Mental health plays a large role in how we cope with challenges, connect with others, and view ourselves.
Experiencing a mental health challenge can be isolating and overwhelming, making it harder to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally.
That’s why the NDIS supports people living with mental health challenges. Through funding practical support and services, they strive to build independence and resilience.
NDIS support coordination is designed to help people in need navigate the complexities of NDIS programs. They can offer compassionate support and guidance, ensuring people receive the care they deserve. But what exactly is involved in this support?
Support coordination
An NDIS support coordinator is someone who understands how the NDIS works and offers support for those eligible for it.
When you are living with a mental health condition that impacts your life, navigating eligibility, applications, and plans can be overwhelming and confusing.
An NDIS coordinator simplifies this process, ensuring people receive the care they need.
Likewise, NDIS support coordinators take steps to ensure they are aware of any changes to NDIS legislation. This means they can help to adjust plans to accommodate these changes, ensuring smoother transitions. They can also help identify the best providers that suit individual needs and preferences.
Monitoring your care
NDIS support coordination goes further than simply setting up your care.
Your NDIS support coordinator can also monitor your plans and progress. They can act as a checking system, ensuring your current plan is up to date and reflects your needs.
They can also support you in important meetings. For instance, if you need to discuss your position with a plan manager or disability insurance provider.
Skill development
While navigating red tape is crucial to receiving care, understanding your position is also important. A plan manager who does not explain what they are doing could result in care that does not match your needs or support your goals.
An NDIS support coordinator takes steps to help you understand your position, what is available to you and how you can get that support. They can help build the important skills you need to handle NDIS concerns and improve your confidence to handle issues on your own terms.
With their support, you may be able to strengthen your independence so that you can have greater control over your life.
Outside the NDIS
While coordinators generally focus on NDIS support, many also have an in-depth understanding of other services that may be available for their clients. This means that if your NDIS plan does not cover what you need, an NDIS support coordinator may be able to guide you in the right direction.
They often work with many additional services outside of the NDIS, such as charities or community programs. These services are often available to anyone in need, and do not often have eligibility requirements.
What to look for in an NDIS support coordinator
While NDIS support coordinators can be helpful, finding the right fit is important to ensuring you receive the best care. If your NDIS support coordinator refuses to listen to you and does not support your goals, you could miss out on the support you actually need. You may even receive care that is detrimental to you.
When meeting with support coordinators, there are several qualities you should look for before settling on a choice.
Experience
Experience means your support coordinator has the first-hand knowledge needed to navigate different issues with confidence. Every client has unique issues, goals and needs. A support coordinator with limited experience may not know how to help or waste time on methods that don’t work.
Check how many years your NDIS support coordinator or coordination provider has been in business. If they have been successfully supporting clients for several years, they likely have the experience you need.
Qualifications
Checking your support coordinator’s qualifications is also a great way to see if they have the right knowledge and skills. NDIS support coordinators should have some form of tertiary qualification, whether that be a certificate or a diploma.
This means they have an in-depth understanding of the issues you may face and the support available to you. It also demonstrates their credibility, acting as proof of their experience so that clients can trust their advice.
Compassionate support
People seeking NDIS support are often experiencing some form of crisis, from mental health concerns to a lack of care. An NDIS support coordinator needs to be able to show genuine compassion along with their advice. Someone who does not show empathy and kindness for your situation is unlikely to help you the right way.
An NDIS support coordinator needs to be able to work closely with you. They need to be able to fully understand your needs as well as how to help. If you feel as though your NDIS support coordinator has not shown the right care, consider other NDIS coordination providers.
Finding the right support
NDIS support coordinators are a great way of streamlining your applications, care plans, and support. They can offer vital guidance, all while building your understanding of the NDIS and navigational skills.
While it might be overwhelming, there are many different NDIS support coordinators available. Don’t be afraid to compare your options before settling down.
