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.
What Is Community Nursing Under the NDIS?
Community nursing is clinical care delivered outside a hospital. Under the NDIS it falls within the Improved Daily Living category but uses its own set of item numbers. Typical tasks include:
- Stoma, catheter and tracheostomy care
- Wound assessment and dressing changes
- Complex bowel and continence management
- Diabetes education and insulin administration
- PEG feeds and enteral nutrition
- Medication reviews and scripts
- Health education for participants and carers
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 Can Be Funded 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
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.
In‑Home Care vs Clinic Appointments
| 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)
Supporting documents such as medical reports, hospital discharge summaries or nursing assessments may be required before funding is approved.
Community Nursing Example
Emma, 32, lives in Canning Vale and has cerebral palsy. After foot surgery she needed daily wound care and pain management. Her 2024 NDIS plan included 40 hours of community nursing. Working with Elmur’s RN Karen, Emma:
- Learned to monitor for infection signs using a colour reference chart.
- Trialled a lightweight orthopaedic boot sourced through Assistive Technology funding.
- Reduced dressings from daily to every third day within four weeks.
- Avoided a readmission to hospital, saving her plan more than $4,000 in transport and bed fees.
Emma’s feedback: “Karen explained every step in plain English and left easy‑to‑follow instructions for my mum. I’m now back at TAFE two days a week.”
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
If you or a family member requires professional nursing care at home, Community Nursing under the NDIS can provide safe, personalised clinical support while helping you remain independent. Elmur Community Services supports participants across Canning Vale, Thornlie, Gosnells, Harrisdale, Southern River, Piara Waters, Willetton and surrounding Perth suburbs with experienced registered nurses and personalised care plans. Whether you need short-term nursing following hospital discharge or ongoing complex health support, our team can help you navigate the referral process and access appropriate NDIS-funded nursing services.