Careco Disability Support’s Post

This is a regressive move back to an inflexible pre-covid system. Pre-covid this lack of flexibility meant Carer Support was underspent by $10million one year A system called Ichoose was proposed to replace it. The changes announced today fail to recognise that for many people whānau are the only carers. For some disabled people Flexible purchasing was a lifeline. It enabled people to make good use of the funds they were allocated in a way that worked for their whānau. The ambulance at the bottom of the cliff is far more expensive than timely cost effective flexible purchases. The Whaikaha Ministry for Disabled People need to work in partnership with disabled people and their whānau and uphold the UNCRPD and Enabling Good Lives Principles. We have a taxation system where we trust whānau to make good use of funds with Working for Families Tax credits. We need an equally high trust model for whānau wirh disabilities.

Shout out to My Plan Support at Raymond Terrace for being the first plan managers I know who have shared that will be using the Disability Support Worker Cost Model (DSWCM) to process STA invoices from now on. The use of the DSWCM will significantly reduce the potential for overcharging for respite trips provided by independent support workers (as well as all providers but especially independent support workers), which has been one of the most frustrating and poorly managed aspects of the scheme in my opinion. The cost model breaks the cost down into 3 components (labour, accommodation, and centre costs). Labour component will need to be calculated based on the ACTUAL amount of work done, not just assuming the person is receiving 24/7 active awake high-intensity supports (which is what literally everyone has been charging this whole time - $2090.80/day for a weekday rate, $4,110.80/day for a public holiday). Even the conservative use of the DSCW immediately reduces the maximum charge for an independent support worker for a weekday by $600. This is a small part of the email I received from My Plan Support today; 'Questions are as follows: Is this respite sustainable within your budget (we can assist with calculating this for you, factoring in your current regular support costs)? When the full rate is being charged: Is the participant requiring 24 hour active 1:1 support? *If not, please review the Disability Support Worker Cost Model that outlines the way the NDIA develops the rate for STA (page 9). STA rates should be negotiated with the participant based on this cost model- taking into consideration their usual support ratio and level of support required when away from home. If you are not providing 24/7 active 1:1 support and still charging the full capped rate, please outline your justification for this, so this can be provided to the NDIA if they hold this claim for review.' Here is a link to the Disability Support Worker Cost Model document published on 1st of October 2024 if you would like to look into this further: https://lnkd.in/gBFPDmuh www.myplansupport.com.au - not affiliated, just glad to see someone doing it right.

🌟 Boost Your SSI Disability Benefits! 🌟 Looking to get more money from your SSI Disability? Follow these tips: ✅ Understand income exclusions ✅ Apply for state supplements ✅ Report changes promptly ✅ Utilize SSA work incentives Read More: https://shorturl.at/CJGsv #SSI #DisabilityBenefits #sackettlaw #MaximizeBenefits #SocialSecurity

Whether you’re making a referral for yourself, a loved one or another participant, we’ve simplified the process for you! Follow these easy steps to get started with Your Life Disability Support Services - YLDS: 1️⃣Visit Our Website: Start by heading over to YLDS Services to explore our wide range of support options. 2️⃣Explore Our Services: Take a look at the comprehensive list of NDIS services we offer. From daily living assistance to community participation, we tailor our support to meet individual needs. 3️⃣Gather Necessary Information: Collect all relevant information about the participant, such as NDIS plan details, personal goals, and specific support requirements. Having this information at the ready will make the process smoother. 4️⃣Reach Out to Us: Contact us through our online form or give us a call. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the referral process. 5️⃣Schedule an Initial Consultation: We’ll arrange a convenient time for an initial consultation to understand the participant’s needs and discuss how our services can best support them. 6️⃣Develop a Personalised Support Plan: Based on the initial consultation, we’ll work together to create a tailored support plan that aligns with the participant’s goals and NDIS plan. 7️⃣Begin Receiving Services: Once the support plan is in place, we’ll start providing the agreed-upon services. We ensure continuous support and regular check-ins to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. 🔗 Ready to Get Started? Visit YLDS Services today and take the first step towards accessing quality NDIS support! https://bit.ly/YLDS #NDIS #DisabilitySupport #Caregivers #SupportServices #YLDSS #NDISservices #InclusiveSupport #DisabilityCare #ReferralProcess

How Can NDIS Providers Make Living More Independent For You? If you’re struggling with your disabilities, hire NDIS providers. In this blog, we’ve discussed their role in enhancing your independence and quality of life. #NDISproviderPakenham #NDISproviderNoblePark Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dbwt5cgd

Changes to Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services. Purchasing Rules: We have made changes to the Purchasing Rules to clarify how people can use their disability support funding. Purchasing Rules describe what disability support funding can be used to buy, when using Individualised Funding, Enhanced Individualised Funding, Choice in Community Living, Personal Budgets or Carer Support. These changes do not affect the amount of funding you are allocated. Equipment and Modification Services (EMS): Whaikaha is working with equipment and modification assessors and providers to put in place prioritisation measures. This means that people with the most urgent need will be prioritised for Equipment or Modification Services. Why are these changes happening? Whaikaha commissions disability support services for almost 50,000 people and funds equipment and home and vehicle modifications for approximately 100,000 people through Equipment and Modification Services (EMS). There is increasing pressure across the disability support system in both the demand for, and cost of these services and supports.    You can find out information about the changes on our website: https://bit.ly/3TjFdIl Image description: purple background with pale yellow text that says, "Changes to Purchasing Rules and EMS”. The top left corner has a faded tohu design, a series of parallel lines with intersecting curved elements. .

