The Myth of 1:1 Support in Plan Management

How Our Team-Based Approach Benefits You

In many areas of life, one-on-one support is seen as being more caring, or of higher quality. But when it comes to plan management, the allure of 1:1 support is quickly outweighed by the real benefits of a team-based approach.

You might be familiar with the adage, “It takes a village.” We believe the same idea of collective support for the best outcome applies to NDIS Plan Management. 

It’s simple – with our team-based approach, there will always be someone available to provide comprehensive support for you.

Busting the Myth of 1:1 Support: Is it Better?

If you go into forums and the like, some will claim that you must have 1:1 plan management and that other plan management styles cannot possibly support your individual needs.

However, it’s a little more complex than that…

•  Going 1:1 is not a guarantee of quality care, personalised service or greater oversight. Make sure you understand the processes, timelines and standards of any prospective provider before signing up!
• If your plan management needs depend on one person, there is always the risk that they will be on annual leave, away sick, or have left the company or industry entirely. This can mean starting from scratch in face-to-face situations, taking time and effort to establish a working relationship with a new key person.
• In 1:1 models, that person may not always be available when YOU are available. You might find yourself leaving voicemails or playing phone tag to find a time that works. With a bigger organisation you can get in touch when it suits you, and someone will be available to take your call. 
• Personal face-to-face support may not be available in your area, especially if you live in a remote or rural community. Ruling out other options can mean compromising on the support available to you from 1:1 providers.

It’s understandable that for something as important as your NDIS plan management you would want a more personal touch – but using a provider with a one-on-one support model is not a guarantee of quality, respect, access, or expertise.

The important thing is to make sure your provider is right for you. You may be happy with a 1:1 provider, but that’s far from your only option when it comes to personalised, client-centred plan management. It’s worth looking around!

Related: Why You Don’t Need Face-to-Face Plan Management

Choosing Your Plan Manager: What to Look For

When it comes to choosing your provider, here are a few things we think are worth looking out for:

1. How quickly do they process invoices?

Any provider should be able to provide an estimate for how quickly they will process invoices. This is a pretty crucial part of the system, so you should look for a plan manager who can work quickly and accurately on your behalf when it comes to funds and invoicing.

2. How knowledgeable are they on NDIS legislation (and recent changes)?

Changes to the NDIS system can impact participant funding, categories, and how providers operate. Is your plan management provider deeply informed about the current legislation and requirements, and are they able to stay up to date on any changes as they come into effect?

3. How accessible are their services?

A plan manager should be able to provide consistent support for your unique circumstances. You want to be able to contact someone who can help, when it’s convenient for you to do so, and have a productive conversation. Whether the barrier is availability, or even a language barrier, your provider should be able to help make things easier for you.

For access to a translator, please see the following link for the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).

NDSP’s Team-Based Support Strategy

 NDSP is committed to making life as easy for you as possible, delivering a personalised experience with our knowledgeable staff.

Our team-based system means you’re not reliant on any one person because the level of service and care you receive will be the same no matter who answers your call. Local based team, knowledgeable staff, can assist you in understanding your plan funding and how it can be used.  

Related:

• Capacity Building Supports Budget: Choice and Control
• NDIS Eligibility: A Complete Guide on How to Apply for Funding

Support For All Queries

For Participants

Our friendly staff are available for you. You have the choice of calling or emailing us.

We leverage the specialties of our team to provide a range of expertise in different aspects of NDIS plan management. NDSP’s support network is designed so you can get the assistance you need, regardless of where you live and who you spoke to last.

For Support Coordinators

We know that Support Coordinators aren’t exempt from communication woes when it comes to working with plan management providers. That’s why NDSP has dedicated Community Engagement Managers in each state and territory, allowing a direct point of contact for queries and escalations for Support Coordinators across our national network.

Our Community Engagement Managers create meaningful relationships with providers and other stakeholders in the disability sector, which are key to ensuring we can provide the plan management assistance our clients (and the clients of Support Coordinators working with us) need.

If you’re a Support Coordinator looking to connect with NDSP, contact our team today to get started.

Related: How We Provide Consistent Support to Participants and Support Coordinators

Providing Accessible Plan Management Expertise

At NDSP we pride ourselves on the assistance we give to our participants and support coordinators regarding plan management funding. Our business hours run from 8.30AM – 5.30PM ACT.

Our comprehensive plan management support network combines helpful technology with caring, knowledgeable people, with the aim to process your invoices as quickly as we can. 

By sharing your current NDIS plan with us, we can quickly and easily determine what claims are aligned and therefore compliant. 

When we do have questions or need to validate something, our friendly team will work with you to resolve them as soon as possible. With our online, user-friendly Nappa participant portal, you have even greater visibility and can approve your own invoices.

NDSP focuses on family, community, and inclusiveness. We value all of our clients and their NDIS journeys, and want to make your journey as seamless as possible. We do this by taking care of the financial aspects of your NDIS plan, freeing your time to do more of what makes you smile!

If you’re looking for help with your NDIS plan, contact NDSP’s expert team today via email or call 1800 63 63 77.