Our life circumstances are always changing and, as your individualised NDIS plan, it is important that this changes with you. Reviewing your NDIS plan is a perfect way to ensure that your goals and lifestyle are kept up to date with you. A perfect example of our ever-changing world is the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. In unpredictable situations like this- lockdown, no lockdown, it is normal for individuals to change some life goals, or plan different funds reasonably for necessary supports. These can assist you in increasing independence and ensuring you are satisfied with where you are currently in life.
NDIS plan reviews often look at several aspects of your life, in particular
- Previous summary reviews
- How your budget was used (You can read more about the management of your money below), and how you can use your budget in the next year
- The level of satisfaction you feel for your support
- Goals and objectives you have for the upcoming year
Note that your first NDIS plan review most usually falls 12 months following the starting date of your plan. You should receive a call from NDIS 6 weeks prior to this meeting, to confirm dates and times.
However, this isn’t a general rule of thumb and some plan reviews can be scheduled up to two years apart. This is heavily dependent on your individual circumstances and the goals you wish to achieve. This can be brought up at your review sessions. The NDIS representative you are assigned will ensure you are satisfied and comfortable with when your next plan will take place, how it will take place, and provide you with an adequate timeline to achieve these goals.
Money Management
The financial side of anything is always a little stressful. However, there are several choices that you can look through to determine which one would best suit your preferences for managing your fundings. There is a large range of support categories to see where your lifestyle fits in. You can view them here.
What to Consider
There are a few main aspects to consider when reviewing your NDIS plan, such as:
- Aspects of your life that you should double check with- the main pointers
- Small changes that you want to make
- New and improved approaches to your plan reviews
Small Changes to Your Plan
Sometimes in reviewing your plan, you may realize nothing much has changed except for a few minor details. This would mean the same supports you are receiving is appropriate and you are satisfied. If this is the case, NDIS can provide you with a new plan that includes these small changes if you require them. This can be inclusive but not limited to:
- If your residential address no longer matches the one on your original plan, but your in-home supports are still the same
- Requiring more flexibility, meaning that you would prefer to self-manage part of your NDIS plan so that you can choose a provider that you are 100% confident in
- Expecting assistive technology repairs over the next 12 months, due to a slight change in your home living situation
Main Pointers to Look Over
When you are reviewing NDIS plans, there are a few main pointers to look over, and note that these are not inclusive of the small changes mentioned above.
- How You Are Progresing With Goals
The main point of this NDIS plan is to ensure that you feel comfortable and that your goals are achievable. They should be leading you down a path of increased independence and confidence in your everyday life. If you find that this is not the case, think about bringing this up in your next review meeting.
Not only can you ensure that you are following your goals and aims, but you can also explore new goals with your NDIS worker. Together, you can brainstorm new ideas or goals that you want to try out in the next year. They will assist you in creating SMART goals so that you can reach your full potential.
New and Improved Approaches to Your Plan Review
There are flexible and new approaches that you may want to take with you to review the existing NDIS plan. This can include:
- Creating a brand new NDIS plan, but with the same supports
- a full plan review
- A new NDIS plan but with minimal changes to your current support
Reviews Are Important!
Before your next meeting with your NDIS representative, it is important that you have a sense of direction that you want the meeting to go in. Reviewing your NDIS plan with a clear head is vital to ensure that you know exactly what you want to ask. It is good to have as many questions and comments, as these representatives are there to help you.
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