While we often hear about individuals being denied access to the NDIS, it's worth considering those who actively choose to exit the scheme. Have you met customers expressing the desire to leave, and if so, what are the reasons?
Some participants never intended to join the NDIS initially. They were steered towards it through various channels such as the justice system, mental health services, community referrals, or directly from hospitals post a life-altering event.
Unfortunately, this well-meaning push into the NDIS without a full grasp of its impact can leave individuals feeling disconnected from decision making and they often feel they have not been allowed self-determination.
Example:
Nick, a 37-year-old living with a complex intellectual disability, he resides with a good friend and primarily relies on his mother, Felicity, for support. Due to legal issues, Nick is currently under the care of the justice system, which aims to prevent his incarceration.
The caseworker overseeing Nick's case recognises the potential benefits of involving the NDIS and takes the necessary steps to formalise the process.
Despite the courts deciding that the NDIS structure of supports is what will assist Nick, Felicity is initially hesitant about involving the NDIS but eventually agrees, due the mandated ruling.
Unwilling to engage, Nick avoids participating in the initial planning meeting with the NDIS complex team. Even when he reluctantly attends, his involvement is minimal. The funding received through the NDIS only covers an assessment by an occupational therapist and support coordination, leaving it open to be changed in the future.
The assessment takes place at Nick's home, with Felicity and his support coordinator present. Unfortunately, Nick exhibits oppositional behaviour towards any form of in-home support, including support workers, during the assessment. He doesn’t see the need for it, he states "he can cope with his Mum’s help."
Following the completion of the assessment, the support coordinator contacts Felicity, and they decide to organise a stakeholder meeting. The purpose is to discuss the potential introduction of supports and evaluate whether a change in circumstances is necessary. However, Nick chooses not to attend this meeting.
After extensive discussions, Felicity reaches the conclusion that Nick's participation in the NDIS is not beneficial, and attempting to impose support on him is pointless. Consequently, Nick opts to exit the NDIS once his court-imposed sanctions are lifted. This decision reflects Felicity's assessment that forcing support upon Nick is not conducive to his well-being, it brings about anger, which is underpinned by his anxiety. Felicity notes that every time the subject is brought up, Nicks behaviours become more evident.
The NDIS funding does a lot of great things for many people, but this story also highlights that pushing someone into having support and the over-reliance of the NDIS is sometimes misguided.
There are other reasons why someone will leave the NDIS:
- After achieving a natural progression toward their goals and no longer need support.
- Opting for Home Care services from the aged care system
- No longer residing in Australia.
- No longer being an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Undergoing a reassessment of eligibility by the NDIS.
For further reading about exiting the scheme please click here: Leaving the Scheme
The decision to access the NDIS should ultimately lie with the individual, it also means that resources are not wasted. This focuses the importance of foundational supports, as emphasised in the NDIS review that will compliment, rather than replace it.
If you would like to read more about what the review said about foundational supports, please click the link. NDIS Review Foundational Support Findings
We wish you well as always.
The Lama Care Team
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