My life, my choice, my way
Older Australians, carers and those living with disability may have greater control over the design and delivery of the services and support they receive when a new model of practice is launched next week.
Older Australians, carers and those living with disability may have greater control over the design and delivery of the services and support they receive when a new model of practice is launched next week.
Community care provider, Care Connect, developed the new person centred model of practice entitled My Life, My Choice, My Way, which involves developing a plan of support for individuals and taking into account all aspects of their lives, including health, emotional wellbeing, family and community supports.
The model aligns strongly with state and federal government health reforms related to consumerdirected care.
Care Connect staff work with each person to identify the clients’ health goals, strengths and the support networks available.
Paul Ostrowski, Care Connect chief executive, says My Life, My Choice, My Way is inspired by international and Australian research which confirms people who have control of their funding, and can lead the decision making process, are more likely to have stronger health outcomes.
“Under My Life, My Choice, My Way our staff ensures each person remains at the centre of decisions related to planning and the organisation of services and support. For Care Connect, it has been two years in the making and follows extensive research and a highly successful trial in Victoria early last year,” Mr Ostrowski says.
He adds the person centred model supports the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and federally funded consumer directed aged care services.
In launching My Life, My Choice, My Way, Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Mitch Fifield, says the NDIS and its person centred approach opens up choice for individuals.
“It also opens new opportunities for not for profits and business to meet the needs of people with disability. I am pleased to be formally launching Care Connect’s personcentred model,” Senator Fifield says.
Care Connect is a major community care provider in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria which supports people to live independent lives at home and in the community.
Launch details:
When? Monday, 18 February, 10.15am for 10.30am start (event runs until 11.30am)
Venue: Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne, 328 Flinders Street, Melbourne
This event is not open to the general public.
