Understanding Sleepover Shifts Under the NDIS: Duration, Active and Passive Support

## Navigating Sleepover Shifts: A Comprehensive Guide for NDIS Participants The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a game-changer for individuals with disabilities, providing a wide range of support services to enhance their quality of life. One such service is the NDIS sleepover shift, which offers overnight assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. However, understanding the intricacies of this service can be crucial for both NDIS participants and their support coordinators. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll delve into the details of NDIS sleepover shifts, exploring the duration, active and passive support, and the associated pricing arrangements. By the end, you'll have a thorough understanding of this essential NDIS service, empowering you to make informed decisions and navigate the system with confidence. ## What is an NDIS Sleepover Shift? An NDIS sleepover shift refers to a support service where a support worker stays overnight at the participant's home or in a supported accommodation setting. The primary purpose of this service is to provide assistance as needed throughout the night, ensuring the participant's safety and well-being. ### The Duration of a Sleepover Shift The standard duration of an NDIS sleepover shift is typically an 8-hour period, usually spanning from 10 PM to 6 AM. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the specific needs and arrangements of the participant. ### Active and Passive Support During a sleepover shift, the support provided can be categorized into two types: 1. **Active Support**: This involves the support worker actively assisting the participant with tasks such as administering medication, personal care, and toileting. The NDIS guidelines stipulate that up to two hours of active support can be included within the 8-hour sleepover period. If more than two hours of active support are required, additional hours can be charged at a higher rate. 2. **Passive Support**: This refers to the hours when the support worker is not actively engaged in providing support and can sleep. However, the worker remains on call to provide assistance if needed. This type of support is also known as "night-time sleepover support" in the NDIS price guide. ## Pricing and Conditions for Sleepover Shifts The NDIS has specific pricing arrangements and conditions for sleepover shifts: ### Flat Rate Payment The NDIS pays for sleepover support at a flat rate rather than an hourly rate. This flat rate covers the entire 8-hour period, including the two hours of active support. Providers can charge less than the maximum rate specified in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements to attract more work. ### Maximum Active Support The sleepover support includes up to a maximum of two hours of active support. If the participant requires more than two hours of active support, providers may claim for the additional hours at higher rates, such as Saturday rates on weekdays or applicable rates on weekends and public holidays. ### Additional Considerations • **Work Before and After Sleepover**: Support workers can provide additional support before and after the sleepover session. These hours are charged at the usual day or evening rates, depending on the time of day. • **Minimum Work Period**: Employees must be rostered or paid for a minimum of four hours of work for one of the periods before or after the sleepover. This ensures that the sleepover and the hours worked before and/or after are counted as one continuous shift. ## Examples and Scenarios To better illustrate how sleepover shifts work, let's consider a few examples: 1. **Example 1**: Sally provides support to Beth. Sally arrives at Beth's home at 7 PM, helps with Beth's evening routine, and gets her to bed at 11 PM. Sally then sits on her phone until midnight. She is awoken by Beth at 3 AM to help her go to the bathroom, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Sally then gets Beth up at 6 AM, does a hand-over with the next worker, and leaves at 7 AM. In this scenario, the sleepover shift includes the hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, with the active support hours being 3 AM to 3:20 AM. 2. **Example 2**: Orla works from 5 PM to 10 PM on Monday, does a sleepover from 10 PM to 6 AM, and then works from 6 AM to 9 AM on Tuesday. Orla gets paid the 15% night shift loading for the hours worked from 5 PM to 10 PM on Monday and 6 AM to 9 AM on Tuesday. The sleepover period from 10 PM to 6 AM is paid at the flat sleepover rate. ## Conclusion: Empowering NDIS Participants Understanding the details of NDIS sleepover shifts is crucial for both participants and their support coordinators. By knowing the duration, active and passive support, and pricing arrangements, you can ensure that the services you receive or provide are in line with NDIS guidelines and meet the specific needs of the participant. Remember, the NDIS is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and providing them with the support they need to live fulfilling lives. If you have any questions or need further assistance, be sure to download the Sandi app, your trusted companion for navigating the NDIS and accessing valuable resources.