If your NDIS plan includes funding for Support Coordination, you may be wondering what this service includes, and if it’s worth utilising. We’re here to tell you that yes, a Support Coordinator is incredibly helpful for many people – especially those new to the NDIS or with complex support needs. It’s also a great way to fill a gap in support that may arise if many of your immediate family have disabilities, or if you don’t have much family support nearby. Additionally, it’s a great way to ease the transition if you experience a change in circumstances (like moving out of home); a Support Coordinator provides guidance to help you set up your supports to enhance your new lifestyle. In fact, these circumstances (and others) often determine your eligibility for Support Coordination funding in the first place.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the journey that you will undertake with your Support Coordinator.
Getting started with a Support Coordinator
Participating in the NDIS can involve a lot of decision making and planning. It can be stressful, especially if you are new to the NDIS or have a lot of supports to set up!
First and foremost, your Support Coordinator takes the time to meet with you (either face to face or virtually) and get to know you. You are welcome to bring family or friends to these meetings so they can meet your Support Coordinator. During this initial phase, your Support Coordinator will establish a solid understanding of your needs and what you want your NDIS plan to achieve. This step is important because, from day one, their goal is to help you meet your goals.
Your Support Coordinator has supported many people to optimise their supports, so they know the NDIS inside-out and have the right skills to put plans into action. They combine their NDIS expertise with their understanding of your unique needs and goals to find best possible service providers who are reputable, compliant with NDIS regulations, and meet your requirements. From here, your Support Coordinator equips you with the knowledge to make the final decision on who joins your support network. Plus, your Support Coordinator can arrange for you to meet providers to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with them before agreements are made.
While setting up your services, your Support Coordinator will work with you to ensure all supports are delivered at times and places that best compliment your lifestyle. Your Support Coordinator will also help you design contingency plans to prepare for hiccups in your service provision. For example, you’ll know what to do if a provider doesn’t show up or doesn’t complete the service correctly. While such scenarios may be unlikely because of your Support Coordinator’s thorough selection process, being prepared will help to reduce stress in the moment.
