No two people are the same — and no two support plans at Empower Life are the same either. From the moment a referral is received, our team works with the individual, their family, and any involved professionals to build a support plan that is as unique as the person it is designed for.
We start by listening. Our initial assessment process is conversational, not clinical. We want to understand not just your support needs, but your personality, your interests, your goals, and the life you want to lead. From this foundation, we build a plan that helps you get there.
Your support plan belongs to you. We write it with you, review it with you, and update it as you grow. It is a living document — not a static form filed in a cabinet.
No two people are the same — and no two support plans at Empower Life are the same either. From the moment a referral is received, our team works with the individual, their family, and any involved professionals to build a support plan that is as unique as the person it is designed for.
We start by listening. Our initial assessment process is conversational, not clinical. We want to understand not just your support needs, but your personality, your interests, your goals, and the life you want to lead. From this foundation, we build a plan that helps you get there.
“Your support plan belongs to you. We write it with you, review it with you, and update it as you grow. It is a living document — not a static form filed in a cabinet.”
The Philosophy Behind Our Approach
Our approach to support planning is rooted in the principles of person-centred care. This means that the individual is at the centre of every decision. The support plan is not something we do to someone; it is something we do with them.
Person-centred care is not just a buzzword. It is a fundamental shift in how support is delivered. Instead of fitting the person into a predefined service, we design the service around the person. This means taking the time to understand who they are, what matters to them, and what they want to achieve.
The Assessment Process
The assessment process is the foundation of the support plan. It is where we learn about the individual’s needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.
Our assessment is thorough but not intrusive. We take the time to build rapport and trust before asking personal questions. We involve the individual, their family, and any professionals who are currently supporting them. We also consider information from previous assessments, medical records, and other relevant sources.
The assessment covers several areas:
- Daily living skills — What can the individual do independently? What support do they need with daily tasks?
- Personal care — What support is needed with personal hygiene, dressing, and medication?
- Communication — How does the individual communicate? What support do they need to express their needs and preferences?
- Social and community connections — What relationships does the individual have? What activities do they enjoy?
- Health and wellbeing — What are the individual’s health needs? What support do they need to maintain their physical and mental health?
- Goals and aspirations — What does the individual want to achieve? What are their hopes and dreams for the future?
Building the Support Plan Together
Once the assessment is complete, we work with the individual to build the support plan. This is a collaborative process. The individual is involved in every decision, from the type of support they need to who will provide it.
The support plan covers several key areas:
- Your daily routine — How you want your day to look, from waking up to going to bed.
- Your personal goals — Short-term goals, long-term goals, and the steps needed to achieve them.
- Your communication preferences — How you like to receive support and how you prefer to communicate.
- Your health and medication — Your health needs, medication requirements, and any clinical support needed.
- Your community interests — What you enjoy doing, where you like to go, and who you like to spend time with.
- Your risk assessment — A balanced approach to risk that enables you to live life on your terms.
- Your support team — Who will support you, when, and how.
Reviewing and Updating the Plan
Support plans are not static documents. They are reviewed regularly and updated whenever circumstances change. We review the plan formally every three months, but we also review it informally whenever the individual’s needs or preferences change.
The review process is an opportunity to celebrate progress, identify challenges, and adjust the support plan accordingly. It is also an opportunity to update goals and set new ones.
What Makes Our Support Planning Different
What sets Empower Life apart is our commitment to genuine person-centred planning. We do not use templates or one-size-fits-all approaches. Every plan is bespoke, reflecting the unique needs and preferences of the individual.
We also recognise that support planning is not just about meeting needs. It is about enabling the individual to live a life that is meaningful to them. This means understanding what matters to them, not just what is wrong with them.
The Role of the Support Worker
Support workers are central to the success of the support plan. They are the people who deliver the support on a daily basis. Our support workers are carefully matched to each individual based on their personality, interests, and communication style.
The relationship between the support worker and the individual is built on trust, respect, and consistency. This relationship is the foundation of effective support.
Getting Involved in Your Support Plan
If you are receiving support from Empower Life, we encourage you to be actively involved in your support plan. This is your plan, and you have the right to shape it.
You can be involved in:
- The assessment process — Sharing your views and preferences.
- Goal setting — Identifying what you want to achieve.
- Choosing your support worker — Meeting potential support workers and deciding who you want to work with.
- Reviewing the plan — Providing feedback on what is working and what needs to change.
A Living Document
Your support plan is a living document. It evolves as you grow and change. It reflects your journey and your aspirations. It is a record of your progress and a map for your future.
At Empower Life, we are proud of the support plans we create. They are the foundation of the positive outcomes we see in the people we support. They are a testament to our commitment to person-centred care.
