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High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA) Under the NDIS
High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (HIDPA) are specialised NDIS supports designed for participants who have complex personal care needs that involve higher levels of risk. These supports are delivered within the NDIS framework to help participants manage essential daily activities safely, respectfully, and in line with their individual goals and preferences.
At CareX Australia, we understand that high intensity supports require more than just technical skill. They require strong training, careful oversight, and a person-centred approach that respects each participant’s dignity, choice, and right to feel safe in their own home and community.
This guide explains what high intensity daily personal activities are, when they are used, and how they support participants with complex needs under the NDIS.
What Are High Intensity Daily Personal Activities?
High Intensity Daily Personal Activities are complex disability supports that involve tasks with increased clinical or safety risks. Under the NDIS Practice Standards (Module 1), these supports must be delivered by workers who have appropriate training, competency assessment, and professional oversight.
These supports are not medical treatment. They are disability supports that may involve health-related tasks, delivered within NDIS guidelines and in line with a participant’s support plan.
High intensity supports are designed to help participants continue living as independently as possible, while ensuring safety, comfort, and quality of life.
Why High Intensity Supports Require Specialised Training
Because high intensity supports involve higher risks, they require workers who have specific skills and training. Proper training helps to:
- Reduce risks of injury, infection, or complications
- Support participant safety and wellbeing
- Ensure compliance with NDIS Practice Standards
- Respect participant dignity and personal preferences
- Support consistent, high-quality care delivery
Ongoing supervision and competency assessment are also important to make sure supports continue to be delivered safely and appropriately.
Common Types of High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
Each participant’s needs are unique. High intensity supports are only provided when they are included in a participant’s NDIS plan and assessed as appropriate.
Some common types of high intensity daily personal activities include:
Complex Bowel Care and Stoma Support
Some participants require specialised bowel care or stoma support as part of their daily routine. This may involve following individual bowel management plans, supporting stoma care, and monitoring for potential complications, while always maintaining privacy and dignity.
Enteral Feeding and Nutrition Support
Participants who are unable to safely eat or drink may receive enteral feeding support. This involves assisting with tube feeding as outlined in the participant’s plan and following strict hygiene and safety procedures to reduce risks.
Tracheostomy and Ventilator-Related Supports
For participants with tracheostomies or ventilator-related needs, high intensity supports may involve assistance with daily care routines under appropriate clinical guidance and oversight.
Severe Dysphagia and Safe Swallowing Support
Participants with swallowing difficulties may require support with safe eating and drinking. This includes following texture-modified diets, safe positioning, and individual swallowing strategies recommended for the participant.
Epilepsy and Seizure-Related Supports
Some participants require support related to epilepsy or seizure management. This includes following individual seizure management plans, recognising signs of seizures, and responding appropriately to support participant safety.
Urinary Catheter and Continence-Related Supports
High intensity supports may include assistance with urinary catheter care or complex continence needs. These supports focus on hygiene, comfort, infection prevention, and maintaining participant dignity.
Complex Wound Care Supports
Some participants require support with complex wound care as part of their daily living. This involves following care instructions, monitoring for changes, and supporting skin integrity and comfort.
Subcutaneous Injections (Under Delegation and Oversight)
In some situations, participants may require assistance with subcutaneous injections as outlined in their plan and under appropriate delegation and oversight. These supports are delivered within NDIS guidelines and individual care arrangements.
How CareX Australia Supports Participants with High Intensity Needs
Our approach focuses on:
- Matching participants with appropriately trained support workers
- Following individual support plans and agreed care routines
- Working with support coordinators and health professionals where required
- Maintaining clear documentation and care communication
- Respecting participant choice, privacy, and personal preferences
We understand that trust is essential when delivering complex personal supports. Our teams work to build respectful, supportive relationships that help participants feel comfortable and confident in their care.
Participant Safety, Dignity, and Choice
Safety is a key part of high intensity supports, but so is dignity and choice. Participants have the right to:
- Be involved in decisions about their care
- Have their preferences respected
- Receive supports in a way that feels comfortable and culturally appropriate
- Ask questions and raise concerns about their supports
- Change providers if their needs or preferences change
High intensity supports should never take away a participant’s voice. At CareX Australia, we aim to balance safety requirements with person-centred care that supports independence and self-determination wherever possible.
How to Know If High Intensity Supports Are in an NDIS Plan
Not all NDIS participants require high intensity daily personal activities. These supports are usually included in a participant’s plan when there is a clear need for complex personal care.
You can check whether high intensity supports are included by:
- Reviewing your NDIS plan
- Speaking with your support coordinator
- Talking with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator
- Discussing your needs with a registered NDIS provider
If your needs change, your plan may be reviewed to make sure your supports continue to match your situation.
Where to Find More Information
For official guidance, you can visit:
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) website
These sources provide up-to-date information on NDIS Practice Standards and participant rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are high intensity daily personal activities in the NDIS?
They are complex disability supports that involve higher risks and require specially trained workers to deliver them safely and in line with a participant’s NDIS plan.
Do all NDIS participants need high intensity supports?
No. Only some participants with complex needs will have high intensity supports included in their NDIS funding.
Who can provide high intensity daily personal activities?
Registered NDIS providers with appropriately trained and supervised workers can deliver these supports.
Is high intensity care medical treatment?
No. These are disability supports, not medical treatment, even though some tasks may be health-related.
How do I know if my plan includes high intensity supports?
Your support coordinator, NDIS planner, or provider can help review your plan and explain what supports are included.
