Support Planning and Brokerage
In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about support planning and brokerage. We’ll explain what they are and how they work. We’ll outline the benefits. And we will explain how to access them. By the end, you should know how support planning and brokerage can help you.
What is support planning and brokerage?
Support planning and brokerage put you in control of your care. Support planning is the process of making a support plan. This plan is tailored to you, based on your needs, goals, and budget. Brokerage is the practical side that makes the plan a reality. Brokerage helps you find, set up, and manage the right support for you. Together, they help you meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Example Scenario
Support Planning
Mary is an older woman with mobility issues. She takes part in a care assessment and is given a personal budget to support her needs. During the planning process, she shares what matters most to her. She says that she would like:
Help with personal care
Help to continue attending local activities
To remain as independent as possible
Support Brokerage
A support broker works with Mary to find support that matches what’s important to her. They help her choose a local care agency that can provide a care worker. They will help with personal care in a comfortable and respectful way. The broker also finds a local volunteer group. They offer free transportation to community events. This will help Mary stay connected and enjoy the things she loves.
The broker makes sure all the arrangements:
Fit within Mary’s personal budget
Help her meet her goals
If Mary’s needs or preferences change in the future, the broker will help make changes.
Who can access Support Planning and Brokerage?
Anyone can purchase these services from a provider like us. Some people get these services funded by the council. To get these services funded, you need to meet certain criteria. The council assesses this in a needs assessment.
Who provides support planning and brokerage?
Many different organisations offer these services. Including:
-
Charities and non-profits, like us!
-
Local Councils
-
Independent Brokers
-
Care Providers
We provide it all!
Do you want support planning and brokerage? Speak to our team today! We have options for people with and without support funding. Get in touch and start living life your way.
Chat to our team
Support Planning
What is support planning?
To recap, support planning is the process of making a support plan. The plan outlines how a person’s support needs will be met within their budget. It is tailored to the person. It focuses on the actions the person can take to life live their way.
Key features of support planning
Person-centred approach
The support plan is person-centered. This means it focuses on the person's likes, goals, and dreams. It's centered around what is important to the person. And helps them live the life they want, rather than just addressing basic needs.
Identifying Needs and Goals
The plan will identify the support that is needed to reach the person's goals.
Choosing Services and Providers
The person will decide how and who will delivers their support. This could be a personal assistant or an agency. The person will be able to choose between all the available providers.
Flexible and Adaptable
The support plan is flexible and adaptable. This means it can be changed at any time to reflect a change in needs or circumstances.
Budgeting
The plan always adheres to the person's budget. This is a balance of finding the right services at the right prices.
Support Brokerage
What is support brokerage?
To recap, brokerage makes the plan a reality. The “broker” is someone who acts on the person’s behalf to:
Source services/providers that suit the person.
Negotiate prices to fit within the person’s budget.
Organise the support to fit around the person’s life.
Key features of support brokerage
Negotiating Contracts
Brokers negotiate details (like price) with providers. This helps get the most out of the person's budget. And ensures the service is flexible enough for the person.
Sourcing Care and Support Services
Brokers help people find the right care providers. This could be: A personal assistant A care agencies Community activities Equipment suppliers
Arranging Services
After choosing the services, brokers set up their start time. They then manage the person-provider relationship.
Managing Changes
Brokerage can also involve adjusting services. This can happen when a person’s needs change or when there are issues with a provider.
Financial Oversight
In some cases, brokers may help manage the financial aspects of the budget. Ensuring that the funds are being used in line with the support plan.
Ongoing Support and Advocacy
Brokers can offer ongoing support. They will check in to ensure the person is happy with the support they're getting. They can also advocate on the person’s behalf if issues arise.
Benefits of support planning and brokerage
Personalised Support
You have a full say in designing your support. You can make sure it's suited to your unique needs and goals.
Choice and Control
You control how your care is delivered. The brokerage makes sure these choices are put into action.
Efficiency and Expertise
The broker will efficiently navigate the market. They will ensure the best value for your budget. And make the process of finding services easier for you.
Ongoing Flexibility
You plan and the services you use can be changed at anytime, for any reason.
How to get support planning and brokerage
Requesting a Needs Assessment
Planning and brokerage are given to people who have a personal budget. To get a personal budget, you need to have a needs assessment. To request a needs assessment, follow the link below and complete the form.
Contacting our team
No Budget? No problem! Our Support Specialists are here to help. Contact our team, or visit our page, to get started.
People with personal budgets…
People will get help to plan and set up their support after their assessment. If you want to make changes to your plan, or the support you’re getting, speak to your care team. They will be able to talk about the options available to you.
Explore other budget options...
Direct Payment Guide
Get full choice and control with a Direct Payment! You get the money directly into your bank account. And you take full control over arranging and paying for your own support.
Individual Service Fund Guide
You stay in control of your support decisions without the admin! You choose an organization to manage your budget and the support you get.
Home Care Guide
Use your budget to access domiciliary care. A professional will help with everyday tasks in your own home. This could be anything from cooking to personal care.