This is poorly thought through policy making. The below changes are incredibly unhelpful for parents, caregivers, and families of a disabled child. This sort of punitive approach shows utter ignorance of the realities of families lives, ignorance of what support is actually avaivle, ignorance of what respite means, and a cavalier attitude to carer/family wellbeing. Effective immediately, all flexibility for families who receive disability support funding is gone. You can no longer use your funding for the follwoing: All purchasing of items as a form of delivering respite. (Including, but not limited to, consumer electronics, sporting or recreation goods that may reduce the need to take a break.) All self-care services such as massages, pedicures and other appearance or therapeutic care. All expenses, that are not a necessary part of supporting the disabled person, where those expenses are intended to be part of providing respite. Travel related costs for disabled people, whānau, and/or persons providing support, including: - Accommodation. - Domestic and Overseas travel. - Food. You are not able to buy a support when funding for that support has been turned down by (or on behalf of) the responsible government agency or where you may have to wait, including for extended periods, to be able to access the service. I am so very disappointed in you, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People

As leaders and members in learning disability care, we understand that resilience isn't just a trait—it's a necessity. 💪 In this line of work, the ability to bounce back swiftly from challenges isn't just admirable; it's indispensable. Resilience allows care staff members to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our service users, ensuring continuity and stability in care provision. ✅ Amidst the strains of a cost-of-living crisis and the challenges posed by the pandemic (yes- even years later), resilience is our shield against burnout and exhaustion. It's what enables members of your care staff to navigate through constant changes and uncertainties with grace and determination. Without resilience, the quality of care we provide would be compromised, and the well-being of our service users could be at risk. 😰 That's why nurturing resilience within our workforce isn't just a priority—it's a fundamental aspect of our commitment to outstanding care. Let's stand together, support each other, and cultivate resilience as we continue to empower and uplift those we serve. 💛 📝 Come back tomorrow as we share tips on how exactly to build resilience among your care staff. Follow us @hrdconsultancy to see it first! #disabilitycare #carehomes #careservices #learningdisabilities #carers

Big changes are coming to the NDIS—here’s what you need to know. The Australian Government has announced $1 billion in funding to make the NDIS more person-centred, easier to navigate, and accessible for future generations. Key updates include: - Support needs assessments to be funded by the Government - A new workforce to improve participant planning and safety - Early intervention pathways for children under 9 These changes are all about putting participants back at the heart of the NDIS—where they belong. At Plan Access, we’re here to complement these reforms by making shopping for NDIS consumables seamless, quick, and stress-free. Need to stock up? Our streamlined platform simplifies the process for participants and carers. Vendors? We help you connect with the right audience, so your products can reach those who need them most. The NDIS is evolving. Plan Access is here to make the journey smoother for everyone. Explore how we’re helping participants and vendors thrive: https://lnkd.in/g_dycyMw Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwdXdcic #NDIS #PlanAccess #Government #Marketplace #Disability

Did you know that in the state of Colorado, if you are autistic you are entitled to free healthcare? If you are a working autistic (or working with any disability), even if you make above the income limit, you are also eligible for healthcare through the buy-in program, which is Medicaid offered at a drastically reduced cost compared to traditional health insurance. And in Colorado, there are tons of great providers who accept Medicaid! More about the Buy-In Program here: https://lnkd.in/gC5P9peK In addition, you can also qualify for a variety of different waivers to receive additional support, like the Developmental Disabilities Waiver, which allows access to in-home help, home delivered meals, community connectors (someone who supports you out within the community), and so much more. You can read more about the DD waiver here: https://lnkd.in/gSXxkzFj And if you're a parent of an autistic child, you can get paid through the Child Extensive Support waiver for taking care of your child! You can even get trained by the state to be a CNA and get paid for that as well. https://lnkd.in/gwW3ESrN Although you need a formal DX to access these services, it is well worth getting that diagnosis so you have access to a ton of supports. Are you in the Northern Colorado area and looking for some reputable diagnosticians that won't break the bank? Let me know and I will get you resources so you can get started! There are a ton of great programs out there - but a lot of people don't know about them! #noco #fortcollins #autistic #actuallyautistic #autisticcommunity #ADHD #AuDHD #colorado