According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, 11.6% of Australians aged 0-64 years have a disability. Active support can help these individuals to lead fulfilling lives, while also assisting their loved ones to manage day-to-day circumstances.
But what is active support in disability?
A core component of NDIS disability care, active support revolves around encouraging independence and participation in everyday activities. Instead of defining an individual by their disability, it champions their capabilities and potential.
In this article, we explain the definition, principles and benefits of active support. Keep reading to better understand how our disability support workers empower NDIS participants with this modern approach.
What is active support?
Active support is a person-centred approach in disability care that focuses on helping individuals participate fully in all aspects of their lives. Instead of just caring for people, this approach involves working with them, so that they can play active roles in their daily activities and decision-making.
This dynamic technique empowers people with a disability, giving them more control and independence. It aims to help them lead fulfilling and purposeful lives with a strong sense of self-determination.
For example, active support encourages people with a disability to carry out tasks themselves when they can, rather than having a staff member do it for them.
That’s why support staff should adapt their assistance to meet the unique needs of each individual. It’s important to consider the person’s strengths, interests, communication preferences, and the people they want involved.
Therefore, active support involves listening, collaboration, coaching, sharing ideas, and regular feedback. This way, the individual can take more responsibility for their well-being while receiving the right level of support.
The end goal is to understand what each person needs and wants to live their best life. This approach is most effective when family and friends are involved, especially when it comes to identifying and developing the individual’s strengths.
The principles of active support
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to disability care. Every person is unique, with different needs, goals and care required to live an ordinary life.
To make sure each individual receives the right level of active support, it centres around the following key principles:
Choice & control
While we value input from family and friends, it’s essential to empower people with a disability to take charge of their own time. Making their own decisions helps them feel capable and motivated.
So, we make the most of every opportunity for individuals to express their preferences in relationships and activities – no matter how big or small the decision.
Just as importantly, we make sure to listen to, respect and act on these preferences, giving them as much autonomy as possible over their own lives.
Manageable steps
We break down activities and relationships into smaller steps, figuring out what parts the person can do by themselves, what they can do with a little help, and what they need more assistance with.
This way, people can get involved in ways that feel comfortable for them, whether it’s tackling an entire task or taking the lead on its more straightforward parts.
Engagement
It’s important to find ways for people to get involved in the community, especially if it’s a goal in their NDIS plan.
The good news is that every community activity, task, or social event is a chance for people with a disability to join in.
NDIS support workers are well-trained to notice suitable opportunities and give the right amount of help so individuals can take part in meaningful activities and make their own choices.
Graded assistance
Supporting someone to reach their goals means giving them the right type of support at the right time. Too much assistance can limit their independence, whereas too little can be harmful.
That’s why we focus all our decisions and care plans on the individual, tailoring support to fit each person’s unique needs and goals. This means always listening, learning, and taking action.
As a result, people can strengthen and maintain skills that boost their independence and quality of life. These skills can include things like communication, cooking, managing money, using public transport, and more.
Continuous assessment
Care plans are continually reviewed and updated to stay aligned with the evolving needs and aspirations of the individuals with a disability.
This plan should consider the person’s abilities, aims and support required to meaningfully engage with their community. NDIS goals can range from simple objectives like spending time with family members to more significant aspirations such as travelling or participating in community clubs.
Through this process, we see individuals blossom as they reach milestones and develop self-reliance for a more enriching everyday life.
Benefits of active support for people with a disability
Everyone deserves to live life on their own terms. That’s why one of the main benefits of active support is that it helps individuals nurture their independence and autonomy, giving them genuine choice and control over their care.
This approach positions the individual as an equal partner in decision-making, planning, goal setting, and care monitoring alongside their service provider. Staff actively listen to the people they support.
This creates a respectful community where each person’s voice is heard and valued. After all, they understand their unique needs, goals, and feelings better than anyone else.
In turn, active support encourages people with a disability to take on more responsibility for their well-being, reducing reliance on caregivers.
It also encourages people with a disability to spend quality time with friends and family, building bonds within their community.
The key takeaway?
Through active support, people with a disability can build new skills, enjoy more activities and form meaningful social connections – all ingredients for a happier, healthier and more rewarding life, no matter your ability.
Discover active disability support in Newcastle and the Hunter
At Hunter Care Group, we provide active support to NDIS participants of all ages, helping to foster their self-determination, independence and quality of life.
Our disability support workers are highly trained and committed to the NDIS code of conduct, aiming to empower, engage, and care for your loved ones. We also appreciate that families play a key role in their loved ones’ well-being, which is why we collaborate closely with the wider support network.
Together, we can surmount barriers, achieve goals, and make each day count. For personalised care from our NDIS support workers in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, call us today at (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online.