Introduction

Whether it’s planned surgery or an emergency admission, going to hospital can be stressful—not just for your health, but for your support arrangements too.

You might be wondering:

• Does my NDIS funding stop while I’m in hospital?
• Can support workers still visit me?
• What happens if I’m in there for weeks?
• Will I lose my plan?

Let’s break down exactly what happens and how you can plan ahead to keep things running smoothly during a hospital stay.

🏥 Will My NDIS Plan Be Affected?

✅ Good news: Your NDIS plan does not stop just because you’re in hospital.

But depending on your situation, some supports may pause or change—especially if they’re related to daily activities you’d usually do at home or in the community.

⏸️ Supports That May Be Paused

While in hospital, you may no longer need:

• Community access support
• In-home personal care
• Transport
• Day programs or group activities

These supports may be paused temporarily while you receive hospital care.

✅ Supports That Can Continue

Some supports can continue, depending on your needs and hospital policies:

• Support Coordination: Can keep working in the background
• Therapeutic Supports (like physio, OT): Can sometimes visit in hospital
• Psychosocial Support: May continue via phone or remote delivery
• Advocacy or Decision Support: If you need help making health decisions

💬 Note: Hospital rules may affect which workers are allowed onsite.

🕒 What If I'm in Hospital for a Long Time?

If your stay is longer than a few days, your support coordinator or nominee should:

• Notify the NDIA
• Review your plan to check what can be paused or redirected
• Help plan for discharge and smooth transition back home
• Organise additional support if your needs have changed

📌 If your hospital stay exceeds 90 days, the NDIA may review your plan to make sure it still meets your current support needs.

📄 Preparing Before a Hospital Stay

If it’s a planned admission (e.g., surgery), do this beforehand:

1. ✅ Tell your support coordinator or LAC
2. ✅ Contact your support workers to adjust shifts
3. ✅ Let the NDIA know if the stay will be long or complex
4. ✅ Have a discharge plan in place (e.g., STA, increased care)

Planning ahead ensures you aren’t left without support after hospital.

🧍‍♀️ Can My Support Worker Visit Me in Hospital?

Sometimes—yes!

Hospitals often allow essential carers or familiar staff to visit if:

• You need help communicating
• You have complex behavioural or sensory needs
• You're more stable with a known support person

Check hospital visitor rules and ask your provider to arrange this properly.

🏠 What About After I Leave Hospital?

This is where extra NDIS support can really help:

• Short Term Accommodation (STA) if you’re not ready to go home
• Extra personal care hours if your needs have increased
• Allied health supports to help you recover
• Home modifications if your mobility has changed

➡️ These can be requested with updated evidence or via a change of circumstances form.

🤝 How Assist Providers Can Help

Assist Providers support you at every stage, including:

• Coordinating plan changes while you’re in hospital
• Helping you apply for extra support on discharge
• Navigating hospital systems and advocating for your needs
• Connecting you to providers who can work in hospital settings
• Ensuring nothing important in your plan lapses

🧠 Final Thoughts

Going to hospital doesn’t mean your NDIS plan is forgotten—it just needs to flex with your circumstances.

With a bit of planning (and the right support), you can stay connected, safe, and supported before, during, and after your hospital stay.

💬 Need help managing a hospital admission with your NDIS plan? Assist Providers are just a call away.