Individualised Funding
Introduction to Individualised Funding (IF)
IF is a payment mechanism to enable disabled people to directly manage the Ministry of Health funded disability supports they receive, which is the support services that are allocated by a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) organisation.
IF allows the disabled person the ability to:
- Choose caregivers and service delivery plans
- Employ their own staff
- Manage the payment for services of these staff
- Manage all aspects of service delivery
Who can use IF
Only those people who have been assessed to use disability support services which are funded by the Ministry of Health and have support hours allocated by a NASC agency.
Once the NASC has completed the assessment then a referral is made to an IF Host Provider.
Agreement of all three parties will ensure that IF is a suitable option for the delivery and management of services for the client.
Flexibility of support within IF
Flexibility of service delivery exists within the Home and Community Support Services specification which relates to core and flexible hours. This in effect allows the client to trade hours for other activities which enhances the clients wellbeing, as long as they remain safe and well supported.
Secondly the client can determine when, where and how their supports are delivered.
How to apply for IF
Talk to your NASC about the suitability of IF for you or contact us as we are more than willing to explain the process and the responsibilities involved in IF Support so as you are able to make an informed decision as to what direction is best for you.
Once the referral has been made then our staff will meet with you and provide set up advice on how to manage your particular support package.
There are three levels of service that the client can purchase from Dunedin Home Support Services which are designed to give the client the most freedom of choice of how much involvement they are comfortable with in managing their own affairs.
All services are aimed to ensure that the client fulfils the requirements of the Ministry of Health, as well as employment regulations and Health and Safety regulations.
Support and advice is available for clients within the Dunedin and Otago area.
Service levels and staffing
Dunedin Home Support offers all three service levels including supplying staff or assistance with recruitment of your own staff.