How does an NDIS support coordinator help?

The job of your support coordinator is to help you navigate the complex and often confusing world of finding and accessing disability services. They are responsible for coordinating your NDIS supports to make sure you're happy, healthy and empowered to live the life you want.

Support coordination is not always included in an NDIS plan, however if you have a disability, you may have an allocation of funding for someone to help you manage service delivery tasks.

If you have complex needs, you may need specialist support coordination who can help you design a service plan for your specific circumstances or needs.

You can also work with your specialist support coordinator to identify all the people in your life who can support you with implementing your NDIS plan and help you maintain relationships with your support providers.

There are three different levels of support coordination, but irrespective of the level of support you receive, a support coordinator will:

• Get to know you and your NDIS Plan

• Connect you with NDIS providers, community, mainstream and other government services

• Help you manage your budget effectively

• Support you to put your Plan into action so you can live your best life.

How does support coordination get included in an NDIS plan?

Your funding is based on what is ‘reasonable and necessary’ to pursue your goals independently, in addition to the support provided by family, friends, and other community supports and government services.

If the NDIS assessors judge it to be "reasonable and necessary," support coordination will be included in the Capacity Building budget of your plan. This is a fixed amount for a support coordinator to help you use your plan.

How can I find the right support coordinator?

• Ask for support coordinator recommendations

Reach out to friends, family members, or other individuals who have experience with NDIS support coordination. Ask for their recommendations and insights on the providers they have worked with in the past. You can also seek out recommendations from online forums and support groups.

Choosing the right person to support you is a big decision and to help, we’ve also put together a guide on the skills and attributes you should be looking for to help you in your search.

• Research providers

Research different NDIS support coordination providers in your area. Look for providers that align with your needs. Check out their website, read their client testimonials and reviews, and learn about their team of support coordinators. This will give you a better understanding of their approach and expertise.

It's also important for participants to realise that support coordinators can be either registered or unregistered.

All support coordinators – registered and non-registered – are required to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, however the advantage of registered support coordinators is that they must also meet the quality standards set out in the NDIS Practice Standards .

You can search for registered support coordination service providers near you using the Provider Finder tool from the NDIS website.

• Meet with potential providers

Arrange meetings with potential NDIS support coordination providers. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and discuss your needs with them. During the meeting, ask about their experience working with individuals with disabilities, their approach to their support coordination services, and how they work with their clients.

Some providers like Focus Care have the option of speaking to someone over the phone first about your needs before visiting in person.

• Consider the cost

NDIS support coordination is funded through the NDIS scheme, but some providers may provide better value than others. Consider the cost of support coordination when evaluating providers. Some may charge more for their services than others, while the degree of engagement from the local support coordinator themselves may also vary.

• Evaluate the provider

After meeting with potential support coordinators, evaluate each one based on their experience, expertise, and approach to support coordination. Consider their responsiveness, communication style, and ability to work with you to achieve your goals.

How can Focus Care help?

If you (or a loved one) are seeking a change from your current support coordinator or are seeking out a support coordinator for the first time, Focus Care may be able to help.

Focus Care is a registered NDIS provider and we offer a wide range of services and supports, including support coordination services to help you get the most out of your NDIS Plan.

When it comes to your care, your choices are our focus. With a person-centred approach, we take the time to get to know you and understand your goals.

Focus Care’s NDIS support coordinators have worked with participants throughout Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter region, Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast to get the maximum benefits from their NDIS plan. We would love to help you too.

Our friendly support team is always on-hand to have a chat about your needs. When you’re ready to talk, just reach out. 

We’re here to help.