The number of active NDIS participants has grown exponentially since it was introduced a decade ago. Last year was no different, with the number of cases with approved plans going up from 592,059 in March 2023 to 610,502 by June. 2003 also saw an increase in active providers, from 19,633 to 19,969 over the same three-month period.
With so many providers available, it can be daunting to choose and decide where to begin your search. The NDIS website has a convenient Provider Finder to help you get started. However, location and proximity are only two of many criteria when choosing the most appropriate provider.
What is an NDIS Provider?
A registered NDIS provider is an individual or organisation accredited by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to deliver support and services to people living with disabilities. All registered NDIS providers must adhere to the policies and standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The NDIS aims to provide individuals with the support they need to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Providers must meet stringent quality and safety standards to ensure that participants receive the best possible care.
All NDIS providers, whether registered or unregistered, must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. The Code requires providers and workers who deliver NDIS supports to do the following:
Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions
Respect the privacy of people with disability
Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill
Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency
Promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that might have an impact on the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse of people with disability
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct
Without a valid reason, represent or charge a higher price for goods supplied to a NDIS participant than the price supplied or charged to a person who is not a NDIS participant.
The NDIS Code of Conduct seeks to promote safe and ethical service delivery.
The importance of choosing the right NDIS Provider
Choosing the right NDIS provider cannot be overstated. A good provider can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities by offering the right support and services to help them achieve their goals.
Here are a few reasons why selecting the right NDIS provider is crucial:
Personalised intervention and care
A reputable NDIS provider will offer personalised care tailored to the individual needs of each Participant. This ensures that the support provided is effective and relevant to the Participant’s goals and circumstances.
Expertise and experience
Accredited NDIS providers have the necessary expertise and experience to deliver high-quality services. They are trained to understand the complexities of different conditions and how to manage them effectively.
A holistic and tailored approach
The best registered NDIS providers offer a holistic approach to care, addressing not just the physical aspects of a Participant’s condition but also their emotional and social wellbeing. This comprehensive approach can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Access to a wide range of services
Choosing an NDIS provider that offers a variety of services under one roof can be highly beneficial. This allows Participants to receive coordinated care, making it easier to manage their health and support needs. This also translates to reduced costs and inconvenience, enabling Participants to avoid premature exhaustion of their health funds.
Flexibility to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team
People living with disabilities often have complex needs that span across multiple domains, such as physical health, mental health, social integration, and daily living skills. A multi-disciplinary team ensures that all aspects of a participant’s needs are addressed comprehensively, bringing together different professionals with specialised knowledge and skills, and helping provide improved outcomes.
What other things to look for in an NDIS Provider
To get optimal results, it would be a step in the right direction to choose a provider with the following:
• Team members with the requisite qualifications as well as the skills and experience to address your health condition and goals.
For Exercise Physiologists, that means holding an accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). For Physiotherapists, it’s accreditation from the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• NDIS Workers Screening Check — This is a way to ensure that people who work with NDIS participants do not present an unacceptable risk.
• Police Check
• Working with Children Check – mandatory for various professions and roles, including teachers, childcare workers, sports coaches, and volunteers in children’s programs.
• First Aid certification
• Learn to Swim certification – While not mandatory for all NDIS providers, this certification is an excellent qualification to have for health professionals conducting aquatic and hydrotherapy sessions
• Insurance – for car, accident, public indemnity, and workers compensation to ensure compliance, financial protection, risk management, operational continuity, and the safeguarding of both their clients and the practitioners’ professional practice.
Healthstin as your NDIS Support Provider
As a trusted NDIS support provider, Healthstin meets all the above-mentioned criteria and offers comprehensive services in Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, and Hydrotherapy. Each service is designed to address different aspects of health and wellness, providing holistic care for our clients regardless of health condition and functional capacity.
• NDIS Exercise Physiology — Our Exercise Physiologists customise personalised exercise programs to help manage chronic conditions, improve physical function, and enhance overall health. These programs are beneficial for individuals with disabilities, chronic pain, and complex health conditions, helping them to increase their independence and quality of life.
• NDIS Physiotherapy Providers — Our Physiotherapists specialise in treating a variety of conditions through physical methods such as movement, exercise, manual therapy, and education. Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, chronic pain, or those recovering from surgery or injury. Our NDIS Physiotherapy providers work closely with participants to develop individualised treatment plans aimed at improving their physical function and reducing pain.
• Hydrotherapy — This water-based therapy involves performing exercises in a warm water pool, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, or those who find land-based exercises challenging. Hydrotherapy helps to improve strength, flexibility, and overall physical function while reducing pain and stress on the joints.
Our Allied Health Team is ready to support you
As an accredited Allied Health provider for NDIS Participants, we are committed to delivering high-quality, personalised care to our clients. With seven clinic locations all located within leisure and aquatic centres across Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, and Greater Adelaide, we make it convenient for Participants to access our services. Our team of dedicated professionals includes Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.
We also have a decade of experience in providing Allied Health services to NDIS Participants as well as handling a diverse array of patients with chronic and complex conditions and disabilities, which gives us the capability and confidence to help more people in the NDIS space.
We understand that every individual is unique, and so are their health needs. That’s why we take the time to get to know our clients, understand their goals, and develop tailored treatment plans that address their specific needs. Our goal is to help our clients improve their functional capacity, manage their conditions effectively, and enhance their overall quality of life.
So, if you’re asking, “How can I find the right NDIS provider near me,” you’re headed in the right direction. If you or a loved one needs NDIS services, it is essential to know what to look for in an excellent NDIS Provider to receive the support and services needed to achieve your health and wellness goals.
As an NDIS support provider with an excellent track record, our Healthstin team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your journey to better health.
Looking for an NDIS-approved physio you can trust?
Get started with Healthstin — schedule your first session and experience hands-on care right in your area. Call us on 1300 090 931 or click this link to learn more or to book an appointment today.
