Guide to continuity of support

Continuity of support (COS) is a cornerstone of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring that every person living with a disability in Australia receives consistent, reliable care no matter where they are on their journey.

The NDIS continuity of support ensures seamless service transition for those moving from other disability programs, continued care for ineligible individuals, and reliable support for current participants. Even during emergencies or staff shortages, continuity of support programs guarantee consistent and dependable care, tailored to your specific needs.

As committed support providers we recognise the challenges that arise when disruptions and wait times create gaps in the support our participants receive. Our goal is to bridge those gaps, enhancing service, providing continuity and ensuring that every client remains on track to reach their goals.

What is the continuity of support for NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continuity of support is a vital principle designed to ensure children and adults living with disabilities in Australia can access reliable and consistent care, tailored to their unique circumstances. Depending on your situation, continuity of support can take one of three forms:

Seamless transition for new participants

If you are transitioning from other government disability services to the NDIS, efforts will be made to identify a smooth and seamless transition. The goal is to maintain the same level of care and support you have been receiving, minimising any disruptions. This means your existing services will be carefully transferred to the NDIS framework to ensure you continue to receive the best possible support during this transition.

Continued support for non-eligible participants

If you are currently accessing support through government disability programs but do not qualify for the NDIS, there are organisations that are committed to ensuring that your existing services continue. Alternatively, other responsible options that best meet your needs will be considered, so you are not left without necessary support. This ensures that no one is disadvantaged simply because they do not meet the NDIS eligibility criteria.

Reliable support for NDIS participants

For clients who already participate in the NDIS, continuity of support guarantees that your care will remain consistent and reliable, even in the face of challenges such as emergencies or staff shortages. NDIS providers have contingency plans in place to ensure that, in the event of a staff member being unavailable, alternative arrangements are quickly made. This means you can depend on receiving the support you need without interruptions, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.

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How does continuity of support work?

In essence, continuity of support within the NDIS framework is about safeguarding your access to necessary services, ensuring that your journey with the NDIS—or any other government disability service—is as stable, reliable, and supporting as possible.

As NDIS providers, we reduce disruptions to our service delivery through implementation of policies and procedures that can help us to reduce foreseeable risks. These policies address:

Staff absences

If a staff member is unavailable, we ensure continuity of care by having qualified replacements ready to step in. We employ scheduling officers, use scheduling software, and assign multiple staff to each participant, so you always receive care from someone familiar, even on short notice.

Participants needs and preferences

We ensure that all supports are tailored to your specific needs, which are carefully documented and shared with all staff and carers working with you. We pride ourselves on our family style approach which means our whole team is familiar with you and your preferences and you can have confidence knowing that you will not be left behind.

This guarantees consistent care aligned with your wishes. We regularly review your needs and encourage your feedback to ensure that your supports remains relevant and effective.

Preventing Interruptions

We are committed to providing uninterrupted care throughout the duration of your service agreement. To ensure consistency, we develop detailed schedules that outline when and by whom your supports will be provided. We also plan supports at the start of your NDIS plan to secure adequate funding, ensuring reliable care for the entire service period.

Unavoidable Changes and Interruptions

We understand that changes or interruptions to services can sometimes happen. When they do, we will always explain any alternative arrangements with participants and their families and seek your agreement. We take a proactive approach by planning for potential disruptions and implementing processes to manage unexpected situations.

Additionally, we have disaster preparedness plans in place to ensure you continue receiving essential support, even during an emergency like bushfires or floods.

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How can Maple guarantee continuity of support?

As NDIS providers, we often see how disruptions and long wait times significantly affect the quality of life for NDIS participants and hinder their path towards independence. Timely and consistent access to services is crucial for maintaining progress and preventing setbacks. That’s why we take our responsibilities seriously by ensuring seamless service continuity, helping every participant stay on track in their development journey.

At Maple, we understand the importance of uninterrupted care, and our robust capacity to manage both new and ongoing referrals ensures that we can effectively address waitlist challenges. When other providers experience delays, we are ready to step in, offering immediate engagement and support to bridge any service gaps. This proactive approach guarantees that no participant is left without the essential supports they need.

Our comprehensive services have a strong emphasis on initiating support promptly and efficiently. We are particularly skilled in providing interim support for those facing NDIS funding gaps or urgent needs, ensuring that continuity of care remains a top priority.

Reach out to our compassionate team today to find out more about continuity of support with Maple.