Aims
Individualised Support services (formally Homefirst) aims to enable individuals the opportunities to live an enriched life full of choice and challenges. the Individualised Support services works with people on an individual basis to maximise social connectedness and capacity within both the community and home environments. The service is available for people who:
- are between the ages of 18 and 64;
- have an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury (ABI) or neurological disirder
Opportunities
Individualised Support services provides individualised support in the home and the community. It focuses on maintaining and developing independent skills including:
- day to day decision making and problem solving
- general self care and hygiene
- household duties
- money management
- meal preparation
- accessing community
- time management
- effective communication
- relationship building
- recreation & leisure
- self advocacy
- self awareness
- goal setting
Philosophy
Each individual is unique. Each individual is involved in setting their goals for the short term and long term. One on one interaction between participant and staff seeks to discover strengths and abilities, as well as obstacles and issues. These are taken into consideration when deciding upon strategies and plans to achieve the set goals.
Whensupporting individuals Impact works in partnership with families and carers to achieve positive, quality outcomes for all.
Overall, Individualised Support services has a strength based approach to participants. Participants build the skills required to achieve greater independence. Creative and flexible plans are individually designed to maintain and develop skills for independent living.
Outcomes
Successful independent living builds higher self esteem for Individualised Support service participants.Living away from home is a major step. Creating your own home is also a significant achievement. Many participants of Individualised Support service are relishing their sense of pride in their home.
Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and the opportunity to create networks and make valuable contributions.
Participants rise to daily challenges of learning what is right and wrong, resolving conflicts and facing hardships. Confronting these common experiences, reflecting on the past and making plans for the future is a part of life and helps shape unique characters.
Make an enquiry about the HomeFirst program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Individualised Support services funded?
- It is funded through the Victorian Government - Dept of Human Services (DHS). The level of support provided is based on the assessed individual needs of the person. Individualised Support includes all individualised packages which are funded through the DHS.
- Individualised Support services also offers a 'fee for service' pricing schedule which is available for individuals who have an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or neurological disorder who are not in receipt of a departmental package. Please refer to the 'fee for service' pricing schedule for details and costs.
How is the service managed?
A coordinates works with and manages staff who support the participants. Each person is unique and their support is tailor made. Every effort is made to appropriately match staff and participants.
What kind of staff do you have?
The staff team consists of various ages, backgrounds and qualifications. All staff are committed to their role of outreach support workers, from casuals to permanent. All staff have current First Aid level 2 certificate.
Are the participants involved in planning their support?
Definitely. Each participant works with staff to decide their strategies to achieve their desired goals. Planning is conducted regularly and where possible we use the 'one person, one plan'approach. Planing invloves all people that are involved in the persons life.
Further Information
Contact the Disability Intake and Response Service at your local Department of Human Services Office who will provide information regarding the application process.
Or you can contact the Individualised Support Coordinator at IMPACT – Oakleigh. The Individualised Support Coordinator will be happy to provide you with further information on the service and the details of the application process.
