Future Planning
Future Planning: What you need to know
“As we plan for our son ’ s future and succession of care, we recognise the undeniable truth that with our advancing age, his vulnerability and dependence on others will grow. ”
There are 3.0 million unpaid carers in Australia (ABS 2022). When caring for a loved one uncomfortable questions often arise: ‘What happens to my loved one if something happens to me? Will they be able to continue to live the life they want? How do I go about sharing what I know?’.
Future Planning is the proactive approach of safeguarding the well-being and support of individuals living with disability, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for their care and daily life. Support Plus is an online dashboard designed for this purpose, serving as a personalised guidebook that captures vital information about an individual’s life, such as daily routines, care requirements, likes and dislikes, support providers, and the intricacies of managing an NDIS plan.
Your Future Plan transforms into a guidebook, encapsulating every facet of an individual’s life, functioning as a living document, it captures real-time support requirements and needs. Unlike traditional pen-to-paper methods, the online dashboard is a living document that can be updated on the go from your phone, tablet, or desktop.
How do I put a Future Plan in place...
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Have a Conversation
Start discussion early with the individual, their primary carer, and other relevant stakeholders about Future Planning.
Assess Needs
Conduct a thorough assessment of the individual’s support needs, preferences, routines, and goals. Document their daily needs, medical appointments, medications, personal care abilities, and any specialised equipment.
Record their Medicare, Centrelink, GP, and specialist contact details, and the location of important documents.
Note their likes, dislikes, favorite activities, preferred companions, past experiences, strengths, hopes, and wishes.
List Contact Details
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Document the contact information of individuals who regularly interact with the individual, including NDIS and non-NDIS support providers, along with service details and costs.
Identify Successor Candidates
Identify potential successors with close relationships, relevant skills, and willingness to take on caregiving or nominee roles. Involve them in discussions and outline their roles and responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition of care.
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Training and Familiarisation
Provide training and support to the chosen successor, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the individual's needs. Familiarise them with routines, communication needs, and specific care requirements.
Regular Reviews
Regularly review and update your Future Plan to accommodate changes in the participant's needs, goals, or circumstances. Hold periodic meetings to keep all parties informed and prepared.
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By signing up as a Support Plus Free Member, you can create a handover with clear, actionable steps and be introduced to the dashboard. Upgrading to Platinum membership gives you access to all tools for creating a comprehensive Future Plan.