Emily Livingstone, a former arborist and diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), finds herself trapped in a hospital bed at the Royal Perth Hospital. Although medically fit for discharge, she cannot leave due to insufficient National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding for the care she needs. Livingstone’s situation highlights a troubling trend affecting many NDIS participants across Australia, where inadequate support results in individuals remaining in hospitals despite being ready for release.
Before her diagnosis, Livingstone enjoyed a fulfilling career at Kings Park Botanic Gardens in Perth, where she was responsible for tree care. She recalls a vibrant life filled with fun and adventure, stating, “I would swing on ropes upside down with a chainsaw.” However, her recent experience has been starkly different. Livingstone celebrated her 45th birthday confined to a hospital bed, feeling as if she is “being punished for being disabled.”
As of March 31, 2024, there were 2,689 NDIS participants in hospitals across Australia, with over 40% (1,125) of them medically cleared for discharge. Livingstone’s predicament is representative of many who initially entered hospitals with medical issues but have since been deemed ready to leave. Yet, due to a lack of adequate support at home, they remain confined. In June 2025, those awaiting discharge from hospitals averaged a wait of 16 days, down from a peak of 30 days in March 2023, according to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Systemic Issues with NDIS Funding
The complexities of NDIS funding have contributed to a growing number of “social admissions,” where individuals stay in hospitals without any medical necessity. The NDIA has reported that, in the year leading to September 2025, 3.4% of hospital admissions were classified as social admissions, an increase from 2.4% two years prior. Jordon Steele-John, the Greens senator for Western Australia, described this situation as “deeply concerning,” attributing the rise in hospital stays to recent legislative changes made by the Labor government in late 2024.
These changes altered the definitions of certain disabilities and the funding available for specific therapies, leading to significant cuts in support for many NDIS participants. Steele-John emphasized the consequences of inadequate funding, stating, “Disabled people are being forced to stay in hospital simply because the disability supports they need aren’t available in the community.”
Livingstone’s experience underscores the emotional toll of this bureaucratic struggle. She had previously lived in an accessible apartment where support workers could assist her with daily tasks. However, her new NDIS plan, received in August, allocated only two hours of support per day—far less than the 20 to 23 hours recommended based on her needs. As a result, she was forced to leave her apartment and was admitted to the hospital.
Hope Amid Despair
Recently, after inquiries from media and an emergency meeting involving the NDIA, hospital staff, and Livingstone, she received a new NDIS plan that includes sufficient support hours to facilitate her return home. While she expressed relief at the improved support, Livingstone admitted that the entire process has left her feeling “hopeless” and struggling with thoughts of self-harm. “My mental health and self-worth have been shattered,” she shared, reflecting on her six-week ordeal in the hospital.
A spokesperson from the NDIA acknowledged the challenges some participants face but reiterated that the NDIS is designed to complement, rather than replace, mainstream services such as housing. They emphasized that state and territory governments hold the responsibility for homelessness-specific services.
Livingstone’s case is emblematic of a broader crisis affecting individuals reliant on the NDIS. Advocates continue to voice concerns over the implications of recent policy changes, warning that they may lead to increased hospitalizations, forced placements in group homes, or even fatalities.
In Australia, support is available for those experiencing mental health distress. Organizations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and MensLine offer vital resources for individuals in need. As Livingstone navigates her path toward recovery and independence, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform within the disability support framework.
