NDIS changes announced: what's new and what it may mean for you

The federal government has announced a new set of NDIS changes that may affect participants, applicants and families over time. Some changes are expected to begin from July 2026, while others will be introduced gradually over the next few years. The announcement covers access, support budgets, plan rules, provider oversight and fraud controls. This post looks at the key changes announced this week, when they are expected to start, and what they may mean in practice.

With mandatory registration for SIL providers starting from 1 July 2026, more families may be hearing about Supported Independent Living and wondering what it actually means. This post explains SIL in simple terms, clears up the difference between SIL and SDA, outlines what costs are separate, and highlights the questions families can ask to feel more informed and confident when exploring home and living options.

There is a lot of confusion about what NDIS funding can and cannot be used for, especially when it comes to holidays, everyday costs and other extras. This blog post explains the difference between legitimate disability supports and ordinary living expenses, clears up common myths around short term respite, and shows why it helps to check the official NDIS rules before making assumptions about what is funded.

Finding the right NDIS provider can feel overwhelming, especially with so much in the news about fraud, scams and misleading conduct. This blog post explores what to look out for when comparing providers, including common red flags, reassuring green flags, and why trusting your instincts matters. It also explains where to report concerns, so participants, families and carers can feel more informed and confident when choosing support.

End-of-Life Care at Home: Building on What Matters

In this final article, we reflect on how our participation in the ELDAC Linkages Program has helped build on the foundation already in place for end-of-life care at home. With a focus on service delivery, training and collaboration, this work is helping strengthen support for older people, families, carers and provider partners.

End Of Life Care: Supporting Families and Carers Through the Journey

Caring for an older loved one at home can bring a mix of emotions- love, worry, uncertainty and responsibility and no one should have to carry that alone. This post explores how families and carers can feel more informed, supported and reassured through changing care needs, with gentle guidance on advance care planning, practical support options, and small ways to protect your own wellbeing along the way.

Planning Ahead - Why Advance Care Planning Matters

Planning ahead can feel like a hard conversation to start, but advance care planning is really about making space for what matters most. For older people being supported at home, it can help families, carers and trusted health professionals better understand a person’s values, preferences and wishes before decisions need to be made under pressure.

At BCD we are committed to providing compassionate, respectful support for older people and their families, especially during life's most sensitive stages. That's why we are proud to be participating in the ELDAC (End of Life Directions for Aged Care) Linkages Program, a sub-program of End of Life Directions for Aged Care, a nationally funded mentoring program by the Australian Government Department of Health to develop and support palliative care and advance care planning in aged care.

When someone you love is nearing the end of life, many families hope for the same thing: comfort, dignity, and the chance to stay at home. The Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway can help with practical services, coordinated care, and timely support when needs change. In this article, we explain what the pathway is, who it’s for, and the green flags to look for in a provider, including access to responsive clinical nursing care during this critical stage.

Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) works best when support is centred on the person and their unique story.

That story includes cultural identity, language, beliefs, routines, and family, all of which shape what it means to feel safe, respected, and truly at home.

That's why the transition period matters so much. It's often in the first few weeks, when routines are new and people are still getting to know each other, that the small details make the biggest difference.

Supported Independent Living: A Family Guide to Making the Move

In this blog post, we take a look at how to support your loved one in making the move into Supported Independent Living.

Real Life, Real Homes: What’s it really like living in SIL?

In this blog post, we take a look at a day in the life living in Supported Independent Living (SIL), how housemates are matched and answer your common concerns and questions.

Which NDIS Home and Living Support Fits? SIL vs STR vs SDA vs ILO

In this blog post, we take a look at the NDIS home and living supports including Supported Independent Living (SIL), Short Term Respite (STR), Specialist Disability Accommodation and Individualised Living Options.

What being a registered NDIS provider means (and why it matters)
Choosing an NDIS provider is a very personal decision, and there are some really important things to consider. In this post, we explain what it means to be a registered NDIS provider and what that can mean for you as a participant, family member or carer.

Over 22 Years Of Care: What We've Learned About What Makes Great Support
After over 22 years supporting people and families across our local communities, we’ve learned that great support is rarely about one perfect visit - it’s about consistency, trust, and having the right people around you when life changes.

Support at Home, Made Simple: A Guide To Words & Phrases

In this easy to read guide, we explain some of the common new words used in the Support at Home program and what they mean.

A Guide To NDIS Words and Phrases

In this easy to read guide, we explain some of the common words used by the NDIS and what they mean.

The Year That Was 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we have been reflecting on the year that was across our aged care and disability support services.

Today, we wanted to do something a little different and look back at the moments, milestones and everyday achievements that have shaped the past twelve months for our customers, their families, our staff and community partners.

At the heart of it all is a simple focus supporting people towards their goals and celebrating milestones, big and small.

Merry Christmas from BCD

As we come to the end of another year, we want to wish all our customers, carers, families, staff and community partners a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year.

The holiday season can be busy, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Even when it's filled with joy, it can still bring pressure, tiredness, or big feelings.

This guide is here to help you protect your wellbeing, slow down, and stay supported during this time of year.