The short answer
If your family member became a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant before they turned 65, they can stay in the NDIS after their birthday. Their plan doesn't end, and nothing changes just because of their age.
Staying in the NDIS
They keep their plan, their providers and their right to ask for changes as their needs grow. The plan keeps being reviewed and renewed in the usual way.
Some families worry that turning 65 means the person will have to move into an aged care home. It doesn't. Where the person lives, and who supports them, stays their choice, guided by what their NDIS plan funds.
They can keep using the supports in their plan, such as help at home, Supported Independent Living, respite, nursing and coordination.
As dementia progresses, the plan can change too, when there's evidence that needs have changed. Our guide to the NDIS and dementia explains how plan changes work.
Choosing aged care instead
Some people decide the aged care system suits them better. That's their choice. But a person can't get NDIS supports and aged care supports at the same time, so choosing aged care means leaving the NDIS.
Think about this carefully. New NDIS applications must be made before 65, so a person who leaves after 65 can't apply to come back.
Before deciding, compare what each system would actually provide for the person: the hours of support, where they would live and what your family would pay. Ask for each option in writing.
Steps that end NDIS support after 65
A participant leaves the NDIS if, after turning 65, they:
- move permanently into residential aged care for the first time, or
- are approved for aged care services at home.
This can happen even when the family didn't mean to leave the NDIS.
Check before you accept. If someone suggests an aged care home or aged care services at home for a participant over 65, ask first how it will affect their NDIS plan. Once the person has moved into residential aged care or is receiving aged care services at home, you can't ask the NDIA to review that outcome.
If the person isn't in the NDIS yet
If they're under 65, apply now. The application must be made before their 65th birthday. Our step by step guide explains how.
If they're already 65 or older, they can't apply for the NDIS. Support usually comes through the aged care system, and My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 is the place to start. Dementia Care Queensland provides NDIS funded supports only.
Questions to ask before any change
If anyone suggests a move or a new service after 65, ask:
- Is this an NDIS support or an aged care service?
- Will accepting it end the person's NDIS plan?
- Can the support they need be added to the NDIS plan instead?
- Who can explain the choice to us in writing?
A support coordinator can help you weigh up the options. If the plan includes Specialist Support Coordination, our coordinators can talk it through with you.
Planning ahead
Use the time before and after 65 well:
- Keep the NDIS plan up to date as needs change.
- Keep notes on how dementia affects daily life. They help at every plan review.
- Make or update an enduring power of attorney while the person still can.
- Talk as a family about what the person would want, including where they'd like to live.
This guide is general information, current at the date shown above. It isn't legal, financial or medical advice. For decisions about an NDIS plan, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110.