Nursing support in the community
Community nursing can help an eligible participant manage disability-related health needs safely at home and in the community. The right support depends on the participant’s clinical needs, NDIS plan, treating team recommendations and the responsibilities that can safely be delivered in a community setting.
Community nursing does not replace emergency or hospital care. Call 000 for a medical emergency or immediate danger.
Supports may include
Depending on assessment, funding and clinical suitability, community nursing may involve:
- Health assessments and clinical observations
- Medication-related support within the nurse’s scope
- Wound and skin integrity care
- Continence-related assessment and support
- Diabetes-related support and education
- Enteral feeding or other complex care where appropriately authorised
- Development or review of disability-related health plans
- Training and guidance for support workers when clinically appropriate
- Communication with the participant’s treating professionals, with consent
Every participant is different. A nurse must assess the requested task and determine whether it can be delivered safely, by whom and under what plan.
What to include in a referral
A useful referral explains the health need, desired outcome and current treating arrangements. With the participant’s consent, include relevant clinical letters, hospital discharge information, medication records, care plans and risk information.
Please also identify communication preferences, cultural considerations, home access issues and who should be involved in planning. If there is a time-sensitive discharge or a risk of service interruption, contact the team as early as possible.
Clinical governance and safety
Safe community nursing relies on clear assessment, documentation, infection prevention, escalation pathways and communication. Responsibilities between the participant, nurse, support workers, family and treating team should be understood.
Where support workers assist with a health-related task, the required training, competency checks, supervision and review arrangements should be documented. A change in the participant’s condition may require reassessment or escalation to a treating practitioner.
Participant choice and privacy
Participants should be involved in decisions about how care is delivered. Information is shared only with consent or where otherwise required by law. Care should respect the participant’s dignity, privacy, routines and preferred communication method.
Enquire about community nursing
Call Due Care Services on 0406 371 523 or use the secure referral form. We will review the requested support, relevant clinical information, funding and current capacity before confirming next steps.