Supports and Services an NDIS Plan Manager Does Not Provide
When
you use the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it's key to know what
a plan manager does. They are providers offering assistance with your NDIS
funds, making sure that services and supports are paid on time and that your
budget stays in check. Still, NDIS plan managers in Gold Coast do not
offer all the services or support you may need. This blog will explain the
areas that fall outside the role of a plan manager.
By
the end, you'll understand the limits of plan management and where to go for
extra help. Let's look at the key services that an NDIS plan manager does not
cover.
Services Offered by NDIS Plan Managers
Before
diving into the services an NDIS plan manager in Gold Coast does not
provide, it's important to first understand what their role involves. A plan
manager handles the financial aspects of your NDIS plan, including:
- Managing your
NDIS budget: They ensure
your funds are spent correctly.
- Processing
payments: They pay
service providers on your behalf.
- Managing
invoices: They check
that invoices from providers are accurate before processing them.
- Providing
financial reporting: Plan managers give you reports. These reports show how your funds
are spent.
In
short, an NDIS plan manager in Gold Coast takes care of the money. This
lets you focus on getting the supports you need to reach your goals.
Supports and Services Not Provided by an NDIS Plan Manager
While
a plan manager plays a big role, they do not cover everything. Their job is to
help you use your NDIS funding well. However, they do not handle every task.
Below are the main areas where a plan manager's services do not extend.
1. Direct Provision of Therapy or Clinical Services
An NDIS
plan manager in Gold Coast does not provide therapy or clinical support.
This includes services like:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational
therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological
support
These
services must come from skilled pros in each field. If you need therapy, you
must find the right providers with the proper skills and experience. Plan
managers can help pay for these services, but they do not offer them directly.
2. Support Coordination
Support
coordination helps participants use the NDIS. It ensures they can find and
arrange the supports they need. While an NDIS plan manager in Gold Coast helps
with your funding, they do not provide support coordination.
A
support coordinator can help you:
- Understand and
implement your NDIS plan
- Find
appropriate service providers
- Ensure that
services and supports are delivered effectively
If
you need help with understanding your plan or connecting with providers, you
may need to look for a support coordinator. This is a distinct service that is
separate from plan management.
3. Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance
Plan
managers are not responsible for providing personal care services. This
includes assistance with:
- Bathing and
showering
- Dressing
- Meal
preparation
- Household
chores
These
services are typically delivered by support workers or personal care
assistants. The plan manager ensures that your funding covers these services
and that invoices are paid, but they do not perform the tasks themselves.
4. Accommodation Support
Accommodation
is a crucial aspect of many NDIS participants' lives. While plan managers
ensure your accommodation-related expenses are paid for, they do not provide
accommodation services themselves. For example:
- Supported
Independent Living (SIL): This means living in a shared or private home with
workers to help with daily tasks.
- Short-Term
Accommodation (STA): This includes respite care or short stays in group settings for a
break.
Accommodation
support is mainly given by special service providers. You may need to work with
providers who offer SIL or STA based on your needs and preferences.
5. Assistive Technology (AT) Procurement
NDIS
plan manager in Gold Coast can help with funding and payments for assistive technology,
but they do not supply or install it directly. Assistive technology might
include items like:
- Wheelchairs
- Communication
devices
- Hearing aids
- Home
modifications
You
must work with a provider who supplies, installs, and supports these tools. The
plan manager's role is to make sure funds for buying and keeping AT are
available and paid correctly.
6. Employment Supports
For
NDIS participants looking to enter or maintain employment, employment-related
services are outside the scope of a plan manager's responsibilities. Employment
supports can include the following:
- Job training
and placement services
- Workplace
modifications
- Assistance in
finding and maintaining employment
These
services are usually provided by employment service providers. NDIS
participants can access job supports under certain plan categories, but a plan
manager does not offer these services themselves.
7. Accessing Community Activities or Social Participation
NDIS
plan managers in Gold Coast do not plan or run community activities, social events, or
recreational services. If you want to join a community group, social event, or
recreational service like swimming, you must find providers who offer these
services.
Kencho
Plan Management can
help with the budget for social activities, but they do not organise or lead
them.
8. Legal or Advocacy Support
While
NDIS plan managers in Gold Coast help you manage your plan and funding,
they do not provide legal services or advocacy support. If you need assistance
with:
- Navigating
legal matters related to your NDIS plan
- Appealing
decisions made by the NDIA
- Understanding
your rights under the NDIS
You
should engage a lawyer or an advocacy organisation that specialises in
NDIS-related legal issues. Legal and advocacy support services are separate and
specialised, offering services that go beyond financial management.
9. Mental Health Services
NDIS
plan managers can assist in funding mental health services, but they do not
provide them. Mental health supports can include:
- Psychotherapy
or counselling
- Cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Psychiatric
support
Final Thoughts
An
NDIS plan manager is key to managing your funds. They ensure payments go
through smoothly. However, they do not offer services like therapy, care, or
work support. If you need help with your NDIS plan or accessing services,
Kencho is here to support you. We work with participants to offer tailored
solutions that meet your goals. We ensure your NDIS journey is clear and
stress-free.
Kencho Plan Management is committed to helping NDIS participants access the best
services. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help with your NDIS
plan or support your specific needs.
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