Community Nursing under the NDIS helps participants receive professional nursing care at home rather than travelling to hospitals or clinics whenever possible. Registered nurses can assist with wound care, medication management, catheter care, continence assessments, diabetes management and other complex health supports related to a participant’s disability. This guide explains eligibility, referral steps, NDIS funding, pricing, common nursing services and how to access Community Nursing in Perth.
Community Nursing at a Glance
- NDIS-funded nursing support for eligible participants
- Delivered by qualified registered nurses
- Includes wound care, medication management and diabetes support
- Can be provided in your home or community
- Supports participants with complex health needs
- Available across Perth’s southern suburbs
What Is Community Nursing Under the NDIS?
Community Nursing is designed for participants who require professional clinical care that goes beyond everyday personal support. Unlike general disability support services, Community Nursing is delivered by qualified registered nurses who have the clinical skills to assess, monitor and manage complex health needs. Depending on your NDIS plan, Community Nursing may include medication management, wound care, catheter care, diabetes support, continence assessments, PEG feeding and other specialised nursing services. The goal is to help participants maintain their health, remain independent and reduce unnecessary hospital visits while receiving care in a familiar environment.
Because these supports are health‑related and often time‑critical, having a registered provider on call gives families peace of mind.
Who Is Eligible in Western Australia?
You may receive funding for community nursing if you:
- Are an active NDIS participant living in WA.
- Have a disability‑related health need that requires a qualified nurse rather than a support worker.
- Can show that the service will help you pursue your NDIS goals (for example, managing wounds to keep working or studying).
- Provide clinical evidence (GP or specialist letters, past hospital discharge summaries, photos of wounds).
- Demonstrate that mainstream health services alone cannot meet the need on an ongoing basis.
Tip: Bring copies of your medical reports to your planning meeting. If the planner sees clear evidence, they can add the correct budget line from day one.
For a full list of disability and health supports, visit our NDIS provider in Perth page.
What Community Nursing Services Are Covered Under the NDIS?
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Diabetes management
- Catheter care
- Continence assessments
- PEG feeding
- Stoma care
- Pressure injury management
- Complex bowel care
- Health assessments
- Education for carers
- Nursing reports
Who Can Benefit from Community Nursing?
Community Nursing may benefit NDIS participants who require ongoing clinical care due to disability, chronic illness or complex medical needs. It is commonly recommended for participants who require medication management, wound care, catheter care, diabetes support, PEG feeding, continence care, chronic disease management or ongoing health monitoring. Participants who have recently been discharged from hospital or require regular nursing reviews may also benefit from Community Nursing as part of their NDIS supports.
Participants who require ongoing clinical care can learn more about our Community Nursing Services in Perth, including medication management, wound care, diabetes support, continence care and other home-based nursing services.
Community Nursing vs Personal Care
| Community Nursing | Personal Care |
|---|---|
| Delivered by registered nurses | Delivered by disability support workers |
| Medication management | Showering and grooming |
| Wound care | Dressing assistance |
| Catheter care | Meal preparation |
| Diabetes management | Household support |
| Clinical assessments | Everyday personal support |
Need both services? Many NDIS participants receive Community Nursing alongside Personal Care to support both their clinical healthcare needs and everyday living activities.
NDIS Community Nursing Item Numbers and Pricing
Below is a snapshot of weekday daytime rates drawn from the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Evening, weekend and public‑holiday sessions cost more, but the structure stays the same.
| Nurse Type | Item Number | Weekday Daytime Rate (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse (EN) | 01_600_0114_1_1 | $96.78 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 01_606_0114_1_1 | $119.82 |
| Clinical Nurse (CN) | 01_612_0114_1_1 | $138.60 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant | 01_618_0114_1_1 | $163.91 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 01_624_0114_1_1 | $171.37 |
Why rates vary: The NDIS sets higher limits for advanced qualifications and for shifts that happen after 6 pm, overnight, on weekends or public holidays. Providers cannot invoice above these caps, but you are free to negotiate a lower fee.
How Often Can You Receive Community Nursing?
There is no fixed number of nursing visits under the NDIS. The frequency depends on your disability-related health needs, goals, recommendations from your treating health professionals and available funding. Some participants require weekly wound care, while others may receive daily nursing visits or only occasional clinical reviews. Your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or NDIS Planner can help determine the appropriate level of support based on clinical evidence.
Step‑by‑Step Referral and Assessment Process
| Step | What Happens | Who Is Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Enquiry | Call or email Elmur with a summary of your health needs. | Participant, family member or Support Coordinator |
| 2. Document Review | Provide recent medical letters, wound photos or specialist reports. | Elmur intake nurse |
| 3. Service Proposal | Elmur drafts a care plan with recommended hours, nurse type and cost. | Clinical lead nurse |
| 4. Plan Approval | Submit the proposal through the myplace portal or give it to your planner. | Participant, NDIS planner |
| 5. First Home Visit | Nurse completes a full health assessment and confirms goals. | Allocated nurse |
| 6. Ongoing Sessions | Visits follow the schedule (for example, three mornings per week for four weeks). | Nurse, participant |
| 7. Progress Review | After one quarter, Elmur issues a progress report and adjusts goals if needed. | Nurse, participant, Support Coordinator |
Tip: Keep a logbook of every visit. It helps when you seek more hours or move to self‑management later.
