Your guide to long-term NDIS pathways for disability support services 

Caring for your adult child is something you do with love, strength, and a resilience most people never see. But even the most experienced carers can feel worn down – especially when thinking about the future. Many parents ask themselves the same question, “What happens when we’re no longer here to manage all of this?”. 

Receiving disability support services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one way you can protect your loved one’s future. If you’re new to the system, our First-time NDIS guide for WA families guides you through the basics in plain English. 

For many families caring for a child with a disability, long‑term thinking is essential. You’re not just planning for the next year – you’re planning for stability, safety, and quality of life over decades. 

Here, we’ll look at the long‑term disability support service pathways that are available through the NDIS and how the right support partner can help you through every stage of life. 

NDIS planning and the big picture

The NDIS provides funding for people with permanent and significant disability. It’s designed to help people achieve their goals, increase independence, and participate in their community.  

The NDIS isn’t just about meeting a person’s immediate needs. It takes a lifetime approach, investing early to improve outcomes later in life.¹ 

One of the scheme’s key aims is to, ‘support people with disability to live “an ordinary life” – to realise their potential, participate in their community, and have a say in their own future’.² 

This is all done in close collaboration with you and your loved one. 

What is an NDIS plan? 

If you have applied for NDIS funding and received notification that your adult child is eligible, the next step is attending a meeting to create their NDIS plan.  

An NDIS plan is a personalised document that outlines their goals and the disability support services available to help them achieve these.  

The plan takes a long-term view, supporting independence, lifestyle choices and meaningful connections over time.  

In your meeting, your NDIS representative might ask you both about: 

• daily life; 

• where they live and who they live with; 

• what they want to do in the future; and 

• who supports them. 

To make sure you feel fully prepared, read our comprehensive guide to planning for your first NDIS meeting.  

Long-term goals in your NDIS plan 

Part of the NDIS plan includes long-term goals.  

Goals are important because they are your loved one’s personal desires about what they’d like to do in life. 

Goals might include: 

• building skills and doing more things independently; 

• working or studying now or in the future; 

• doing social and recreation activities now or in the future; or 

• building friendships or connecting with family.  

How long do plans last for? 

The NDIS will try to make your plan the length you want, if they can.  

If your situation and support needs are likely to stay the same and your child is aged nine years or over, the plan will usually go for five years. 

If your needs are likely to change soon, your plan may be shorter. ³ 

Learn more about how the NDIS decides how long your plan will go for (external link).  

NDIS plans are reviewed each year  

An NDIS plan isn’t set and forget. In most cases, plans are reviewed every 12 months to make sure the supports still reflect your loved one’s needs and goals.  

This is called a Participant check-in. Learn more on the NDIS website (external link). 

What if you need change sooner? 

If circumstances change during the year – a shift in health, living arrangements or the level of support required – you don’t have to wait for the annual review. You can request what’s called a “change of circumstances” review (external link) through the NDIS any time. 

The idea is simple: the plan should grow and adapt as life does. 

Smooth transitions from NDIS to aged care 

While people could remain on the NDIS if they entered the scheme before turning 65, many families begin thinking about what comes next as ageing becomes part of the picture. 

That’s where forward planning matters. 

At Avivo, we understand that support shouldn’t suddenly change just because the funding source does. When NDIS funding cuts off at 65, participants can move to aged care funding and transition seamlessly with the same support team.  

The goal is continuity – keeping familiar faces, trusted routines and a sense of stability wherever possible. 

Learn more about our aged care services.  

Mental health connections for long-term benefits 

Disability support and mental wellbeing often go hand in hand. 

Living with disability, or supporting someone who does, can bring emotional strain, social isolation or changes in confidence. That’s why we don’t see support as purely physical. 

At Avivo, we also offer dedicated mental health supports, helping people stay connected, build resilience and maintain meaningful relationships.  

If mental health support is part of your journey, read our guide, How to access mental health support through the NDIA (and beyond), to understand your options – even if you’re not funded yet. 

Help for carers and families 

Behind every NDIS participant is often a family member, like you, quietly holding things together.  

Caring can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be demanding. That’s why Avivo offers dedicated support for carers and families, including respite options that give you space to rest and recharge at home. 

Not all NDIS providers extend their services to support carers directly. We believe that sustaining care creates a ripple effect that supports the whole family. 

You can find out more about our carer and family support services on our Respite for carers page.  

In it for the long term 

Long-term NDIS pathways are about more than immediate needs – they’re about building a stable, connected and meaningful future. 

At Avivo, we’re here for the long term. We partner with Western Australian families to support lasting independence, stronger community connection and a better quality of life at every stage. 

You don’t have to do this alone 

If you’d like to talk to someone about how to plan for your adult child’s stability, safety, and quality of life over decades get in touch with our team today.