Support Coordination

Support Coordination is a vital service designed to help individuals with disabilities navigate the complex landscape of disability services. It assists participants in understanding their NDIS plan and ensures they can access the supports and services they need to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. Support Coordinators work closely with participants to develop, implement, and review strategies that empower individuals to live more independently and be actively involved in their communities.

What is Support Coordination?

Support Coordination is a service funded by the NDIS to assist participants in coordinating and managing the various supports they receive. It aims to help individuals understand their NDIS plan, connect with appropriate service providers, and ensure the delivery of services in line with their goals and needs. A Support Coordinator acts as a liaison between the participant and service providers, advocating on behalf of the individual to ensure they receive the best possible support.

NDIS Coverage and Flexibility

Support Coordination is funded under the NDIS in three different levels, depending on the complexity of the participant’s needs:

1. Support Coordination – Level 1 (Basic): This level provides assistance with understanding and implementing basic NDIS supports, including referrals and connecting with service providers.
2. Support Coordination – Level 2 (Standard): This level is designed for participants with moderate needs and provides more extensive support in coordinating services, resolving issues, and enhancing the effectiveness of supports.
3. Support Coordination – Level 3 (High): For participants with complex needs, this level offers intensive support, focusing on complex service coordination, crisis management, and advocacy.

Participants can choose to use their Support Coordination funding flexibly within these categories based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Funding Source and Category

Support Coordination is funded under the NDIS Capacity Building Support category, specifically within the Coordination of Supports line item. This means that the funding is aimed at enhancing an individual’s ability to manage and coordinate their disability-related services, which ultimately supports their independence and personal growth.

How Support Coordination Helps

Support Coordination provides invaluable assistance in several key areas:

1. Service Connection: Helps participants connect with a wide range of NDIS providers, including healthcare professionals, community services, housing providers, and employment supports.
2. Goal Achievement: Supports individuals in identifying and achieving personal goals, whether it’s accessing education, improving social connections, or increasing independence in daily activities.
3. Problem Solving: Assists in overcoming challenges that may arise during the implementation of NDIS plans, such as addressing service gaps, resolving disputes with providers, or ensuring the continuity of care.
4. Planning and Review: Assists in the ongoing review and adjustment of supports to ensure that the NDIS plan continues to align with the participant’s evolving needs and goals.

Distinguishing Support Coordination from Other Services

It’s important to understand that Support Coordination is not the same as direct care or therapy services. While Support Coordinators assist in finding and linking individuals to necessary services, they do not directly provide personal care, therapy, or clinical services. Instead, their role is to ensure that participants can access and manage these supports effectively.

Securing Support Coordination in Your NDIS Plan

Support Coordination is not automatically included in every NDIS plan. To access this service, participants must request it through their plan review or initial planning meeting. If Support Coordination is not included in the plan, individuals can discuss the need for it with their NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator. If circumstances change or more intensive support is required, participants can request a plan adjustment to ensure their needs are met.

Contact Approach Care for Support Coordination Services

For individuals in Western Australia, Approach Care is a registered NDIS service provider offering high-quality Support Coordination services. Their experienced team works closely with participants to ensure they have the resources, information, and support needed to navigate their NDIS plan and achieve their goals. Reach out to Approach Care today to access tailored Support Coordination services and take control of your disability supports.