A Help Plan is a personalised document that outlines the supports and services designed to help you live your life comfortably, safely, and independently. It is developed with you, focusing on your unique needs, preferences, and goals, and guides the delivery of your support over the coming months.
What does a Help Plan typically include?
A comprehensive Help Plan covers many important areas to ensure that your support is well coordinated and tailored just for you.
These sections usually include:
1. About me
An overview of who you are, your interests, strengths, and important personal details that help your support team understand you better.
2. Home and environment
Details about your living situation, home setup, and any environmental factors that might impact your support or day-to-day living.
3. Goals
Your personal goals and aspirations—what you want to achieve with the help and support provided. These goals can relate to independence, health, social life, or other areas important to you.
4. How to support me
The types of services and supports you need, who will provide them, and the level of assistance required. This also includes a list of supports considered during planning and outlines your budget for these supports over the next 12 months.
5. People who support me
A list of people involved in your care and support, including authorised representatives, family members, close friends, emergency contacts, your GP or other health professionals, and decision-makers. This section also notes if an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is in place.
6. Equipment and devices
Any equipment, assistive technology, or devices you use or need to support your daily living and independence.
7. Relevant medical history
A summary of your known medical conditions that affect or could affect your day-to-day life, so your support team is fully informed and prepared.
8. Advanced care planning
Details of your preferences and plans for future healthcare and decision-making, ensuring your wishes are respected in all circumstances.
Why Is a Help Plan important?
A Help Plan acts as your personalised roadmap for support. It helps:
Ensure everyone involved understands your needs and goals.
Coordinate services effectively.
Track progress and make adjustments as your needs change.
Support your independence and well-being in a way that suits you.
Who is involved in creating a Help Plan?
Typically, a Care Navigator, the member themselves, and/or the Authorised Representative on the membership work together to develop the Help Plan. It is built through ongoing conversations to understand your preferences, help identify the right supports, and involve others you trust. This collaborative approach ensures your plan covers all important aspects of your life.
How is a Help Plan used?
Once in place, your Help Plan acts as a roadmap for you and your supports—whether they are Helpers or Third Party Providers. It guides day-to-day support and helps everyone stay on the same page. The plan can be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to fit your life, especially if your needs or goals change.
Making changes to your Help Plan
We understand that life changes, and sometimes your goals or support needs need to change too. That’s why we regularly review your Help Plan—and why we take an in-depth look at it during your Annual Review.
If, outside of your regular review meeting, you find yourself needing to update your Help Plan, you can let us know at any time using this form.
You may need to request a change if:
You need to purchase an item or service that isn’t currently included in your Help Plan.
Your care needs have changed, and we need to update the level or type of support you require.
You’ve set new personal goals or your existing goals are no longer relevant.
Your medical condition or living situation has changed.
Your Help Plan should reflect your life—so if something changes, we’re here to help adjust it with you.
Need help?
If you’re unsure which option applies to you, or you’re having trouble with the app, contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 787 581 (option 1) or book a consult with your Care Navigator if the issue seems more complex.