As many of us might already know, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Home Care Package (HCP) are both programs designed to offer support for individuals with special needs to improve the quality of their lives. These programs can also be accessed by these people from the comfort of their homes if needed. Despite having similarities, however, these two projects have differences too. 

In this article, we are going to discuss how they are distinct from one another, as explained by experienced registered disability providers in Darwin. 

What is a Home Care Package?

The government of Australia offers assistance under My Aged Care via two initiatives, one of which is the Home Care Package (HCP). This specific scheme has been designed for individuals aged 65 years or more who wish to live in their own homes instead of an aged care facility. The kinds of support provided under it include the following:

• Domestic assistance for managing household tasks
• Allied health solutions and clinical care
• Home modifications like ramps or bathroom rails
• Equipment like feeding support or walking frames
• Companionship as well as support for accessing the community
• Personal care like showering, toileting, grooming and more

How is it different from NDIS?

The primary distinction between NDIS and HCP is their eligibility criteria, as the former requires participants to be aged between 7 and 65 years. Any disability service provider in Darwin registered with NDIS offers a solid foundation by giving assistance and independence to individuals with disabilities. That’s why, people who apply for it have to create a detailed NDIS plan based on their goals and needs in life. 

The funding provided under NDIS covers the expenses for the following:

• Home modifications related to the person’s disabilities
• Personal care support for showering, grooming and toileting
• Domestic assistance like cleaning and cooking
• Community support and companionship
• Transportation for travelling to & from appointments
• Nursing care

Since NDIS care is available for those aged 65 provided that they were already a participant before that age, some people wonder if they can opt for both NDIS and Home Care Package. However, according to registered disability providers in Darwin, one person cannot have both, primarily because of the differences in eligibility criteria.