Understanding the Support Plan in the Support at Home Program
The Support Plan is the first crucial document a participant receives under Support at Home — a collaborative roadmap that outlines their needs, goals, and approved services. Here's what every provider needs to know about it.
When an older person is assessed as eligible for the Support at Home program, the first crucial document they receive is their Support Plan. This document is a personalized roadmap that outlines the findings of their aged care assessment. It's designed to be a comprehensive summary of an individual's unique needs, goals, and the recommended strategies to help them live independently and safely at home. The Support Plan is more than just a list of services; it's a collaborative document developed in partnership with the participant, ensuring their personal goals are at the heart of their care.
The Support Plan details several key pieces of information. It begins with a summary of the older person's assessed needs and the reasons for their initial referral, providing a clear context for their care journey. It then outlines the specific goals that have been developed in partnership with the participant, backed by evidence-based strategies and solutions. This ensures that the care provided is not only effective but also aligned with what the individual wants to achieve. The plan also specifies the approved funding classification, priority category, and the specific services an older person can access from the Support at Home service list. For those with more complex or short-term needs, it also includes any approvals for specific pathways, such as the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, the Restorative Care Pathway, or the End-of-Life Pathway.
Beyond the core details, the Support Plan can also include other helpful information. This may involve details from any previous assessments, links to relevant health documents, and an indication of the older person's consent to share their plan via My Health Record. Furthermore, it will list any registered supporters and a date for a future Support Plan Review. This detailed and personalized document serves as a vital tool for both the care recipient and their provider, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Providers can easily access this information via the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal, while participants can view it through their My Aged Care Online Account, fostering a transparent and collaborative approach to care.
Call Debra on 1300 664 130 to discuss how you can improve your collaboration with your participants through the on-boarding process using Care Collaborator.