Given the current restrictions in response to the global pandemic, you might be left wondering if this is the best time to engage with new supports or therapies.
As a frontline provider of Allied health services, we have a lot of client’s asking us if they should sign their service agreements and commence services now, or await the fallout of COVID-19. With so much uncertainty as to when life may return to ‘business as usual’, what is the best option for participants?
This is a highly personal decision, but below are some considerations for you.
Should I organise my referral now or later?
Early referral allows the best opportunity to maximize your NDIS funding. It may be that your therapist recommends you receive services over a longer period in order to have the best chance to achieve your goals, which could be impacted by waiting until closer to the end of the plan period.
Rest assured though, your therapist will provide the best intervention possible with the time that they have available. They will also refer to the limitations of the intervention posed because of COVID-19 when reporting on your progress.
If you decide to put your supports on hold for now, perhaps you may decide to set up your therapy service agreement now, so that as soon as you decide to proceed, there are no issues with paperwork or funding standing in your way! This is a particularly good idea for high demand services such as physiotherapy, which may have long wait lists once Federal Government restrictions are no longer in place.
Should I be seeing my allied health therapist face-to-face during COVID-19?
Now is the time to protect, not neglect your physical health.
Allied health therapists are considered essential services and continue to provide high quality care to the community during COVID-19. Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, has recognised that telehealth is not appropriate for the management of all health care problems and in many cases face-to-face consultations will still be needed (1).
Active Ability are able to provide you with face to face services whilst maintaining the Government’s infection control requirements, through social distancing and hand hygiene, so please be assured that no matter how you choose to receive services (face to face or online) you will receive the best of care.
What if I prefer to self-isolate?
Allied Health professionals are frontline community health providers who continue to support NDIS participants throughout these unusual times, and that doesn’t need to be face to face. TeleHealth services can be used as required and our team at Active Ability are more than happy to assist you to set that up – it’s easy!
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We hope that this information has been helpful. If you feel that a referral at this time is appropriate, please click the link below to go to our online referral form.