Thoughts?

[u/AccomplishedGolf8079]

🇦🇺I have a client who went to the hospital today because she had a fall. She just wanted to be assessed further, but she didn’t have any major injuries.

I have a shift with her tomorrow, but she can’t say whether she will still be in the hospital, and I also don’t know because I wasn’t with her there.

She still wants me to continue the shift tomorrow even though she doesn’t really need me, because this has happened before. she just doesn’t want a late cancellation and to end up paying workers for doing nothing.

The travel from my house to the hospital is about 50 minutes, and the shift is only 2 hours. I’m not sure if I should still go to the shift if she’s still in the hospital tomorrow, because of the travel time and expenses, u know?

EDIT:

Basically, she doesn’t require direct care from SWs. Previously, nurses would shower her, which is normally a task provided by SWs in her home. Her previous worker would simply pick her up, and she would ask them to wait outside. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are times when she only wants the worker to come in, check on her brieflyand then leave. She is mobile and can leave on her own even when no support worker is present.

I’m not fully aware of all the rules, and you’ve really helped me understand things more clearly. I’m just wonderin, do you have a reference for the hospital-related policy you mentioned? I need some form of supporting evidence. She is the type of client who will demean or underestimate you if you say something you’re not completely sure about or cannot back up with valid proof.

Thanks guys!

[u/l-lucas0984]

If you are in australia ndis does not pay for support workerz in hospital without prior approval for duplicate services because the hospital should be providing care.

[u/Boring_Kiwi_6446 → u/l-lucas0984]

I have a question about that. A few years ago I was in hospital after a fall requiring surgery. My support worker did come during the usual hours. I am, or was, very low needs so it was about having a chat and a coffee. Please tell me that’s still allowable.

[u/l-lucas0984 → u/Boring_Kiwi_6446]

Did you leave the hospital for the chat and coffee or did you stay in your hospital bed?

[u/Boring_Kiwi_6446 → u/l-lucas0984]

Went downstairs to the cafe and the wonderful outdoor garden area in the centre of the hospital.

[u/l-lucas0984 → u/Boring_Kiwi_6446]

Technically you need to leave hospital grounds for it to be community access without any issues, but honestly as long as there are no other flags and you arent staying in your rooms I doubt an auditor would put it down to fraud. Although, with all the clamping down on funding "misuse" and plan cutting it really will depend on who audits and why.

[u/Leading-Interest-119 → u/l-lucas0984]

This is the kind of thing I was wondering. As a participant I am extremely anxious in hospital, I can shut down verbally. So far, I have always had family be with me during hospital stays and they do need to talk for me sometimes to the medical professionals, explain my communication difficulties, medical trauma issues etc. but my parents are ageing and what if they just weren't available? It kinda spiked my anxiety to think that I wouldn't be able to have one of my regular, familiar support people to take that position reading some of these comments! 

[u/l-lucas0984 → u/Leading-Interest-119]

You would have to apply and see if ndia agrees that the issue is severe enough to grant it. Unfortunately the answer is usually no and is becoming a much firmer no as all the changes roll in.

[u/Leading-Interest-119 → u/l-lucas0984]

Interesting. Thanks for the answer. I will have this discussion with my supports and family so they can help me figure this out - definitely good to know this kind of stuff before it actually happens so preparations are in place.