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Some individuals with disabilities have complex health needs requiring high intensity support services.

NDIS high intensity support is a specialised form of assistance tailored for NDIS participants who need support with more advanced daily personal activities, often involving tasks with increased health or safety risks.

These supports are formally recognised under the NDIS as High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA) and are delivered by support workers with advanced training, specialist skills, and in many cases, clinical oversight by registered nurses or other healthcare professionals.

What is NDIS High Intensity Support?

NDIS High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA), sometimes referred to as NDIS high intensity support, represent the most intensive and high-risk services available through the NDIS. To protect the well-being of participants who depend on these supports, our staff of qualified health professionals have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the support safely. At the time of publishing, there are eight high-intensity personal daily supports:

Once it has been decided that a task can be safely delegated the next step is to determine the level of care required. This ensures that the correct amount of NDIS funding is included in the plan to enable a registered nurse to assess the task, train the support worker, and provide ongoing supervision to ensure everything is done safely and correctly.

High intensity support ndis - offering assistance

Understanding NDIS levels of High-Intensity Support

High-intensity supports under the NDIS are structured into three levels or tiers, depending on the complexity of a person’s care needs. Each level reflects the number and type of disability-related health support areas for which a person requires assistance, as well as the level of oversight needed from a registered nurse.

Low-level support

Low-level high-intensity support applies when a person needs help in up to two health support areas. These supports are still important but carry fewer health risks and may include services such as diabetes management assistance or podiatry support. While a registered nurse may still oversee this care, the support worker delivering the service can often be trained to manage these tasks independently under appropriate supervision. In these cases, the NDIS typically funds a Level 2 Support Worker trained by a registered nurse to carry out these delegated tasks safely.

Intermediate-level support

Intermediate-level support is for individuals who need assistance across three disability-related health areas — for example, someone who needs support with continence, wound care, and managing diabetes. These tasks require greater coordination and clinical oversight. The NDIS will provide funding for a Level 2 Support Worker who has been trained and is supported by a registered nurse to ensure care is delivered safely and appropriately.

High-level support

High-level support is the most complex category and applies when someone requires assistance across four or more areas of health support. This might include needs such as epilepsy management, complex wound care, nutritional support, and diabetes management. In these situations, support workers must have a higher level of training and ongoing supervision from a registered nurse. The NDIS funds a Level 3 High Intensity Support Worker, who is trained and equipped to manage multiple, high-risk tasks under the guidance of a clinician.

Understanding which level of support is needed is a vital part of the NDIS planning process, and we can help participants and their families navigate these support levels to ensure each person receives the proper care tailored to their needs.

NDIS high intensity support services

How High-Intensity Support works

Para Ability Community Care works closely with participants, their families, and healthcare professionals to ensure the provision of the appropriate level of care. High-intensity support is a structured, closely monitored process involving assessment, tailored planning, specialised training, and ongoing supervision to address complex disability-related health or behavioural needs safely and effectively. Here’s how we operate under the NDIS:

Participants undergo an assessment to determine if their needs qualify as high intensity. This includes reviewing medical, allied health, or occupational therapy reports to identify complex requirements, such as tracheostomy care, enteral feeding, ventilator management, or support for challenging behaviour.

Each participant receives an individualised care plan developed in consultation with health professionals. This plan outlines the specific high-intensity tasks required and details how and when they should be delivered to minimise risk and meet personal preferences.

Support workers providing high-intensity supports must be trained and, where necessary, supervised by a registered nurse or qualified health practitioner. Training is based on the NDIS Practice Standards and High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors, ensuring that workers possess the necessary competencies to perform complex tasks safely and effectively.

While not all high-intensity supports require a nurse to deliver them, a registered nurse or a qualified practitioner must assess, train, and supervise support workers who perform delegated high-risk tasks. This ensures ongoing oversight and risk management.

Providers must regularly review care plans and worker competencies, updating training and procedures as participant needs or best practice guidelines evolve.

The NDIS funds high-intensity supports at a higher rate to reflect the advanced skills required. Providers must document the need for these supports and include evidence in care rosters and funding submissions.

Participants may receive a combination of standard and high-intensity supports, with funding allocated accordingly based on the complexity and frequency of care required.

Why High-Intensity Support matters

High-intensity support plays a vital role in helping people with complex care needs live safely and with dignity. With the right support in place, individuals can remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the specialised care they need. Our qualified staff help reduce the risk of health complications, ensuring that care is not only effective but also delivered with empathy and respect. Most importantly, this level of support enables people to maintain their independence, engage with their community, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Para Ability Community Care is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate support that empowers people with complex needs to live well. If you or someone you care for requires high-intensity support in Adelaide under the NDIS, our experienced team is here to help.