Community Nursing at Home vs Clinic-Based Care
| Feature | In‑Home Visit | Clinic Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Highest – all care in your own environment | Moderate – shared waiting areas |
| Infection Control | Lower exposure to hospitals | Clinical sterilisation available |
| Hands‑On Training for Carers | Easy – nurse demonstrates with your exact equipment | Limited to what you bring |
| Travel Costs | Provider may charge travel time | Usually no travel fee |
| Ideal For | Complex wounds, mobility issues | Vaccinations, quick reviews |
Most participants start with in‑home sessions, then move occasional reviews to a clinic to save budget.
Who Can Refer You for Community Nursing?
Referrals can come from:
- GP
- Hospital discharge team
- Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
- Support Coordinator
- Existing NDIS Provider
- Family (supported with medical evidence)
Referrals for Community Nursing can come from a range of healthcare professionals depending on your circumstances. Your GP, hospital discharge team, medical specialist, Support Coordinator or allied health professional may recommend Community Nursing where ongoing clinical support is required. In many cases, supporting medical evidence or nursing assessments will help demonstrate why Community Nursing is considered reasonable and necessary under your NDIS plan.
How to Choose the Right Provider
- Check WA registration: Use the NDIS provider finder and confirm they hold the Nursing Registration Group 0114.
- Ask about clinical governance: Do they run regular skill audits, wound‑care audits and incident reviews?
- Look for continuity: A stable roster means fewer strangers in your home.
- Request sample reports: Well‑written progress reports help at plan reviews.
- Confirm availability: Can they cover holiday periods and emergency call‑outs?
- Gauge communication style: Good nurses teach as they work, empowering you to do simple tasks yourself.
Why Choose Elmur Community Services for Community Nursing?
Choosing the right Community Nursing provider is essential for receiving safe, personalised and high-quality clinical care. At Elmur Community Services, our experienced nursing team works closely with participants, families, GPs, Support Coordinators and allied health professionals to develop individualised care plans that align with each participant’s health needs and NDIS goals. We provide compassionate, evidence-based nursing support that promotes independence while helping participants manage complex health conditions safely at home and within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many hours will I get?
It depends on clinical complexity and goals. First‑time participants often receive 20–40 hours for a three‑month block. Provide strong evidence if you need more.
Q. Can community nursing and support work overlap?
Yes, but the tasks must be different. A support worker can assist with showering once the nurse has set the wound dressing, for example.
Q. What travel costs can be charged?
Providers can claim their time plus $1.15 per kilometre or the actual public‑transport fare (capped at 60 minutes each way unless agreed in writing).
Q. Can I swap providers mid‑plan?
Absolutely. Give seven days’ notice in writing, download past progress notes and sign a new service agreement.
Q. Does Community Nursing cover medication administration?
Yes. Qualified nurses can administer medications when they are disability-related and funded through an eligible NDIS support.
Q. Is Community Nursing different from Personal Care?
Yes. Personal Care supports everyday activities such as showering, dressing and grooming, while Community Nursing is delivered by qualified nurses for clinical health supports.
Q. Can Community Nursing be provided at home?
Yes. Most Community Nursing services are delivered in the participant’s home, helping reduce unnecessary hospital visits while maintaining independence.
Q. Can Community Nursing be provided long term?
Yes. Community Nursing can be provided on an ongoing basis where it is considered reasonable and necessary under your NDIS plan and continues to support your disability-related health needs.
First‑Visit Checklist (Save or Print)
- Personal ID and NDIS number
- Current medications and dosages
- Latest hospital discharge summary
- Wound photos (if relevant)
- Emergency contacts
- Preferred GP details
- A safe place for sharps container
- Spare dressings or continence products
- List of short‑term goals (e.g., drive again, return to work, play sport)
Next Steps
- List your top three clinical goals.
- Gather supporting evidence from your doctor.
- Contact Elmur on (08) 6558 8814 or email info@elmur.com.au
- Share this guide with your Support Coordinator and request a service booking.
- At your plan review, bring Elmur’s progress report to show measurable outcomes.
Professional Community Nursing Services Across Perth
Community Nursing plays an important role in helping NDIS participants manage complex health needs while maintaining independence and improving their quality of life. Whether you require medication management, wound care, diabetes support, catheter care or ongoing clinical nursing, accessing the right support can make everyday life safer and more comfortable. Elmur Community Services provides personalised Community Nursing across Canning Vale, Thornlie, Harrisdale, Southern River, Willetton, Gosnells and surrounding Perth suburbs. Our experienced nursing team works closely with participants, families and healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care tailored to individual needs and NDIS goals.