The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides many opportunities to people who use it. Yet, managing the NDIS alone can be confusing for most people. That is why an NDIS support coordination service can be very useful. An NDIS support coordinator helps you make the most of your plan. Still, working well with your support coordination team is a challenge for many people. Not everyone knows how to make the most of their relationship with the support coordinator. Not everyone is assured about what to expect from their NDIS support coordinator. In this blog we give you five insider tips that will enable you to excel in managing your plan with the help of your support coordinator.
Tip 1: Clarify Roles and Expectations from Day One
Good communication starts by understanding each other. When you first talk to the support coordinator NDIS, be detailed in how you share your needs. Talk about what will be each person’s role, what will be expected from them and what they will do for you. Misunderstandings often happen when people are not sure what to expect.
A support coordinator usually helps you with the following:
- Find NDIS Providers for you and connect you with them.
- Understand service agreements.
- Solve problems with your support services.
- Prepare for NDIS plan reviews.
They generally do not:
- Manage your NDIS funds (unless they are a plan manager for you as well).
- Provide therapy or direct care.
- Make decisions for you.
Ask for a service agreement. This document should explain what your coordinator does and does not do. If a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is helping you a bit with coordination, know their limits too, so you don’t have any misunderstandings later. Working on the same understanding of things from the start helps you avoid problems later.
Tip 2: Stay Organized and Communicate Regularly
You should keep all your NDIS details in one place. Create either a physical or digital file for all your information about NDIS. Make a note of any questions or situations as they arise. As a result, you’ll be ready the next time you communicate with your coordinator.
Try to schedule regular check-ins. It can be through a regular phone call or an email update. Proactive communication is key. Contact your support coordinator before any issues turn into big problems. Most of the time, coordinators in regional areas interact through phone calls or emails. Being proactive in your communication can avoid many problems. A common problem among participants is feeling like they never hear from their support coordinator. Try not to wait, as you can easily take the first step by sending an email or making a call. A quick message or phone call can help you resolve any problems.
Tip 3: Leverage Your Coordinator’s Knowledge of Services
Your NDIS support coordinator is usually well informed and can advise you on many things. They usually know many of the providers and services in your area. Share your preferences with them. For example, you may want to point out whether you need a female professional or one who has worked with people dealing with autism. Sharing your preferences with them makes it easier for them to choose a provider.
If you want to try something new, like participating in a community class, consult with your coordinator right away. They could tell you if the NDIS fund can help with it. Sharing your interest in trying something new with them is a good idea. See your coordinator as a coach or consultant, who also happens to handle the paperwork for you. Your support coordinator may be aware of free resources you can use, outside the NDIS. Asking about these connections is a smart move.
Tip 4: Prepare for Plan Reviews Together
Your review meeting is an important part of the NDIS process. You should meet with your coordinator a month before your review meeting and discuss your current plan. During this period, look back at your current plan and decide what went well and what did not. Get reports from your therapists or doctors just in case.
You can ask your coordinator for help in writing a report for the NDIA. They may help you by creating documents that describe your needs to the NDIA. Meeting with your support coordinator can improve your chances of getting useful support services. You may get better results than you may expect when you give a summary of your plan and use their advice for writing. Partner with your coordinator to create a report on your progress towards the objectives in your current NDIS plan. Now that NDIS rules have changed, using a coordinator’s help to phrase your goals is more valuable than ever.
Tip 5: Know When to Speak Up or Switch
You are entitled to get good support coordination from the NDIS. Not all NDIS support can be perfect, so you must sort out any problems you find. First, mention your concerns to your support coordinator or their employer. It is often possible to sort out the issue through direct and open conversations.
If your current support coordinator is not suitable, you are allowed to change them. It is okay to change providers at any point during your NDIS plan. You should let the NDIA know about your decision. A lot of people find they trust an NDIS support coordinator more if they are a registered provider. Pick a provider that is easy to reach out to as this will help. The goal should be to get assistance that makes things easier for you.
Navigate Your NDIS Plan with Confidence
Having a well-coordinated approach with your NDIS support coordinator can improve your experience with the NDIS significantly. By following these strategies, your NDIS plan should become much simpler, and you can receive the support you require much more smoothly.
For NDIS support coordination assistance and answers to NDIS plan issues, 1st Care Community can assist you. We have experienced support coordinators in Queensland who can help you at all times. Our goal is to help you achieve a positive outcome with NDIS. You can get more information by contacting us or by visiting our NDIS page.
