Managing medications safely can be challenging for people living with disability, particularly when they have multiple medicines, difficulty remembering doses, physical limitations or complex health needs.

NDIS medication management may provide disability-related support that helps an eligible participant manage their medicines safely and maintain greater independence at home.

In this guide, we explain what NDIS medication management means, what support may be available, who may be eligible and how medication support can be provided in the home.

What Is NDIS Medication Management?

NDIS medication management refers to disability-related support that helps an NDIS participant manage their medication safely when their disability affects their ability to do so independently.

Depending on a participant's individual needs, support may include assistance with medication routines, reminders, safe administration, maintaining medication information and coordinating with relevant health professionals.

The NDIS generally does not fund medicines themselves or healthcare services that are the responsibility of the mainstream health system. However, disability-related health supports may be funded when they relate to a person's disability and meet the NDIS funding requirements.

Does the NDIS Fund Medication Management?

The NDIS may fund medication-related support where a participant has a disability-related need and the support meets the applicable NDIS requirements.

For example, the NDIS may fund disability-related health supports that help a participant manage a health condition resulting from their disability. Medication management is identified within NDIS guidance relating to community nursing care for participants with high care needs.

However, NDIS funding does not generally cover the cost of medicines themselves. Medicines and ordinary healthcare remain the responsibility of the health system and other mainstream services.

Whether medication-related support can be included in an individual NDIS plan depends on the participant's circumstances, disability-related needs and funding arrangements.

Who May Need NDIS Medication Management Support?

Medication management support may be useful for NDIS participants who have difficulty managing their medication because of the functional impact of their disability.

This may include people who:

• Have difficulty remembering when to take medication
• Need physical assistance with their medication routine
• Have complex medication requirements
• Have difficulty opening medication containers
• Need support to follow an established medication routine
• Require assistance with medication administration
• Have difficulty maintaining an up-to-date medication list
• Need disability-related nursing support at home
• Require support to manage medication safely and consistently

The type and level of support should always be based on the participant's individual needs.

What Does NDIS Medication Management Include?

Medication management can involve different types of support depending on a participant's circumstances.

Medication Reminders

Some participants may need assistance remembering when to take their prescribed medication.

Support may include helping establish an appropriate medication routine and providing reminders where this is part of the participant's funded support.

Assistance With Medication Administration

Some participants may require assistance with taking or administering prescribed medicines.

The type of assistance that can be provided depends on the participant's needs, the worker's role, relevant legislation and the provider's policies and procedures.

Support With Medication Routines

A support worker or nurse may assist a participant with establishing a safe and consistent medication routine.

This can help reduce the risk of missed or duplicated doses while supporting the participant's independence.

Medication Information and Records

Keeping an accurate and current medication list can help participants, carers and healthcare professionals understand what medicines are being taken.

A medication list may include information such as:

• Medication name
• Dose
• Frequency
• Route of administration
• Prescribing professional
• Relevant instructions

Participants should seek advice from their pharmacist, doctor or other appropriate healthcare professional regarding medication changes or clinical questions.

Dose Administration Aids

Some participants may benefit from a dose administration aid (DAA), such as a pharmacy-prepared medication pack.

A pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional can determine whether this type of aid is appropriate.

A DAA can help organise medicines into scheduled doses and may make medication routines easier to manage.

Monitoring and Reporting Medication Concerns

Where appropriate to the person's support arrangement, workers may observe and report concerns such as difficulties following a medication routine or potential medication-related issues.

Clinical concerns should be referred to the appropriate healthcare professional.

Can an NDIS Nurse Help With Medication Management?

Yes, an appropriately qualified nurse may provide disability-related nursing support where this is within their professional scope and appropriate to the participant's needs.

NDIS guidance identifies community nursing care as a potential disability-related health support for participants with high care needs, including medication management.

A nurse may work with the participant, family members, carers and other professionals to support a safe and appropriate medication management approach.

The exact service provided depends on the participant's individual circumstances and the nurse's professional scope of practice.

What Is the Difference Between Medication Assistance and Medication Administration?

These terms can describe different levels of support.

Medication assistance may involve helping a participant with aspects of their medication routine, such as reminders or practical assistance, depending on their needs and the worker's role.

