Navigating High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities Under the NDIS

# Navigating High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities Under the NDIS Let's face it – sometimes NDIS terminology can sound like a foreign language! Today, we're tackling one of those important but sometimes confusing terms: **High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA)**. If you or someone you care about has complex support needs, understanding HIDPA could be a game-changer for your [NDIS journey](https://sandi.app/posts/ndis-history-journey-towards-empowerment). ## What Exactly Are High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities? Imagine needing assistance with aspects of daily life that require specialized skills – that's where HIDPA comes in. These aren't your run-of-the-mill support services; they're the specialized supports that require extra training, careful handling, and specific expertise according to the [NDIS Practice Standards](https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards/supplementary-module-high-intensity-daily-personal). High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities are supports for people with complex care needs that help maintain health, safety, and quality of life. What makes them "high-intensity" is the level of skill required and the potential risks involved if not done correctly. Some common examples include: * **Complex Bowel Care**: More than just assistance with toileting, this involves specialized techniques and sometimes equipment to manage bowel health. * **Enteral Feeding**: When nutrition needs to be delivered directly to the stomach or intestines through tubes like PEG or nasogastric tubes. * **Tracheostomy Care**: Maintaining and cleaning a tracheostomy tube that helps someone breathe. * **Catheter Management**: Insertion and care of catheters that help drain urine. * **Ventilation Support**: Helping with breathing machines for those who need assistance with respiration. * **Diabetes Management**: Monitoring blood glucose and administering insulin. Sarah, one of our community members, shares: _"Before understanding HIDPA, I didn't realize I could get specialized support for my daughter's PEG feeding. Now we have trained workers who know exactly what they're doing, which gives us both confidence."_ ## Why HIDPA Matters: Quality Care and Peace of Mind Have you ever worried about whether someone providing complex care knows what they're doing? That's exactly why the NDIS has specific standards for HIDPA, as outlined in their [high-intensity support guidelines](https://safelane.com.au/blog/ndis-high-intensity-support/). ### The Safety Net of Standards The NDIS doesn't mess around when it comes to high-intensity supports. There are strict practice standards that providers must follow to ensure your safety and wellbeing. These standards aren't just bureaucratic red tape – they're your protection. When a provider is registered to deliver HIDPA supports, it means they've been assessed against these standards and have demonstrated they can deliver these complex services safely. Think of it as a quality assurance stamp that says, "Yes, we know what we're doing!" ### The Training Behind the Support Here's something reassuring: support workers delivering HIDPA must receive specialized training from qualified health practitioners. This isn't a one-and-done deal either – they need ongoing training to stay current with best practices. What does this mean for you? It means the person helping with your tracheostomy care or administering your insulin has been properly trained by a health professional who understands the complexities involved. Tom, a support coordinator, notes: _"The difference in confidence levels between participants who receive properly trained HIDPA support versus those who don't is night and day. Knowing your support worker understands the risks and proper techniques brings incredible peace of mind."_ ## Accessing HIDPA Through Your NDIS Plan So, how do you actually get these specialized supports in your NDIS plan? Let's break it down into manageable steps. For more information about NDIS plans, check out our guide to [Understanding NDIS Packages](https://sandi.app/posts/understanding-ndis-packages-a-comprehensive-guide-43a39981). ### Identifying Your Needs First things first – you need to identify whether you require high-intensity supports. This typically happens during your [planning meeting](https://sandi.app/posts/what-to-expect-in-your-first-ndis-planning-meeting-23ef91a4), but you can request a plan review if your needs change. Signs you might need HIDPA supports include: * You require assistance with complex health procedures * Your current supports don't have the specialized training needed * A health professional has recommended specialized care ### Finding the Right Provider Not all NDIS providers offer HIDPA supports. You need to look specifically for providers who are registered for these services. Here's what to check: * Are they registered with the NDIS Commission for the specific HIDPA you need? * Can they provide evidence of their staff training programs? * Do they have experience supporting people with similar needs to yours? ### What to Expect in Your Plan HIDPA supports will typically appear in your NDIS plan under [Core Supports](https://sandi.app/posts/ndis-core-supports-guide), specifically in the Assistance with Daily Life category. The funding will reflect the higher cost associated with specialized training and skills required. Remember: Your plan should clearly state which high-intensity supports you're approved for. If something's missing or unclear, don't hesitate to ask your [Local Area Coordinator](https://sandi.app/posts/understanding-the-vital-role-of-local-area-coordinators-in-the-ndis-530f1cfc) or Support Coordinator for clarification. ## Next Steps: Getting Started with HIDPA If you think you might need high-intensity daily personal activities support, here's what you can do: 1. **Talk to your Support Coordinator or Planner**: Let them know you think you might need HIDPA supports. They can help guide you through the process. 2. **Get a Professional Assessment**: If you haven't already, have a healthcare professional assess your needs and recommend HIDPA supports. 3. **Research and Choose a Provider**: Look for providers who specialize in HIDPA and have experience with supports similar to yours. ## Conclusion High-Intensity Daily Personal Activities are a vital part of the NDIS, offering specialized support for individuals with complex needs. By understanding what HIDPA entails and how to access it, you're better equipped to manage your care and live a more independent life. To recap, the key takeaways are: * HIDPA supports require specialized skills and training * They are crucial for maintaining health, safety, and quality of life * Your NDIS plan should clearly outline the HIDPA supports you're eligible for If you're unsure about your needs or how to access HIDPA supports, consider consulting with a Support Coordinator or an NDIS expert who can guide you through the process. By taking control of your HIDPA supports and understanding your options, you're one step closer to achieving a better quality of life with the NDIS. Stay empowered, and don't hesitate to reach out to your support team or healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your needs. For personalized advice or further information, consider reaching out to [Sandi](https://sandi.app) for expert guidance on navigating your NDIS journey.

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