In Australia, approximately 4.4 million people (about 17.7% of the population) live with some form of disability*. This significant portion of the population highlights the importance of disability support services, which are designed to help individuals manage and enhance various aspects of their daily lives. Disability support services cater to the unique needs of each individual, offering a broad range of assistance for physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, mental or psycho-social, and learning disabilities.
From personal care, therapy assistance to nursing supports, it’s important to understand the services available to yourself or a loved one, so you can find the right services. We explore the different types of disability support services available, their benefits, and how to access them so you can make a more informed decision about the care and support you or your loved one needs.
What are disability support services?
In a nutshell, disability support services include a wide range of assistance designed to help those with disabilities manage their daily activities, achieve their goals, and participate in their communities. These services are typically tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and may include physical, social and emotional support.
Types of disability services
Given various types of disability, there are many services available to meet needs.
- Personal care: Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming, or support with meal preparation and feeding
- In-home support: Support with general housekeeping, medication management and companionship, or running general errands
- Therapy services: Transportation to physical, occupational or speech therapy services to improve mobility, daily functioning, and communication skills, or support and assistance during rehabilitation sessions
- Social and recreational support: Engaging in activities such as sports, arts and social outings, or getting involved in programs that encourage social interaction and community participation
- Employment support: Support in the workplace to ensure comfort and well-being
- Nursing support: Medical care provided by licenced nurses such as wound care, medication administration, and monitoring of health conditions
- Respite care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge
Benefits of disability support services
- Increased independence: Individuals can perform daily tasks with greater autonomy
- Enhanced quality of life: Access to necessary support leads to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life
- Improved health outcomes: Regular medical care and therapy contribute to better overall health
- Community integration: Participation in social and recreational activities fosters a sense of belonging
- Support for caregivers: Respite care and other services provide relief and support to primary caregivers
How to access disability support services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded disability support program designed for eligible Australians with disability. Working collaboratively with the participant, their family and carer, an individualised plan is designed to meet unique needs and goals. The NDIS helps individuals receive access to services such as; assistance with personal care, assistance with community participation, transport, work and study supports, home and living supports, counselling and therapy, and more.
Access tailored disability support services with CareMatch Australia
Disability support services are essential for empowering individuals with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest. By understanding the various types of support available and how to access them, you can make informed decisions that will positively impact your life or the life of a loved one. At CareMatch, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised support services to help you achieve your goals and thrive in your community.
If you’re seeking a disability support service and you’re not sure how to get started, feel free to get in touch with us by calling Henry on 0451 874 693 and we’ll help you find the support you need. We’re an NDIS registered provider specialising in NDIS and disability, aged care, personalised in-home care, nursing supports and respite care.
In the meantime, you might also find these resources useful:
- Personalised and specialty care: A spotlight on our approach
- Choosing the Right Care Provider: Your Step-by-Step Checklist
- Starting Your Care Journey: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
*Reference: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare