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Sirianni siblings

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<h1>Inclusive ideas for the holidays</h1>
<h4>Our tips to help navigate the holiday break with activities for all the family.</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2641" src="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/12/Inclusive-holiday-ideas.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="865" srcset="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/12/Inclusive-holiday-ideas.jpg 1080w, https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/12/Inclusive-holiday-ideas-600x481.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></p>
<p>The summer holidays are a time for connection and creating memories, but for some families, they can also bring unique challenges. This article provides practical recommendations for inclusive activities, ensuring that everyone in the family can enjoy the break together.</p>
<h2>Things to Consider When Planning Activities</h2>
<h3>Communicating with family and friends</h3>
<p>Let family members and friends know about your child’s specific needs, whether it’s mobility accommodations, sensory preferences, or behavioural support. Clear communication helps everyone understand how to contribute to a positive and supportive environment for your child.</p>
<h3>Utilising your Support Workers</h3>
<p>Support Workers can play a vital role during the holiday season by helping to manage routines, assist with activities, and provide additional support during outings or gatherings. Coordinate with them early to ensure you have the right level of support scheduled over the summer break.</p>
<h3>Maintaining familiarity</h3>
<p>Bringing along familiar items, such as a favourite blanket, toy, or sensory tool, can help your child feel secure in new environments. Comfort items like noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets can also make outings or travel more manageable.</p>
<h2>Inclusive activity ideas for all the family</h2>
<p>These activities are designed to be enjoyable and accessible for children with physical and cognitive disabilities, ensuring the whole family can participate.</p>
<h3>Movies</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sensory-friendly cinema screenings:</strong> Many cinemas now offer sensory-friendly sessions, where the volume is turned down, the lights remain on, and children are free to move around. This is increasingly available across cinema chains like <a href="https://www.hoyts.com.au/events/sensory-screenings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hoyts</a>, <a href="https://villagecinemas.com.au/events/sensory-friendly-films" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Village Cinemas</a> and <a href="https://support.eventcinemas.com.au/support/solutions/articles/51000369784-what-are-sensory-screenings-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Events Cinemas</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Outdoor movie nights:</strong> If public cinemas aren’t the right fit, create your own movie magic at home. Set up a projector in the garden with beanbags, blankets, and plenty of popcorn for a cosy and fun family experience.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outdoors</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Outdoor fire pit or backyard camping:</strong> If large gatherings feel overwhelming, a backyard fire pit or camping night can offer a relaxed, holiday-themed alternative. Bring lanterns, marshmallows, and stories for a memorable evening.</li>
<li><strong>Beach day:</strong> Australia boasts many <a href="https://accessiblebeaches.com/beach-directory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accessible beaches</a>, making it easier to enjoy the sand, sun, and sea breeze. Accessible facilities and pathways allow everyone to join in without barriers.</li>
<li><strong>Petting zoos or animal therapy:</strong> Many farms and petting zoos host special holiday-themed events. Interacting with animals can be soothing, especially for children with sensory sensitivities.</li>
<li><strong>Wheelchair-friendly hiking trails:</strong> Explore local parks or botanical gardens with accessible pathways. Some locations feature festive lights or decorations, adding a magical touch to your outdoor adventure.</li>
<li><strong>Holiday train rides:</strong> Scenic, holiday-themed train rides can be a delightful family outing. Many railways offer accessible carriages, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adaptive Sports</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Adaptive sports sessions:</strong> Many recreation centres offer adaptive sports during the holidays, including wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, and adaptive swimming, providing opportunities for physical activity and fun.</li>
<li><strong>Ten-pin bowling:</strong> Bowling alleys often provide accessible lanes and adaptive equipment, making it a great activity for children with mobility challenges.</li>
<li><strong>Mini golf:</strong> Choose a venue with accessible pathways and adaptive equipment. Many mini golf courses are wheelchair-friendly and offer a fun, low-impact activity for the whole family.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arts and Culture</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Interactive holiday displays:</strong> Some museums and community centres host interactive exhibits designed to accommodate both physical and sensory needs, offering tactile and visual experiences for children of all abilities.</li>
<li><strong>Art classes:</strong> Take part in adaptive art classes, where children can paint, draw, or sculpt in an inclusive setting that prioritises accessibility.</li>
<li><strong>Music therapy sessions:</strong> Join a holiday-themed music therapy class featuring activities like singing, playing instruments, or dancing in a sensory-friendly environment.</li>
<li><strong>Story time and quiet crafts:</strong> Libraries often hold holiday story time sessions followed by low-stimulation crafts, which can be ideal for routine-friendly, calm activities.</li>
<li><strong>Interactive puppet shows or performances:</strong> Sensory-friendly performances and puppet shows designed for neurodiverse children often allow for movement and feature reduced sensory input, such as softer lighting and quieter sound effects.</li>
</ul>
<p>By planning activities that align with your child’s specific needs, abilities, and interests, the holiday season can become a joyful and inclusive experience for the whole family. Whether you’re venturing outdoors, enjoying creative pursuits, or simply making the most of time at home, we hope these ideas inspire some fun-filled moments over the break.</p>


inclusive-holiday-ideas

Inclusive-holiday-ideas

<p>Building a strong support network is a process, but it’s one that can transform your life for the better. Whether you’re living with a disability or caring for someone who is, having a mix of people in your corner can make everything feel a little bit lighter. We appreciate this is sometimes ‘easier said than done’, but reaching out, connecting with people who understand, and asking for the help you need is sometimes essential.</p>
<p>We’re not putting everyone in the same box, but if this resonates, here are some simple tips on how to start building a network:</p>
<h2>Connect with people who understand</h2>
<p>There’s nothing quite like talking to someone who truly gets what you’re going through. These people understand your day-to-day struggles, frustrations, and wins without needing a detailed explanation. They’ve likely been through something similar!</p>
<p>Finding the right people or groups might take some time, but there are plenty of ways to start building these connections, both online and in your local community.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Online communities:</strong> The internet is a great place to find groups of people who share similar experiences. Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and disability-specific websites often host communities where people can chat, share stories, and offer advice. Many of these groups are focused on specific conditions or experiences, making it easier to connect with people who understand your unique challenges.</li>
<li><strong>Local councils and community centres:</strong> Some host support groups or social activities for people with disabilities and their Carers. They may also offer disability advocacy services, inclusive social events, or even workshops where you can learn new skills while connecting with like-minded people.</li>
<li><strong>Local disability organisations:</strong> The NDIS is a fantastic resource for connecting with others. They often have peer support programmes or can recommend local disability organisations that host regular events, meetups, or online forums.</li>
<li><strong>Medical professionals:</strong> Your GP or specialist can be another great resource. They often have connections to local support groups, mental health services, or other community activities designed specifically for Carers. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your doctor for recommendations.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Friends, family, and your local community</h2>
<p>Your family and friends want to be there for you. They might provide emotional support, practical help, or just be that person you can call when things feel overwhelming.</p>
<p>With the NDIS, family members are considered informal supports, which means their help is seen as a natural part of your support system. However, beyond family, you can also look to friends and others in your community who might want to play a more formal role in your support network. As paid Support Workers for your loved ones, they can help lighten the load.</p>
<p>Here are some examples of people in your community who might be able to fulfil this role:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Friends or neighbours:</strong> If you have a friend who often helps with transport or household tasks, it may make sense for them to be paid for their time, especially if they’re already familiar with your needs.</li>
<li><strong>Local community members:</strong> People you interact with daily, who understand your specific challenges, can make great Support Workers. This could include:</li>
<li><strong>Hairdressers or barbers:</strong> Regular interactions with your hairdresser or barber can build a trusting relationship, and they might be able to offer more than just their professional services.</li>
<li><strong>Sporting coaches or teacher’s aides:</strong> If your child participates in adaptive sports or school activities, coaches and aides can sometimes step into more formal support roles.</li>
<li><strong>Scout leaders or youth group organisers:</strong> Leaders from community groups like Scouts or youth programmes are often well-versed in working with kids of all abilities. They could be ideal candidates to provide additional support outside of these settings.</li>
</ul>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Meet the Solarino family" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4kIRB0oKY4s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Communicating your needs effectively</h2>
<p>Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing how to ask for help without feeling like a burden. The truth is, most people want to help, but they don’t always know how. By being open and clear about what you need, you can ensure your family, friends, and community members are offering support in ways that truly work for you.</p>
<p>Here’s how to start those conversations:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Be specific about what you need:</strong> Whether you need someone to help with physical tasks, like getting to appointments, or emotional support on tough days, being clear can prevent misunderstandings.</li>
<li><strong>Set boundaries:</strong> It’s okay to let people know if there are certain things you want to handle on your own. Setting boundaries ensures that the support you receive feels helpful, not overwhelming or condescending.</li>
<li><strong>Educate when needed:</strong> Sometimes, family, friends, and even community members might not fully understand your situation. Sharing information with them can help bridge the gap and make their support more effective.</li>
<li><strong>Have regular check-ins:</strong> Life changes, and so do your needs. Keeping the conversation open ensures that your support network evolves with you, rather than staying stuck in old patterns.</li>
</ol>
<p>We hope this has been helpful, and please know that you don’t need to navigate this journey alone.</p>


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Amanda and Erica

<h2>Who can I employ as my Support Worker?</h2>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tips for sourcing suitable Support Workers" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ck2FACPnjD4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Before beginning the process of sourcing and employing new Support Workers, it&#8217;s important to think about what skills, personality and traits your are looking for in a potential Support Worker.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<h4><strong>Define your support needs</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> What specific tasks or activities do you need assistance with?</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> What hours and frequency of support are needed?</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> What are your expectations regarding reliability and commitment?</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> What level of support do you require?</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Maybe it’s someone like our Partner Anne, who met her daughter&#8217;s Support Worker Wendy at her local post office. They don’t need previous experience as a Support Worker for you to employ them, as long as they can satisfy mandatory requirements relevant to the State you live in.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}"> </span></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Meet the Page Family" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kgAwcZdIMws?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h4><strong>Where do you start searching if no one immediately comes to mind?</strong></h4>
<p>The great thing about our unique Direct Employ service, is that you have the power to employ whoever you choose to support you or your loved ones.</p>
<p>There really are countless possibilities of who you could employ and so we encourage you to ‘think outside the square’ when trying to expand your support team. Often, the best Support Workers are closer than you might think!</p>
<h4><strong>Try tapping into your existing networks and community</strong></h4>
<p>Here are just a few suggestions to get you started;</p>
<p style="color: #e47b5e;"><strong>Reach out to friends, family and neighbours</strong></p>
<p>Inform them about your support needs and ask if they or someone they know would be interested in being a Support Worker.</p>
<p style="color: #e47b5e;"><strong>Utilise community groups and platforms</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Advertise on community noticeboards, local newspapers, social media groups, or other online platforms.</li>
<li>You could publish a shareable post on Facebook or other social media platforms (be careful not to share too much information publicly).</li>
<li>Advertise on Gumtree, in your local paper, or through employment websites.</li>
</ul>
<p style="color: #e47b5e;"><strong>Attend community events or local support groups</strong></p>
<p>Participate in community events, disability support groups, or workshops where you can connect with individuals who may be interested in providing support.</p>
<p style="color: #e47b5e;"><strong>Don’t be afraid to ask the question to members of your community<br />
</strong></p>
<p>Some great suggestions of potential Support Workers in your community include;</p>
<ul>
<li>Hospitality or supermarket workers</li>
<li>OSH (Out of School Hours) care workers or teachers’ aides</li>
<li>Childcare educators</li>
<li>University or TAFE student associations</li>
<li>Even your local hairdresser!</li>
</ul>
<p>Having two autistic children, Carer Solutions Partner Amanda, needed Support Workers she could not only trust, but who Alex and Erica felt relaxed and comfortable with.</p>
<p>She was looking to expand her team, but she was struggling to find someone who was the perfect fit. Little did she know that person was closer than she thought.</p>
<p>Zoe is Amanda’s hairdresser, and she has been cutting Amanda’s hair for many years. It wasn’t until Amanda took Erica to Zoe to have her hair cut, that she had a light bulb moment. She saw the great rapport that Zoe had with Erica, so decided to ask Zoe the question.</p>
<p>Amanda asked Zoe if she would be interested in being employed to be a Support Worker for Alex and Erica, and she jumped at the opportunity.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Are you looking to get some extra cash? ‘Cause I’ve got a job for you!”</p></blockquote>
<p>Amanda says the greatest benefit of Carer Solutions Direct Employ service is that she is in control of employing people herself, people that she knows, who her kids know and who understand the mechanisms of their family.</p>
<p>“This is why it is so much harder with an agency because you’re getting what someone else thinks you need – not what you actually need.“</p>


<h2 class="PostCard__PostCardTitle-sc-1tp6ahk-4 RXsst">NDIS Amendment Bill 2024</h2>
<p><strong>Updated 4 July 2024</strong></p>
<p>On Wednesday 27 March 2024, Minister Bill Shorten introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.</p>
<p>But what has happened since then? What&#8217;s likely to happen next? In this article, we help break down what the Bill is about, explore some of the key proposals, and predict the next possible steps.</p>
<h4 class="mditem" style="margin-bottom: 9.0pt; background: white;"><strong>What is the purpose of the Bill?</strong></h4>
<p>The Bill seeks to amend the original NDIS legislation, created in 2013. Basically, it seeks to convert the recommendations from the NDIS Review into law.</p>
<h4><strong>What are some of key proposals?</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>All NDIS participants will be moved to the revamped scheme over the next five years. The changes include a new assessment of the needs of each participant (not their eligibility) and then providing them with a budget that will last <em>up to</em> five years.</li>
<li>This is principally designed to eliminate plan inflation associated with the current practice of giving each participant a new plan every year, which is often more expensive than the year before.</li>
<li>Funding will be allocated based on impairments that meet disability requirements, not by having a listed medical condition that guarantees entry to the scheme.</li>
<li>The NDIA will be required to provide participants with a clear statement of the basis on which they entered the scheme.</li>
<li>The legislation defines the supports that will be funded by the NDIS and those that will not. The latter will include such items as groceries, paying bills, gambling, cosmetics, appliances, whitegoods and perfume.</li>
<li>There will be new safeguards to stop the exploitation of participants and the scheme. For example, if a participant is being manipulated by a carer who is managing their plan (ie. so the Carer can defraud the scheme), then the agency will take over managing the plan for the participant.</li>
<li>The agency <em>could</em> also change Plan Management processes as well, by imposing shorter funding periods “to safeguard participants where others may seek to exploit or coerce the participant to use their package in a way that is not consistent with their best interests”.</li>
<li>To further guard again such fraud, the agency can clarify the supports on which a participant can only spend money in accordance with their plan. This will help guard against the deliberate spending of an entire budget early and then asking for, and receiving more money.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>What’s the current state of play?</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>On 5 June, the NDIS Amendment Bill was passed the House of Representatives.</li>
<li>On 20 June, the Community Affairs Legislation Committee handed down their report on the NDIS (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024, which is <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/NDISAmendment2024">available here</a>.</li>
<li>The Labor-majority Committee recommended the Bill be passed, subject to some minor amendments.</li>
<li>On 24 June, the Bill was introduced into the Senate and commenced the second reading debate. In that debate, opposition Senator Hollie Hughes (Liberals) moved an amendment which referred the Bill back to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for further inquiry and to report by 5 August 2024.</li>
<li>The Greens then amended that opposition amendment to specify that the Committee should examine any circulated amendments to the Bill and the positions of state and territory governments.</li>
<li>On 27 June, the Senate formally voted to refer the NDIS (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 to Committee.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>What’s likely to happen next?</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>As per the vote, the Bill has gone back to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee.</li>
<li>The Greens and the LNP asked for additional time for the new amendments to be considered by the Senate Legislative Committee, with an accompanying report due on August 5.</li>
<li>The Bill should go back into the Senate the week of 12 August.</li>
<li>Labor’s hands are tied as they simply don&#8217;t have the numbers in the Senate. They are going to have to bargain either with the Coalition or the Greens, plus two cross-benchers to get this through.</li>
</ul>
<p>Information referenced in this article has been sourced from the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7181">APH website</a> and various media reports.</p>


<h1>The NDIS Review</h1>
<p>On Thursday 7 December 2023, the final report of the NDIS review was released. The report maps out the Review’s recommendations to help restore trust, ensure the Scheme’s sustainability, and deliver a better NDIS experience for participants moving forward.</p>
<h3><strong>But what does it actually mean for NDIS participants?</strong></h3>
<p>The lengthy 329-page report includes 26 recommendations and 139 supporting actions, which are projected to be implemented over the next five years.</p>
<p>While the full Government response to the Review won’t be released until sometime in 2024, discussions with the disability community will continue over the coming months as the NDIS work together to make the positive changes needed for people with disability.</p>
<p>In a recent episode of his <a href="https://youtu.be/lYXlWwrTL_4">Reasonable and Necessary: Making Sense of the NDIS Podcast</a>, Dr George Taleporos, brings together Australia’s leading disability advocates to unpack the Review. Dr George, along with El Gibbs, Nick Avery, Jarrod Sandell-Hay and Sam Paior discuss all the big changes that are proposed, and what they might mean for you.</p>
<h3><strong>Here’s a snapshot of the Review’s recommendations </strong></h3>
<p><strong>Legislation:</strong> The Review recommended a range of legislative reforms to return the scheme to its original intent and improve the experience of participants. This included legislation to improve eligibility and access, as well as an early intervention pathway for children.</p>
<p><strong>Foundational supports:</strong> The Review recommended disability specific supports that would be available to people with disability and, where appropriate, their families and carers. The Review said these supports should be available to all Australians with disability, whether they are on the NDIS or not. Foundational supports would interconnect with existing mainstream services like childcare and schools.</p>
<p><strong>Early childhood intervention:</strong> The Review said there is not enough support for children in everyday settings, where they live, play and learn. It recommends children with disability and developmental concerns or delays are identified early and get the support they need. This could include earlier checks and screening to pick up developmental concerns and provide support.</p>
<p><strong>New approaches to psychosocial disability and mental health:</strong> The Review recommended a new, dedicated approach for people with psychosocial disability that better meets their episodic needs and is focused on personal recovery. It recommended that access to mental health services should be improved and there should be a strengthened interface between mental health systems and the NDIS.</p>
<p><strong>Service navigation:</strong> The Review recommended the introduction of navigators to help people with disability, find and access all services available to them across mainstream services, community supports, foundational supports and the NDIS.</p>
<p><strong>Fairer housing and living support:</strong> The Review recommended consistency should be introduced to housing and living support budgets to make it fairer for NDIS participants. The Review recommended a more flexible and innovative approach to housing supports to help people access solutions that suit them better.</p>
<p><strong>Registration:</strong> The Review recommended all providers should be enrolled or registered, with the level of regulatory requirement being determined by the risk and complexity of the different supports they provide.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/">You can access the full report and the supporting documents here.</a></p>


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<p><a href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/knowledge-base/">← Return to Knowledge Base</a></p>
<h1 id="Top">NDIS Overview</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="#One">What is the NDIS?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Two">Am I eligible for the NDIS?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Three">How can the NDIS benefit me?</a></p>
<h3 id="One">What is the NDIS?</h3>
<p>The NDIS &#8211; National Disability Insurance Scheme, is a government initiative designed to help people get the support they need so that their skills and independence improve over time. More information can be found on this website: <a title="Link to the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis</a></p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Two">Am I eligible for the NDIS?</h3>
<p>There are a few criteria that need to be met for one to be eligible for the NDIS as the scheme is specifically for Australians living with disabilities. More information can be found on this website: <a title="Link to the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible">https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible</a></p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Three">How can the NDIS benefit me?</h3>
<p>The NDIS provides funding in the form of a plan that allows individuals to access the services or products they need to live a full life. The plan usually has a set amount of funding across the categories based on an individuals needs, and this can be discussed at an initial meeting or plan review meeting with a NDIS delegate.</p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>


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Grampians Morning Tea Image

<p><a href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/knowledge-base/">← Return to Knowledge Base</a></p>
<h1 id="">Direct Employ Overview</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="#One">What is the Carer Solutions Direct Employ service?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Two">What is a Partner?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Three">Can Carer Solutions help me find Support Workers?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Four">Who can I hire to be a Support Worker?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Five">If I am a Support Worker, who do I work for?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Six">What type of funding do I need in order to use the Direct Employ service?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Seven">Can I use a Support Worker agency and the Direct Employ service?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Eight">Can I still use the Direct Employ Service if I only need it occasionally?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Nine">How much should I pay my Support Workers?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Ten">What happens if I run out of funding?</a></p>
<h3 id="One">What is the Carer Solutions Direct Employ service?</h3>
<p>We support Partners to directly employ the Support Workers they need, know and trust. We provide a number of initial and ongoing services, including a fortnightly payroll administration service to ensure our Partners are meeting their obligations as an employer. However, we are not the legal employer of a Partner’s Support Worker(s).</p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Two">What is a Partner?</h3>
<p>At Carer Solutions, we refer to people who use our services &#8216;clients&#8217; as Partners.</p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Three">Can Carer Solutions help me find Support Workers?</h3>
<p>Unfortunately no. We don’t find or employ Support Workers for our Partners. Partners, or their family, using our service get the benefit of being able to select Support Workers/individuals they know and trust already. We also don’t determine what the working relationship looks like. This is for our Partners and their Support Workers to define together.</p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Four">Who can I hire to be a Support Worker?</h3>
<p>The benefit of our service is being able to hire who you know and trust. Our Partners have employed:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support Workers they know already</li>
<li>Neighbours</li>
<li>Friends</li>
<li>Teachers Aids</li>
<li>Even the local Cricket Coach!</li>
</ul>
<p>Take a look at who is in your local community and network as you may already know someone who would be perfect to provide the support you would like and/or need.</p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Five">If I am a Support Worker, who do I work for?</h3>
<p>You are employed, and therefore work for, the individual or family seeking support (our Partners). We simply facilitate the payment of your wages; make sure the correct amount of PAYG Withholding tax is withheld and sent to the ATO; that your superannuation is sent to your nominated super fund; and work with our Partners on any other employer obligations that are required.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Six">What type of funding do I need in order to use the Direct Employ service?</h3>
<p>There are two ways to fund (pay for) our Direct Employ service:</p>
<p><strong>NDIS, Plan or Self-Managed</strong></p>
<p>Due to the nature of the way that the NDIS is structured, we are only able to offer our Direct Employ payroll service to Partners whose funding is NDIS Plan or Self-Managed.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we are unable to facilitate our Direct Employ payroll service for Partners who have all their funding NDIS Agency Managed at this time.</p>
<p>If you have a mixture of Plan, Self and Agency Managed funding you will be able to use the Direct Employ payroll service, give us a call to discuss further <strong>1300 729 839.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Private or Other Funding</strong> (Home Care Packages, Disability Support for Older Australian etc)</p>
<p>As each situation is unique, please reach out to our team on 1300 729 839 to discuss further, so we can work with you to see how we can help.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Seven">Can I use a Support Worker agency and the Direct Employ service?</h3>
<p>Yes. We have a number of Partners that use our Direct Employ service as well as a traditional Support Worker agency.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Eight">Can I still use the Direct Employ Service if I only need it occasionally?</h3>
<p>Yes, once you are set up, the service is ready for whenever you need it. On top of that because our Direct Employ service is ‘pay as you go’, there are no monthly or annual fees, you will only pay for the service when you use it.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Nine">How much should I pay my Support Workers?</h3>
<p>As the direct employer, you and your Support Worker have the flexibility to agree on a suitable pay rate together. Carer Solutions provides you with the correct information to ensure you are meeting your employer obligations, when it comes to choosing the correct level of pay for your Support Workers.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Ten">What happens if I run out of funding?</h3>
<p>The best thing to do if you run out of funding is to contact your Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS directly. We keep all of our Partners set up and ready to use our service, so once your funding is in place, just let us know and you can continue to use the service. If you have personal finances available, you may be able to employ your Support Worker personally while organising your funding. If you would like to explore this, please give our friendly team a call on <strong>1300 729 839.</strong></p>
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<h1 id="Top">Plan Management Overview</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="#One">What is Plan Management?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Two">Do I have to pay extra for Plan Management services?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Three">What support does a Plan Manager provide?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Four">What are the goals and responsibilities of a Plan Manager?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Five">Who can help you get the best out of your NDIS plan?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Six">How long does it take for an invoice to be paid through Carer Solutions personalised Plan Management service?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Seven">What information does an invoice need in order to be claimable through the NDIS?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Eight">How do I request a reimbursement?</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="One">What is Plan Management?</h3>
<p>Plan management or financial intermediary is one of three ways a plan can be managed. This is a division that the NDIS have created to help individuals with an NDIS plan seamlessly connect and use their NDIS planned funding.</p>
<p>The 3 ways your plan can be managed are:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Self Managed</strong> &#8211; is where you manage your own NDIS funding</li>
<li><strong>Plan Managed</strong> &#8211; is where you appoint a plan manager to manage your NDIS funding</li>
<li><strong>Agency Managed</strong> &#8211; is where NDIS registered providers connect directly to the NDIS to claim payment for support services they provide</li>
</ul>
<p>Plan management services allow you to use a provider that is either registered with the NDIS, or not registered with the NDIS; giving you the choice and control to utilise whatever service provider you are most comfortable with, as long as they a valid ABN.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Two">Do I have to pay extra for Plan Management services?</h3>
<p>No. Whether or not the NDIS requires your plan to be plan managed or you request that it be plan managed, the NDIS will allocate a separate set of funding for plan management service fees which are a fixed amount determined by the NDIS.<br />
This does not impact your funding in any way. You will still have the same amount of funding for services your chose.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Three">What support does a Plan Manager provide?</h3>
<p>The support given can be simplified into the following points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Managing and monitoring a participant&#8217;s budget.</li>
<li>Making claims on behalf of the participant and forwarding payment to providers for goods/services delivered.</li>
<li>Providing updates to show the financial status of the participant&#8217;s NDIS plan through statements.</li>
<li>Notifying participant&#8217;s when their budget is likely to go over their allocated funding amount or is being under-utilised.</li>
<li>Assisting a participant realise increased choice and control over their plan with a wealth of experience handling NDIS rules and regulations.</li>
<li>Lend advice to the participant as to how they can best utilise their plan &#8211; offering a knowledge base to further a participant or nominee&#8217;s understanding and financial capacity.</li>
</ul>
<p>All plan managers are registered NDIS providers &#8211; and are to adhere by and deliver upon the <a title="A link to the NDIS Code of Conduct on the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/ndis-code-conduct" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Code of Conduct</a>.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Four">What are the goals and responsibilities of a Plan Manager?</h3>
<p>The goals of a Plan Manager for their participants are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Help participants achieve their goals outlined in their NDIS plan</li>
<li>Reassure all financial interactions are impartial, adhering to the NDIS code of conduct, demonstrating honesty and integrity &#8211; enabling the participant to make informed decisions regarding their plan.</li>
<li>Ensuring a participant&#8217;s planned funding is safe and respected.</li>
<li>Informing and encouraging both participants and providers to use best practice pertaining to the NDIS and utilising their plans</li>
</ul>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Five">Who can help you get the best out of your NDIS plan?</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Support Coordinators:</strong> If you have funds allocated in your plan, you can engage a support coordinator who will help you find suitable supports for your needs.</li>
<li><strong>Local Area Coordinators:</strong> (or LACs) can kick start your journey in finding supports or items, as well as help you to get certain items or supports claims approved.</li>
<li><strong>Carer Solutions:</strong> Via our Direct Employ service you can directly employ people you already know and trust as Support Workers as an alternative to traditional agencies <a title="Link to our Direct Employ service page" href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/nominee/">Click here</a> to find out more about this service.</li>
</ul>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Six">How long does it take for an invoice to be paid through Carer Solutions personalised Plan Management service?</h3>
<p>Invoices are normally paid within 5 business days.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Seven">What information does an invoice need in order to be claimable through the NDIS?</h3>
<ul>
<li>The provider’s NDIS business name</li>
<li>The provider’s ABN</li>
<li>The participant’s full name and/or NDIS number</li>
<li>The support item number or detailed description of each service provided</li>
<li>The amount and quantity claimed for each unit of the support provided. For example, $51.09 each x 2 units (i.e. hours or items purchased)</li>
<li>The date/s the support was delivered</li>
<li>The total invoice amount</li>
<li>The GST component if applicable (most services are GST free).</li>
</ul>
<p>Note:<br />
A service providers&#8217; invoice can only reflect goods or services for one participant, but can include multiple supports.</p>
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<h3 id="Eight">How do I request a reimbursement?</h3>
<p>Occasionally, you may purchase consumables (if they are in your Plan) or pay other providers, and this may result in you being out of pocket.</p>
<p>To request a reimbursement, you must;</p>
<ul>
<li>Contact us and provide us with the bank details of the account you would like us to reimburse the funds into.</li>
<li>Provide copies of the tax receipt and/or proof of payment</li>
<li>Then email your reimbursement request to payments@carersolutions.com.au</li>
</ul>
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&nbsp;</p>
<h1 id="Top">NDIS Plan Funding Types</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="#One">What supports are funded by the NDIS?</a></p>
<p><a href="#Two">Core Funding</a></p>
<p><a href="#Three">Capacity Building Funding</a></p>
<p><a href="#Four">Capital Funding</a><br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="One">What supports are funded by the NDIS?</h3>
<p>There are 3 key funding areas of Core, Capacity Building and Capital funding. Read on below for details of what each funding area covers.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Two">Core Funding &#8211; for accessing Core Supports</h3>
<p>This area of funding within a participant&#8217;s NDIS plan is specifically allocated to &#8216;Core Supports&#8217;. A core support is an activity that helps a participant with their everyday life. For example, Support Workers.</p>
<p>Core Supports help a participant work towards their goals outlined in their plan and grant choice and control. This budget is the most flexible, and in most cases can be used across all of the support categories (highlighting a participant&#8217;s ability to exercise choice and control).</p>
<p>The 4 core categories are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Daily Activities (Assistance with Daily Life)</strong> &#8211; Assistance with everyday needs, household cleaning and/or yard maintenance. For example, support work delivered by a support worker.</li>
<li><strong>Consumables</strong> &#8211; Low cost, low risk and non-modified everyday items participants may need. For example, continence products or low-cost assistive technology and equipment to improve a participants independence and/or mobility.</li>
<li><strong>Social, Community and Civic participation</strong> (Assistance with Social &amp; Community Participation) &#8211; This funding covers the support NDIS participants need to meet goals relating to participating in community, social or recreational activities. For example, a support worker accompanying a participant to a day program.</li>
<li><strong>Transport</strong> &#8211; This is support that helps participants travel to work or other places that will help them pursue the goals in their plan. For example, a participant using a taxi service to travel to their supports</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;<br />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Three">Capacity Building Funding &#8211; for accessing Capacity Building Supports</h3>
<p>An area of funding within a participants NDIS plan, Capacity Building supports are intended to build participants independence and reduce their need for the same level of support into the future.</p>
<p>Unlike Core Supports, Capacity Building is a static category and cannot be moved from one support category to another.<br />
Funding can only be used to purchase approved individual supports that fall within that Capacity Building category.</p>
<p>More information can be found on this website: <a title="Link to the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/managing-your-plan/support-budgets-your-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS website</a></p>
<p>The 9 capacity building categories are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Support Coordination &amp; Psychosocial Recovery Coach</strong> &#8211; This is a fixed amount of funding for a Support Coordinator to help participants use their plan &#8211; usually NDIA managed.</li>
<li><strong>CB Home Living (Improves Living Arrangements)</strong> &#8211; Support to help participants find and maintain an appropriate place to live.</li>
<li><strong>CB Social Community and Civic Participation (Increased Social &amp; Community Participation)</strong> &#8211; Development and training to increase participants skills so they can participate in community, social and recreational activities.</li>
<li><strong>CB Employment (Finding &amp; Keeping a Job)</strong> &#8211; Includes employment-related support, training and assessments that help participants find and keep a job. For example, the school leaver employment supports.</li>
<li><strong>CB Relationships (Improved Relationships)</strong> &#8211; Will help participants develop positive behaviours and interactions with others.</li>
<li><strong>CB Health and Wellbeing (Improved Health &amp; Wellbeing)</strong> &#8211; Including exercise or dietary advice to manage the impact of the participant&#8217;s disability (The NDIS does not fund gym memberships).</li>
<li><strong>CB Lifelong Learning (Improved Learning)</strong> &#8211; Examples include training, advice and help for participants to move from school to further education, such as university or TAFE.</li>
<li><strong>CB Choice and Control (Improved Life Choices)</strong> &#8211; Plan management to help participants manage their plan, funding and paying for services &#8211; includes a monthly a set-up fee cost built into the plan.</li>
<li><strong>CB Daily Activity (Improved Daily Living)</strong> &#8211; most invoices from CB are claimed from this category. This is for the assessment, training or therapy to help increase a participant&#8217;s skill, independence and community participation. These services can be delivered in groups or individually.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;<br />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 id="Four">Capital Funding &#8211; for accessing Capital Supports</h3>
<p>Capital Supports are an area of funding within a participants NDIS plan, includes higher-cost pieces of assistive technology, equipment (under Assistive Technology category) and home or vehicle modifications and Specialist Disability Accommodation (under Home Modification Category). Capital supports funding cannot be used to pay for anything else.</p>
<p>In most cases these support items are to be approved by the NDIS prior to processing for payment.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Assistive Technology</strong> &#8211; This budget has been put in place by the NDIS to help participants purchase items they need to do something that their disability does not allow them to do. This may come in the form of a low-risk or high-risk AT; ranging from items such as a car seat to a motorised wheelchair<br />
<a title="Link to the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about this on the NDIS website</a></li>
<li><strong>Home Modifications</strong> &#8211; Home modifications are safety, accessibility, or comfortability alterations to a participant’s home. These can be considered prior to a plan’s review/start by a qualified surveyor, occupational therapist or NDIS delegate. These modifications may include the installation of a ramp or a bathroom renovation to suit one’s disability.<br />
<a title="Link to the NDIS website" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/home-modifications-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about this on the NDIS website</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;<br />
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<h1 id="Top">Useful Documents, Websites &amp; Links</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="#One">Useful Documents</a></p>
<p><a href="#Two">Useful Websites &amp; Links</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="One">Useful Documents</h2>
<p><a href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2024/06/CS-PaySchedule-July-Dec-2024.pdf">Carer Solutions Pay Schedule July &#8211; December 2024 &#8211; PDF</a></p>
<p><a title="Carer Solutions Incident Management Policy - PDF" href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/CS-Incident-Management-Policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carer Solutions Incident Management Policy &#8211; PDF</a></p>
<p><a title="Carer Solutions Feedback and Complaints Policy - PDF" href="https://wp.carersolutions.com.au/app/uploads/2022/01/CS-Feedback-and-Complaints-Policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carer Solutions Feedback and Complaints Policy &#8211; PDF</a></p>
<p><a title="Carer Solutions website Terms and Conditions - Link" href="https://carersolutions.com.au/terms-conditions">Carer Solutions website Terms and Conditions &#8211; Link</a></p>
<p><a title="NDIS Booklet: Understanding the NDIS - Easy Read PDF" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/125/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Booklet: Understanding the NDIS &#8211; Easy Read PDF</a></p>
<p><a title="NDIS Booklet:Planning - Easy Read PDF" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/335/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Booklet:Planning &#8211; Easy Read PDF</a></p>
<p><a title="NDIS Booklet: Using your NDIS plan - Easy Read PDF" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/338/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Booklet: Using you NDIS plan &#8211; Easy Read PDF</a></p>
<p><a href="#Top">Back to top </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 id="Two">Useful Websites &amp; Links</h2>
<p><a title="NDIS Website - Link" href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Website &#8211; Link</a></p>
<p><a title="NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission - Link" href="https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission &#8211; Link</a></p>
<p><a title="NDIS Code of Conduct (NDIS Providers) - Link" href="https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/ndis-code-conduct" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NDIS Code of Conduct (NDIS Providers) &#8211; Link</a></p>
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