Encouraging independence for people with a disability can sometimes go against our ‘nurturing nature’ (our natural instincts are to keep them safe) but the benefits are hugely positive and life changing. There are many support programs that empower people living with a disability to live independently, with wide ranging benefits.
Supporting a Person’s Life Plan
We all have our own hopes and dreams for our lives, and we should be given every opportunity to try and achieve them. Our advice is to provide support, not control, over people’s lives, and empower them to make their own decisions for their living arrangements.
Individualised Programs and Care Are Vital
Independent living requires planning. It is important to answer the following initial questions:
- What challenges to daily life does the person experience?
- What assistance can reliable family, friends, and others in the community provide?
- What assistance can the person get from the government and NDIS?
- Will a person’s disability present additional problems in the future?
- What are the ultimate goals of the individual?
Taking honest stock of the entire situation, can help all involved create a plan for success. The goal of each plan should lie in providing support. Each person must have sovereignty over their lives as much as possible.
Establish a Trusted Network
Establishing a trusted network of supports is vital to the plan’s success. Family are often heavily involved in providing supports, and it’s also important to go beyond the family circle, to find reliable carers and other support staff, who can be called on when required.
Making Social Connections
Along with having a support network, it is also really important to make social connections within your community. Whether it be through group activities or finding others with similar interests, to share hobbies and stay active in the community. 
Learning & Employment
One of the greatest ways to establish independence, is by finding employment. We encourage and assist all our customers to undertake further study or seek employment opportunities, to help them stay connected and involved in society. We find this is a fantastic way to gain confidence in living happily and independently in the community.
What Kind of Assistance Helps the Most?
First, we all must work together to establish a support network of trusted helpers. This can include family, friends, and others who can offer some level of reliable assistance. Helping goes beyond supporting the normal, daily routine of life. It includes helping to maintain or expand social connections, getting involved in the community, overcoming challenges and potentially finding appropriate employment.
Every person’s situation is unique, so there is no one plan, that suits everyone. Our goal at Lifeplan is to work together with individuals, to come up with the appropriate supports, to make their plan a success. This can be anything from personal care, budgeting, tenancy advice, staying overnight when needed, and anything else that is required. There are many ways we can help support you, and your independent living. We can also help connect you with community services in the Perth area or help to navigate changes in the NDIS and other government programs.
At the end of the day, organisations such as Lifeplan aim to provide support, not control, to assist people living with a disability in their life plan.
If you or someone you know in the Perth would like some advice on independent living, please feel free to contact Lifeplan today.
