What Are Wound and Pressure Care Supports?
Wound and pressure care supports help prevent and manage skin damage caused by pressure, swelling, or injury. They also support the treatment of existing wounds and related conditions like lymphoedema.
Wound care includes treatment for:
Cuts, grazes, burns, or chronic wounds that heal slowly or keep returning.
Wounds caused by conditions such as diabetes, infections, skin cancers, or sustained pressure.
Pressure care supports are especially important if your disability limits your ability to move or change positions, which increases the risk of pressure injuries. This can involve:
Using pressure relief cushions or specialised mattresses.
Regularly monitoring high-risk skin areas.
Getting help from a support worker or equipment to shift your position.
📖 Learn more: NDIS Disability-Related Health Supports
Wound and Pressure Care in the Health System
The Australian health system is responsible for acute wound care — such as post-surgery wound management — through hospitals, doctors, and community health services.
Other available supports include:
Medicare: Covers treatment by a doctor or surgeon for wound and pressure injuries.
PBS: Funds most prescription medications and some dressings for wound care.
National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressing Scheme: Provides specialised dressings and bandages for eligible participants.
🔗 Learn more:
What the NDIS Can Fund
The NDIS can fund wound and pressure care supports if they are:
Directly related to your disability.
Reasonable and necessary to help you participate in daily life.
Funded supports may include:
Nursing services – wound assessment, management plans, and care.
Support workers – assisting with wound or pressure care tasks under guidance.
Training – for support workers to help with your care plan.
Consumables – dressings, gauze, bandages, moisturisers, and barrier creams.
Equipment – compression garments, pressure wraps, and relief cushions.
📌 Note: For NDIS funding, you’ll need evidence from a qualified health professional, such as a registered nurse or doctor.
Assistive Technology for Wound and Pressure Care
Assistive technology may include:
Pressure cushions and mattresses.
Compression units and garments.
Negative pressure wound therapy systems (VAC machines).
Repairs and maintenance for your equipment.
To be approved, you must provide evidence showing:
It will reduce your need for other supports (e.g., fewer nursing visits).
It will help you be more independent.
It meets NDIS funding criteria.
Lymphoedema Management
If you have lymphoedema, your allied health professional will provide:
Phase One: Clinical treatment in a healthcare setting.
Phase Two: A home maintenance program.
While these phases are funded by the health system, the NDIS may fund additional help if your disability prevents you from managing at home. This can include:
Daily skin care and infection prevention.
Repositioning and exercise support.
Wearing prescribed compression garments.
How to Get These Supports in Your Plan
Consult Your Health Professional – Discuss your needs with a doctor, nurse, or allied health specialist.
Gather Evidence – Provide a wound management or pressure care plan.
Work With Your NDIS Contact – Your support coordinator, my NDIS contact, or recovery coach can help prepare your request.
Submit Your Request – Include all assessments, care plans, and quotes for consumables or assistive technology.
If Your Request Is Declined
If the NDIS decides not to fund wound and pressure care supports:
You’ll receive a written explanation.
You can request an internal review within 3 months.
📖 Learn more: NDIS Internal Reviews
Final Thoughts
NDIS wound and pressure care supports can significantly improve comfort, health, and independence. By understanding the funding rules and gathering the right evidence, you can improve your chances of having these supports included in your plan.
At Complete Money Management, we help participants prepare strong funding applications and manage their NDIS budgets for essential health supports.