Specialist Combined Care
Rare in Melbourne

Integrated Dysphagia & Bowel Care
One RN-Led Governance Framework for Complex Needs

For participants requiring both severe dysphagia management and complex bowel care, our combined package offers unified RN oversight, streamlined documentation, and reduced clinical fragmentation.

Why Combined Care Matters

Participants with complex neurological conditions often require both dysphagia management AND bowel care support. When these services are delivered by separate providers, risks increase.

Fragmented Care Risks

  • Multiple clinical governance frameworks to navigate
  • Inconsistent staff training standards
  • Separate documentation systems
  • Increased handover errors
  • Higher coordination burden on Support Coordinators
  • Greater audit complexity for SIL providers

Our Combined Approach

  • Single RN governance framework
  • Unified staff competency training
  • Integrated documentation system
  • Holistic clinical oversight
  • Reduced clinical handover points
  • Simplified SIL provider relationships

Benefits for Participants

  • Continuity of Care- Same clinical team understands complete picture
  • Reduced Assessment Burden- Fewer separate assessments
  • Holistic Risk Management- Connected clinical oversight
  • Consistent Support Team- Building trust and familiarity

Benefits for SIL Providers

  • Single Point of Contact- One provider to liaise with
  • Unified Training Program- Integrated competency training
  • Streamlined Documentation- Single system for audits
  • Unified Incident Management- Single review process

Benefits for Support Coordinators

  • Simplified Referral- One referral covers both services
  • Easier Agreement Management- Single service agreement
  • Clearer Accountability- One provider accountable
  • Efficient Plan Utilisation- Integrated service delivery
Specialist Capability

Why Few Providers Offer Combined Care

Delivering both severe dysphagia and complex bowel care requires significant clinical infrastructure that most providers lack:

  • 1
    NDIS High-Intensity Registration
    Required for both service types
  • 2
    Qualified RN Clinical Governance
    Registered Nurse oversight for both areas
  • 3
    Comprehensive Staff Training
    Cross-trained workforce capability
  • 4
    Robust Documentation Systems
    Integrated clinical records
  • 5
    Specialist Clinical Knowledge
    Expertise across both clinical domains

Prime Care Access Has Built This Infrastructure

We've specifically developed integrated systems to address this gap in Melbourne' s NDIS market, providing combined high-intensity support under unified RN governance.

Unified
Governance
Integrated
Documentation
Cross-trained
Staff
Single
Contact Point

What's Included in Combined Care

Dysphagia Component

  • RN-led swallowing assessment
  • IDDSI-compliant mealtime protocols
  • Choking emergency action plans
  • Aspiration monitoring guidance
  • Staff mealtime competency training

Bowel Care Component

  • Bowel care needs assessment
  • Bowel management plan development
  • Digital/manual intervention protocols
  • AD recognition and response training
  • Staff bowel care competency training

Unified Governance

  • Single RN oversight model
  • Integrated documentation system
  • Combined staff competency framework
  • Holistic incident review process
  • Coordinated policy suite

Ideal for Participants With

Spinal Cord Injury with dysphagia
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Advanced Multiple Sclerosis
Motor Neurone Disease
ABI with multiple care needs
Complex neurological presentations

Individual Services Included

Learn more about each service, then discuss combined care options with our team.

Who Benefits Most from Combined Care?

Combined care is ideal for participants with complex needs requiring coordinated clinical support across multiple areas.

Spinal Cord Injury

Participants with SCI often experience both dysphagia and neurogenic bowel

Parkinson's & MS

Progressive conditions affecting multiple body systems

SIL Environments

Reduces coordination burden on SIL governance teams

High-Intensity Needs

Those requiring coordinated high-intensity clinical support

Why Choose Unified Care?

Aspect Two Providers (Fragmented) Prime Care Access (Unified)
Coordination Multiple phone calls, emails One RN contact point
Assessment Two separate assessments (cost & time) One comprehensive assessment
Protocols Different RNs, different systems One integrated system
Training Support workers trained separately Cohesive training on both protocols
Documentation Separate records systems One unified record
Updates Potential gaps in communication Coordinated protocol reviews
Cost May duplicate funding for assessments One assessment, better value
Safety Potential gaps between services Integrated risk management

Funding Your Integrated Care Package

NDIS Funding Categories

Combined dysphagia and bowel care is funded under multiple NDIS categories depending on your individual plan:

0114
Community Nursing
0115
Intensive Community Nursing
0104
High-Intensity Daily Support (Complex)

More Efficient Funding Use

Combined care often results in more efficient funding use because:

  • One RN assessment (not two)
  • Streamlined governance reduces overhead
  • Better coordination reduces emergency admissions

Discuss with your Support Coordinator to optimize funding allocation for combined care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between combined care and just using two separate providers?

Combined care means one RN team, one governance framework, and coordinated protocols. You get better communication, fewer gaps, and clearer accountability—not just two disconnected services.

Is combined care more expensive?

Pricing depends on your individual NDIS plan. Because we handle both services under one RN, you often get better value and more efficient funding use with fewer duplicate costs.

How does combined care work with my SIL provider?

We provide one RN-led team that integrates directly with your SIL governance, reducing coordination burden and improving consistency. Your SIL team works with one provider, not two.

Ready to Explore Combined Care?

Our clinical team can discuss how combined dysphagia and bowel care governance could benefit your participant or SIL environment.