Community nursing can support disability-related health needs that affect everyday life. Care is provided in the community—often at home—and starts with understanding the participant, the clinical task, existing health professionals and the outcomes the support is intended to achieve.
What community nursing may include
The exact service depends on clinical assessment, NDIS funding, registration requirements and our current nursing capacity. Where appropriate, support may include:
- nursing assessment and an individual care plan
- monitoring disability-related health needs and documenting changes
- wound, continence or catheter care within approved clinical scope
- medication support or education where clinically appropriate
- training and oversight for delegated disability support tasks
- working with the participant’s GP, allied health team, hospital or support network—with consent.
Clinical care
A nurse provides assessment or care that requires nursing knowledge and remains accountable for working within professional standards and organisational scope.
Delegated support
Where delegation is appropriate, the task, worker training, competency, supervision, review and escalation steps must be clearly documented for that participant.
How we plan nursing support
Before accepting a service, we review the referral and speak with the participant or authorised representative. We may request current clinical orders, health plans, medication information, equipment details, risk information and consent to contact treating practitioners.
We then confirm what HelpAlong can safely provide, who is responsible for each part of care, how visits will be scheduled, what records are required and when a concern should be escalated. Plans are reviewed after a health change, hospital admission, incident or at an agreed interval.
Common questions
Does the NDIS fund every nursing service?
No. The NDIS may fund health supports where they are disability-related and meet NDIS funding criteria. Diagnosis and treatment that are the responsibility of the health system are generally not funded by the NDIS.
Can a support worker complete a nursing task?
Only where the task can be safely delegated, the individual plan allows it, the worker has been trained and assessed as competent, and appropriate supervision and escalation arrangements are in place.
General information only. See the NDIS guide to disability-related health supports. Availability depends on clinical assessment, registration, funding and current capacity.