The Brisbane South Chronic Disease Team at the Eight Mile Plains Community Health Centre has been working hard to ensure their clients can access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as it is rolled out in the Metro South region.  

The team has submitted 16 access requests so far this year with successful applicants transitioning to the NDIS in July.

Social Worker, Soney Baigent, is part of the multidisciplinary team helping clients with chronic conditions manage their health and care needs at home.

“We are so excited that applications for 12 of our clients from the PAH Motor Neurone Clinic have already been successful,” said Soney.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is where the nerve cell—neurones controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow—undergo degeneration and die.

“The hours of physical care and equipment secured through the NDIS will enable these patients to stay home as the disease progresses.  Without this support they would be forced to live in residential care facilities or have frequent and long hospital stays.”

A range of healthcare professionals, including social workers and occupational therapists with support from nursing staff, physiotherapists and dieticians have been helping Metro South clients to provide evidence of their disability to the NDIS and articulate the impact of the disability on their daily lives.

This information forms the basis of their NDIS plan taking into account individual needs and goals.  

“Working collaboratively at this stage of the process ensures our clients can maintain some choice and control over how, when and where their supports are provided through the NDIS,” said Soney.

“Last year we were working with a client with motor neurone disease who wanted to stay in his home as his condition deteriorated.  Unfortunately he passed away at the end of last year, but the support he received through the NDIS allowed him to stay at home.”

“He enjoyed his final few months in his home surroundings with family and friends.  His daughter was overwhelming grateful for the support given by the team which ensured her dad’s wishes were realised.”

From 1 January 2018, people with disability in the Metro South region can submit an application to access the NDIS. Eligible participants in these areas will then transition to the Scheme from 1 July 2018.

Social Work has been appointed by Metro South Health to lead the way for the NDIS rollout.

If you would like further information about accessing the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au.