the wound is connected to your disability needs
- Training for your support workers so they can safely follow a nurse’s plan
- Health assessments and care planning to guide your daily support
Not every item will apply to every participant. Funding decisions are based on your individual circumstances and evidence.
What the NDIS generally won’t cover
- Nursing after surgery or a hospital stay
- Hospital-in-the-home services
- Short-term nursing for an injury, infection or illness that is not caused by your disability
- General nursing consumables that are not part of your disability support needs
For example, if a wound heals after an operation unrelated to your disability, the nursing visits are normally arranged through the health system. If you are unsure which side your situation falls on, your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS can help you work it out.
What evidence might you need?
Because nursing sits close to the health system, the NDIS may want to see why the support is needed and why it can’t be provided elsewhere. Useful evidence can include:
- A letter or report from your GP or specialist explaining your health needs and how they relate to your disability
- A nursing assessment or care plan that sets out the tasks and how often they are needed
- Information on what the health system can and can’t provide for your situation
Which part of the plan pays for nursing?
This varies. Depending on your plan, nursing may be claimed from Core or Capacity Building budgets, such as Improved Daily Living or Improved Health and Wellbeing. Your plan will show which budgets you have. The federal government has also announced changes to how some NDIS budgets are set from 2026–27, including some daily living and community participation supports, so it is worth checking how your own plan is affected and what the NDIS currently says.
Nurse or support worker: who does what?
A support worker helps with everyday activities such as personal care, meals and getting out in the community. A nurse is trained to carry out clinical tasks and to assess health needs. Some health-related tasks can only be done by a nurse, or by a worker who has been trained and authorised by a nurse under a clear plan. At BetterPath, nursing and support work can be coordinated, so your care plan covers both rather than leaving gaps.
Does your plan management type matter?
- NDIA-managed: you can only use NDIS-registered providers.
- Plan-managed: you can use registered or unregistered providers, and your plan manager pays the invoices.
- Self-managed: you choose your providers and manage payments yourself.
BetterPath Disability Care is a registered NDIS provider and can support participants across all three types.
How to get started with nursing support at home
- Look at your plan. Check your budgets and goals, and note any health needs linked to your disability.
- Gather your evidence. Ask your GP, specialist or current nurse for a letter or care plan.
- Talk to your support coordinator or the NDIS. If nursing isn’t in your plan, ask whether a plan review is appropriate.
- Choose a provider. Ask about their nursing qualifications, availability, travel charges and how they work with your support workers and health professionals.
- Agree on a service agreement and review it regularly. Your needs can change, and your support should change with them.
Nursing and support at home with BetterPath in the Yarra Valley
BetterPath Disability Care provides nursing services alongside personal care and support work for NDIS participants in Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Warburton, Millgrove, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Don Valley, Gladysdale, Yellingbo, Hoddles Creek and surrounding areas. Our director, Priyanka, is a registered nurse with extensive experience in dementia and complex care, and our team works closely with you, your family and your health professionals to put a safe, practical plan in place.
Unsure whether nursing could be part of your plan? Contact us for a free consultation. If you are a support coordinator, GP or discharge planner, you can also make a referral.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay for a nurse to come to my home?
It can, when the nursing support is needed because of your disability, is ongoing, and is not better provided by the health system. Short-term nursing for illness, injury or recovery from surgery is usually funded through the health system.
Do I need a doctor’s letter for NDIS nursing support?
Often it helps. Evidence from your GP, specialist or nurse can show how your health needs relate to your disability and why nursing is needed. Your support coordinator can advise what is most useful for your situation.
Will the NDIS pay for wound care at home?
Sometimes. It depends on whether the wound care is connected to your disability support needs. Wound care for an injury or surgery that is not related to your disability is generally the health system’s responsibility.
Can my support worker help with medication?
It depends on the task, the worker’s training and your care plan. Some medication tasks need a nurse, or a worker who has been trained and authorised under a nurse’s plan. Ask your provider how they manage this.
What if nursing support isn’t in my NDIS plan?
Talk to your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator. If you have ongoing, disability-related health needs, they can advise whether a plan review is appropriate and what evidence to provide.
This article is general information only and is not legal, medical or financial advice. NDIS rules, guidelines and budgets change, and funding decisions depend on your individual plan. Please check your plan or speak with the NDIS, your support coordinator or a health professional about your situation.
