The Differences Between NDIS and CDC

When a person that lives with a disability requires care or support, there are many paths for them to take in order to reach their goals. They could privately fund the resources they require, exercising total control over the process and the levels of care or support they desire to meet their individual needs. Similarly, they can use the services of government-run disability support programs to meet their needs so long as they follow the guidelines set forth for participation in such programs. 

The distinction between the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Consumer-Directed Care (CDC) is that the NDIS is a government-run program under the National Disability Insurance Agency providing NDIS plan management services and disability support coordination. On the other hand, the CDC is a model of providing care that places the consumer in control of their care resources. 

In reality, it is hard to distinguish between the NDIS and CDC in today’s world because whether you want to pay for your own care or support privately or you want to use  funding from the NDIS, both options will enable you to actively participate in your healthcare decision-making for support services. Let’s take a look at exactly what that means.

What is the difference between NDIS and CDC?

Prior to 2015, government-run disability support services operated with a total budget that was divided among participants in the program to fund their care and support needs. Starting in 2016, the NDIS rolled out a CDC model where individual participants are each allotted a care budget which is based on their particular needs. This newer model allows for more consumer/patient choice in making decisions about their healthcare that will help them achieve their individualised goals. 

Traditionally, CDC would have been funded privately or through a different funding model, but the system has changed. The NDIS decided to make the transition to a CDC model in order to better focus on the goals of disability support services to meet the needs of individuals. Consumer-directed care is an obvious choice as a funding model for disability support. This is largely because it places the consumer or patient at the center of the decision-making, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach where everyone is given the same amount regardless of needs or goals.

What is Consumer-Directed Care?

Consumer-directed care refers to a ‘self-directed’ healthcare model in which the client is given the right to full independence in all decision-making related to that care. Whether a person lives with a disability or uses  aged care, this means the “consumer” of healthcare services can decide what services they receive, when they receive them, to what extent or level they desire them, and who will provide them. All of these options provide a specific control method to patients and their loved ones, ensuring that their current needs are identified and their personalised quality of life goals are respected. 

What is the CDC Disability Model?

What are the benefits of CDC Support Services?

There are many advantages to CDC care and support services for patients and those who look after them. Here are a few ways that CDC support services can benefit you:

Independence and Control

CDC allows patients to make decisions for themselves, deciding the details of what level of support they receive, when they receive it, where they receive it, and whom they receive it from. They are in complete control of the services they make use of, without having their care dictated by anyone else. 

Flexibility and Customisation

Since patients are in control, they are also able to make adjustments to the services they receive, changing the service providers, the frequency, the level, the schedule, the individual people, or anything else about the supports they receive. The ability to customise a care management plan that works for you means your priorities are all that matter. 

Competition and Convenience

When there isn’t just one government-run service provider, patients benefit by having a choice as to who they want to work with. The choice further benefits them in that service providers operate in a market and so must compete with each other to provide customers improved service and convenience. 

Who is CDC Support For?

Consumer-directed care is beneficial for anyone who requires support services for any aspect of their daily living or healthcare needs. This includes people living with disabilities, aged persons who require care or support, and patients with dementia or other conditions that require them to use support services. 

Who provides CDC Support Services?

Under a government-run and government-operated support system, the support services would be provided by government employees or organisations contracted by the government to provide said services. Under a CDC model, the support services are provided by private service providers, regardless of their affiliations or registration status, in order to meet the needs of the patient. This means that almost anyone can provide support services, so long as they’re approved and enlisted by the patient themselves or their loved ones. This is because the CDC model of care enables autonomy and control over the details of care and support provision by the patients who will benefit from them. 

Maple Community Care are experts at providing full-service supports to anyone we work with. We have lots of experience in providing care to people with disabilities, or who otherwise require care and support. We work closely with our patients to ensure they get the most out of their NDIS funding. We do this by avoiding unnecessary expenditures or services, and being fully dedicated to meet the lifestyle and well-being goals of our patients and their loved ones.