NDIS High Intensity Supports: Personal Care for Complex Needs
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides crucial funding to support Australians with disability to live more independently and with dignity. One of its most critical service categories is High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA), which falls under the broader umbrella of NDIS high intensity supports.
This service category is essential for individuals with complex health needs that require skilled, ongoing assistance to complete daily personal tasks. Whether you’re a participant, a family member, a carer, or a provider, understanding how high intensity support NDIS works will ensure that people with high medical needs can receive the care they deserve, safely and effectively.
What Are High Intensity Daily Personal Activities?
High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA) are specialised supports under the NDIS that assist individuals who require a higher level of skilled care due to their complex health conditions. These supports go beyond general personal care by addressing high-risk medical needs that must be managed by trained professionals such as registered nurses or specially qualified support workers.
You can learn more about similar support types in our article: Assistance with Daily Living under NDIS.
The term “high intensity” refers to both the level of risk involved and the skills required to manage these supports safely.
HIDPA enables participants to receive the care they need in familiar and comfortable environments — such as their own home — while still participating actively in community life.
Why HIDPA Matters
Participants who are eligible for NDIS high intensity support often face significant barriers in performing daily tasks due to serious or chronic medical conditions. Without proper professional assistance, these tasks could result in harm, hospitalisation, or a reduced quality of life.
HIDPA provides essential support that:
- Ensures health and safety
- Reduces the risk of medical complications
- Promotes independence and autonomy
- Prevents unnecessary hospital admissions
- Allows individuals to live in their preferred setting
These supports are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to each participant’s unique medical profile, daily routine, and personal goals.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS High Intensity Supports?
To be eligible for innovative community participation NDIS, you must:
Eligibility for HIDPA is assessed during the NDIS planning process. Participants may be considered for these supports if they have health conditions that require:
- Clinical oversight
- Specialised procedures
- Regular risk management
If a participant’s NDIS plan includes support for complex health needs, they may qualify for funding under NDIS high intensity supports.
Some typical eligibility indicators include:
- Diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes
- Prone to high-risk epileptic seizures
- Need for tracheostomy or ventilator care
- Chronic bowel or bladder conditions
- Feeding via nasogastric or PEG tubes
- Management of complex wounds or pressure injuries
Support coordinators and allied health professionals play a crucial role in helping participants gather medical evidence and advocate for the inclusion of HIDPA in their plan.
Types of Support Provided Under HIDPA
NDIS high intensity supports cover a broad spectrum of health-related care. These are categorised by the nature and complexity of the task and whether it requires clinical intervention.
Here are some examples:
1. Tracheostomy Care
Participants with a tracheostomy require 24/7 monitoring and cleaning of the stoma site to prevent infection or blockage. Support workers must be trained to respond to emergencies such as accidental decannulation.
2. Ventilator Management
Participants who rely on mechanical ventilation for breathing need constant supervision. This includes equipment checks, battery management, and troubleshooting alarms.
3. Diabetes Management
Supports may include blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections, meal timing, and understanding signs of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.
4. Epilepsy and Seizure Support
Participants with high-risk seizures require a support worker who can follow a seizure management plan, administer emergency medication if prescribed, and know when to call for medical help.
5. Enteral Feeding (Tube Feeding)
Participants who cannot eat orally may rely on enteral feeding through a nasogastric (NG), gastrostomy (PEG), or jejunostomy tube. Workers manage the preparation, administration, and hygiene of feeding procedures.
6. Complex Bowel and Bladder Care
This includes manual evacuation, suppositories, catheter care (including indwelling, suprapubic, and intermittent catheters), and management of urinary tract infections.
7. Wound and Pressure Injury Care
Participants with chronic wounds require careful dressing changes, infection control, and skin integrity monitoring.
These services fall squarely under the NDIS high intensity support classification and must be delivered by competent staff with training that matches the complexity of the care.
Where Can These Supports Be Delivered?
HIDPA supports are designed to be as flexible as the participant’s lifestyle. They can be delivered in:
- The participant’s private residence or shared accommodation
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments
- Community settings during social outings, education or employment
- During holidays or while travelling with proper risk assessment
This ensures continuity of care even when the participant’s routine changes.
Who Delivers NDIS High Intensity Supports?
Only NDIS-registered providers who meet the requirements of delivering complex care are authorised to offer these services. Support workers must have additional training in high-risk procedures and be confident in emergency response.
Providers typically employ:
- Registered nurses
- Level 2 or 3 support workers (as defined by the SCHADS Award)
- Health professionals trained in disability and complex care
The High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors (HISSD) developed by the NDIS outline the skill levels required for delivering each support type. These descriptors ensure that providers only assign appropriately trained staff to participants with complex needs.
Final Thoughts
High intensity supports NDIS offers are a lifeline for participants with complex and high-risk medical conditions. Through the right combination of skilled staff, tailored plans, and flexible delivery models, NDIS ensures that participants receive the assistance they need — without sacrificing their independence or quality of life.
If you or someone you care for requires NDIS high intensity support, it’s important to work closely with your planner or support coordinator. Ensure your plan reflects your care needs and that you partner with a provider experienced in delivering these vital services.
Need help setting up high intensity supports? Our friendly coordinators are here to assist. Call us or book a consultation online