Purchasing supports and services - an example
Margaret directs support on behalf of her son, Patrick. She purchases a variety of different kinds of support for him using different payment methods for each. Margaret works with a Host Provider.
This is an overview of the current support arrangement.
| Support or service required | Who provides it? | Where from? | How is it paid? |
| Engaging with the local community | Support workers | Disability specific service | Support workers are on the Host Provider payroll |
| Respite a few nights each month | Home stay family | Privately engaged | The couple have an ABN. Margaret pays them herself through the self-managed funds arrangement with the Host Provider |
| Physiotherapy | Private therapist | Found in local area | Therapist has ABN. Margaret pays her through the self-managed funds arrangement with the Host Provider |
After seeing the potential of engaging people to meet specific needs rather than just using general support workers, Margaret is currently investigating the possibility of engaging other private contractors including a house cleaner, a personal trainer for Patrick and possibly another therapist. She will pay these contractors directly herself under the self-managed funds arrangement.
Read more about creative ways of finding the best way to meet your support needs in the story, The right person for the job: creative ways to stretch your budget.
The right person for the job: creative ways to stretch your budget