Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Lulu1]

 Do you think some mental health support services may become privatised with the full rollout of the NDIS? I know in the disability field where I work (but used to work in mental health) the Department of Human Services is selling some services to private companies.

[mindfullyhere]

Can you speak to your experience of consumers needing to create a story that speaks all in functional deficits, and yet paradoxically the consumer needs to also present hopeful goals and dreams? is this a fair rumor? Also, how quickly can the ndis plan respond to a participant if their episodic illness significantly worsens and their supports needs increase? Have mental health participants in your region been left without funds to meet their care needs due to this happening? This is a very huge worry for me

[Ben_BreakThru]

It was a mix really. Initially in the Hunter, the plans were slow off the mark for people with psychosocial disability, even when they were already supported by a mental health provider and were transitioning. There were more than a few occassions where the participant was underfunded or their support needs were not seen as permanent. This has really improved though! We are seeing people with psychosocial support needs receiving packages more frequently now and with more comprehensive plans. This is due to the 'maturity' of planners in the Hunter. I think generally, the NDIS has also matured. SO I am hopeful!

[Shaz51]

Hello @Ben_BreakThru

 Trying to go on NDIS and being self employed is totally impossible

[whatnow]

Hi - yes I am concerned how this will work as my periods of being unwell are episodic (and have been like this for 9 years), and the functional capacity varies.  Who knows whether it will be permanent as quite a few service providers are currently supporting my recovery and I am concerned that these services will be lost to me without a package.

[Ben_BreakThru]

The planning process does look at a persons support needs day-to-day (or what the NDIS calls "activities of daily living"). This is a type of functional perspective. They take this information to build a persons 'goal focus' for the future in terms of building capacity to be more independent and more included in their communities.

Great question about response time too! 

The Agency can be quite responsive to episodic illness. We have had plans reviewed with additional specialised support approved within a day for people with episodic illness. This is our experience of late. It is important to have a good relationship with your NDIS planner (or a provider who does) so you can contact them when this happens!

[NikNik]

---

@Lulu1 wrote:

 Do you think some mental health support services may become privatised with the full rollout of the NDIS? I know in the disability field where I work (but used to work in mental health) the Department of Human Services is selling some services to private companies.

---

Hi @Lulu1

As far as I'm aware, some organisations (not for profits) are receiving funding to help with the roll out of the NDIS and other services to assist with people on Plans.

I'm not aware of Dept of Human Servives selling some services to private companies. 

🙂

[mindfullyhere]

that is such a relief to hear that the ndia can respond quickly to increase support! The other talks I have been to have informed that if the plan was done correctly that this wouldn't happen. It seems there is some misinformation doing the rounds..

[Ben_BreakThru]

Thanks @whatnow

The NDIS  supports 'daily living', which includes assistance with decision making, household tasks, bulding capacity for independence and to achieve goals, building social relationships, financial management and tenancy, supports to engage the community such as recreation, education, training and employment. Where you can demonstrate a need to be supported in these areas due to your psychosocial disability, this can be funded through the NDIS. 

The NDIS won't fund medical or clinical supports (this still falls within the clinical mental health and health services).

[Lulu1]

So you don't really foresee more private mental health orgaisations establishing with NDIS and see less not-for-profit?