What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a very exciting development in the provision of disability support services to people who live with a disability and their families. It is the biggest public health and welfare program in Australia since the introduction of Australia’s universal health care scheme, Medicare. By giving the person living with the disability control over the money they need for services, it means more choice and control is given to the individual about how and when they receive support and services and it provides a whole of life approach to care needs.
How do you know if you or your loved one is eligible for assistance under the NDIS in Victoria?
People living with a disability and already receiving State of Commonwealth funding will be the first to commence with the NDIS and they will be contacted by the NDIS before their area transitions. The transition will happen at the same time the services are rolled out. Aside from the trial site in Barwon (in Victoria), the first roll out of the NDIS occurred on 1 July 2016 in the North East of Melbourne. For everyone else, they must complete a checklist to determine if they are eligible. It is expected to take up to 12 months for eligible people with disability to enter the NDIS once roll out starts in an area.
What happens next?
Once the NDIS has confirmed that the person meets the access requirements, a planner will arrange a meeting where the person and their families will discuss the person’s needs, goals and aspirations and the supports the person currently receives. Based on the discussions at the meeting, the planner will develop a plan of supports that best meets the goals and needs of the person living with a disability with an associated budget. It is up to the individual to then choose the service provider, such as Colbrow Care, to provide those services.
What will be funded?
- daily personal activities, including personal care
- transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
- workplace help to allow a participant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market
- therapeutic supports including behaviour support
- help with household tasks to allow the participant to maintain their home environment
- help to a participant by skilled personnel in aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
- home modification design and installation
- mobility equipment, and
- vehicle modifications
How care funding plans be managed?
As individuals will now have control over their own funds, there are five ways these funds will be managed:
- Agency Managed – this is where the providers claim directly from the NDIA.
- Plan Manager – funding in the plan is allocated for a third party to manage the financial transactions in the plan.
- Self Managed – the individual (or their nominee) directly manage the funds – all transactions are completed by the participant for services rendered.
- Automated Payments (transport only) – these funds can be deposited into an NDIS bank account weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
- Combination – A combination of the above four options can be used together to meet the individuals needs.
How do I choose Colbrow Care to be my service provider?
When you are working with your planner on your support plan, you can nominate Colbrow Care as your service provider for in-home care and other services. Colbrow Care can help you through the process and even be there when you meet with your planner. Call us on 1300 33 11 03 or email care@colbrowcare.com.au and we will be more than happy to assist you.
