Introduction

Caring for someone with disability is already a complex and emotional role—but during a crisis, the pressure on carers can become overwhelming.

The good news? While the NDIS is participant-focused, there is support available for carers—especially in times of crisis. Understanding what’s possible, what to request, and how to plan ahead can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What counts as a “crisis”
• How the NDIS can support carers during those times
• Where to access emergency help
• How planning and documentation protect both the participant and their carers
• How Assist Providers can help you put strong supports in place

🆘 What Is a Crisis?

In the NDIS context, a crisis is any situation where the participant’s health, safety, or stability is suddenly at risk, including:

• Carer burnout or sudden unavailability
• Behavioural escalation or mental health breakdown
• Hospitalisation or emergency removal from the home
• Abuse, neglect or a change in guardianship

When this happens, NDIS support can be activated or adjusted to ensure the participant’s care continues—and carers aren’t left carrying the load alone.

👥 But I’m Just the Carer—Am I Covered?

Here’s the key: The NDIS funds supports for the participant.

However, if you’re a carer and you need help because:

• You can’t continue safely
• You’re unwell
• You’re at risk of burnout
• …then supports can often be arranged to protect the participant’s wellbeing—which, by extension, also supports you.

✅ NDIS Supports That Help Carers During Crisis

1. Short-Term Accommodation (STA)

Temporary support if the carer needs a break or can’t provide care (e.g., hospitalisation, mental health crisis, burnout).

🛏️ Covers up to 14 days, including accommodation, personal care, food & support.

2. Increased Core Supports

Flexible funding to bring in extra support workers during intense periods (e.g. behaviours of concern, increased medical needs).

3. Support Coordination – Level 2 or 3

A support coordinator can:

• Arrange emergency services
• Coordinate replacement care
• Help plan crisis responses
• Connect to community supports

4. Crisis Behavioural Intervention

If behaviours escalate, Behaviour Support Practitioners can create urgent Safety Plans or adjust restrictive practices if needed.

5. NDIS Crisis Line (for registered providers and LACs)

They can escalate urgent needs and fast-track plan adjustments when safety is at risk.

📄 Example: Jen, a Single Mum & Carer

Jen supports her 24-year-old son Luke, who has complex autism. When Jen was hospitalised unexpectedly, she had no immediate backup.

With the help of a support coordinator, Luke accessed:

• Emergency STA
• A short-term behaviour support specialist
• Temporary support workers for daily living
• Assist Providers helped arrange these within 48 hours, keeping Luke safe and giving Jen the time she needed to recover.

📝 Proactive Crisis Planning: Why It Matters

Waiting until a crisis hits can lead to panic, confusion, and gaps in care.

Instead, ask your support coordinator to help build a Crisis Response Plan which can include:

• Emergency contacts
• Preferred services
• Step-by-step actions if the carer becomes unavailable
• Pre-approved backup providers

📌 A clear plan can be included in your NDIS file and shared with key support people.

📞 Where Else Can Carers Go for Help?

Even though the NDIS doesn't directly fund supports for carers, you can access:

• Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 | www.carergateway.gov.au
• 💡 Free counselling, emergency respite, and peer support
• Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator
• 💡 They can escalate funding issues or temporary changes
• NDIS Crisis Reporting (via providers or LACs)
• 💡 If safety is at risk, they can fast-track approvals

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

✅ Crisis plan templates for participants and carers

✅ Rapid support coordination to manage emergencies

✅ Connecting to emergency respite or replacement care

✅ Helping submit plan variation requests

✅ Providing documentation and evidence for NDIA escalations

Assist Providers work with both participants and their families to build safer, more sustainable care environments.

🏁 Final Thoughts

When a crisis hits, carers need to know they’re not alone.

While the NDIS doesn’t directly fund carer support, it does fund supports that protect the participant’s wellbeing—and by extension, yours.

Want help building a carer contingency plan or accessing urgent supports? Assist Providers can help, step by step.