How NDIS Support Coordination Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a complex journey for people with a disability. Support coordination plays a pivotal role in simplifying this process, ensuring that participants can make informed decisions about their care and support. At McArthur Community Care, we believe in empowering you with choice and control - 100% guaranteed. Our commitment is to stay connected with you, aligning our goals with yours to help you live the life you choose.

Understanding Support Coordination in the NDIS

Support coordination is a capacity-building support designed to assist NDIS participants in understanding and implementing their plans. It helps you connect with NDIS providers, community services, and other government services, building your confidence and skills to use and coordinate your supports effectively.

Levels of Support Coordination

The NDIS offers three levels of support coordination:

1. Support Connection: This level focuses on strengthening your ability to connect with broader systems of support, including informal, community, and funded supports, enabling you to get the most out of your plan and pursue your goals.
2. Support Coordination: Also known as Coordination of Supports, this level assists you in building the skills needed to understand and use your plan. A support coordinator works with you to ensure a mix of supports are used to increase your capacity to maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, live more independently, and be included in your community.
3. Specialist Support Coordination: This is a higher level of support coordination for participants whose situations are more complex and who need specialist support. A specialist support coordinator will assist you to manage challenges in your support environment and ensure consistent delivery of service.

Accessing Support Coordination Through the NDIS

To access support coordination, it must be included in your NDIS plan. During your planning meeting, discuss your needs with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to determine if support coordination is reasonable and necessary for achieving your goals. If approved, funding for support coordination will be allocated in your plan under the Capacity Building budget.

Choosing the Right Support Coordinator

Selecting a support coordinator who understands your unique needs and goals is crucial. Consider the following factors:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for coordinators with a proven track record in the disability sector and a deep understanding of the NDIS.
• Local Knowledge: A coordinator familiar with local services and providers can offer more tailored support.
• Compatibility: It's essential to feel comfortable and trust your coordinator, as you'll be working closely together.

At McArthur Community Care, our qualified, highly experienced support coordination team is dedicated to helping you understand and implement your NDIS plan, building your capacity to manage your supports.

Developing a Plan of Action

Once you've chosen a support coordinator, the next step is to develop a personalised plan of action:

1. Initial Meeting: Discuss your goals, needs, and preferences in detail.
2. Identify Supports: Work together to identify the services and supports that align with your goals.
3. Create a Support Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining the steps to achieve your objectives.

This collaborative process ensures that your choices and control remain central, reflecting our commitment to making your goals our goals.

Connecting with Services and Supports

With strong knowledge of your local community, your support coordinator can help you identify available NDIS providers, community, and government services. They’ll work alongside you to choose the supports that are best aligned with your goals, and ensure you’re connected with trusted providers who can deliver the right care, resources or advocacy when and where you need it most.

At McArthur Community Care, we focus on supporting you to address barriers, overcome challenges, and reduce risks and complexity connected with your personal circumstances. This may mean connecting you with NDIS providers, community, mainstream and other government services if required.

Monitoring and Reviewing Progress

Regular monitoring and review are essential to ensure your supports are effective:

• Ongoing Check-ins: Your support coordinator will regularly check in with you and your service providers to make sure things are working well.
• Adjusting Supports: If your needs or goals change, your coordinator can help adjust your supports accordingly.
• Acting in your best interest: Assisting in resolving any issues with service providers to ensure your needs are met.

This continuous engagement reflects our commitment to staying connected with you throughout your NDIS journey.

Preparing for Plan Reviews and Future Planning

As your NDIS plan approaches its review date, your support coordinator will assist in:

• Documenting Progress: Gathering evidence of achievements and challenges.
• Setting New Goals: Identifying new objectives and the supports needed to achieve them.
• Budget Management: Ensuring your funding is utilised effectively and exploring additional support options if necessary.

This proactive approach ensures that your plan evolves with your changing needs and aspirations.

You can find more information about Support Coordination here.

Empowering Your Independence

Support coordination is a vital component of the NDIS, designed to empower you to live the life you choose. At McArthur Community Care, we are committed to providing expert support to help you access the NDIS services and supports you need to live your life. We believe in your choice and control - 100% guaranteed. We stay connected with you, ensuring that your goals are our goals.

If you or your loved one are looking for guidance with your NDIS plan or need help connecting with the right services, reach out to us today.