Medication administration involves a person administering medication to a participant and must be performed in accordance with relevant professional, legal and organisational requirements.

The appropriate level of support should be determined according to the participant's circumstances and the responsibilities of the person providing the support.

How Does In-Home Medication Management Work?

For participants receiving support at home, the process may include:

1. Understanding the Participant's Needs

The provider works with the participant and relevant people involved in their care to understand their medication-related support needs.

2. Developing an Appropriate Support Approach

The support approach is tailored to the participant's abilities, preferences, disability-related needs and existing care arrangements.

3. Establishing a Safe Medication Routine

Where appropriate, the support team can help establish practical routines that make medication management easier to follow.

4. Working With Other Healthcare Professionals

Medication management may involve communication with doctors, pharmacists, nurses, support coordinators, carers and other relevant professionals.

5. Reviewing Support as Needs Change

A participant's support needs can change over time. Their medication management arrangements should therefore be reviewed when there are significant changes in their circumstances or care requirements.

How Much Does NDIS Medication Management Cost?

The cost of medication management depends on the type and level of support required, the professional providing the service and the participant's individual circumstances.

NDIS pricing arrangements and maximum price limits can change, so participants and providers should check the current NDIS pricing information rather than relying on outdated rates.

The NDIS Support Catalogue provides information about support items, categories, claim types and applicable maximum prices.

If you are unsure whether medication management is included in your plan or how a particular support can be funded, speak with your NDIS contact, support coordinator or plan manager.

How Can I Access NDIS Medication Management?

If you think you may need medication management because of the functional impact of your disability, you should discuss your needs with your NDIS contact and relevant healthcare professionals.

Depending on the support you are requesting, you may need evidence explaining:

• Your disability-related needs
• Why medication support is required
• The type of support needed
• How the support relates to your disability
• How the support helps you pursue your goals and maintain independence

The NDIS states that funded supports must meet the applicable reasonable and necessary requirements and relate to the participant's disability and goals.

NDIS Medication Management in Alice Springs

Leah Bett Nursing Services provides in-home nursing and disability support services for NDIS participants in Alice Springs and the surrounding Northern Territory region.

Our medication management support can be tailored to individual participant needs and may include assistance with medication routines and administration where appropriate.

Our wider nursing services also include community nursing and other disability-related health supports.

If you or someone you support needs help managing medication at home, our team can discuss your circumstances and explain the available support options.

Why Choose In-Home Medication Management?

Receiving appropriate medication support at home can help eligible participants:

• Maintain greater independence
• Follow consistent medication routines
• Reduce practical difficulties associated with managing medicines
• Receive support in a familiar environment
• Coordinate care with relevant professionals
• Remain involved in decisions about their care

The goal should always be to provide the right level of support while promoting participant choice, control and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NDIS pay for medication?

Generally, the NDIS does not fund medicines themselves. Medication-related disability supports may be funded where they meet NDIS requirements and relate to the participant's disability.

Does NDIS cover medication management?

The NDIS may fund disability-related medication support where a participant's disability affects their ability to manage their medication and the support meets the relevant funding requirements.

Can an NDIS support worker give medication?

This depends on the type of medication support required, the worker's training and role, relevant legislation and the provider's policies and procedures.

Can an NDIS nurse administer medication?

An appropriately qualified nurse may administer medication when it is within their professional scope and the service is appropriate to the participant's needs and arrangements.

Can medication management be provided at home?

Yes. Appropriate disability-related medication support can be delivered in a participant's home when this is consistent with their needs, funding and service arrangements.

How do I get medication management through the NDIS?

Start by discussing your disability-related medication support needs with your NDIS contact and relevant healthcare professionals. Evidence may be required to support the request.

Does Leah Bett Nursing Services provide medication management in Alice Springs?

Leah Bett Nursing Services provides in-home medication management and broader nursing support for eligible NDIS participants in Alice Springs. The type of support provided depends on individual needs and the applicable NDIS arrangements.

Need Medication Management Support in Alice Springs?

Managing medication can become difficult when disability affects a person's ability to follow their medication routine independently.

Leah Bett Nursing Services provides personalised in-home nursing and disability support designed around individual participant needs.

Contact our team to discuss your medication management requirements or make a referral.