FAQ's

At PlanNET we understand that everyone's individual circumstances are different. We do receive many similar queries which we have listed under the FAQ's. However not all questions can be answered in this general section, so if you have a query that is more specific please feel free to contact our office to learn more about how we can help.

Q: What is a network?
A network is a committed group of men and women who develop friendships with a person who is isolated and vulnerable by reason of disability, living arrangement, limited opportunities, or societys perception. A network is the bridge between living on the edge of community and active inclusion and participation in it. A personal network welcomes and connects people to the heart of community. Each member of the network volunteers for a relationship with the focus person and with every other member of the network. Through their relationship these individuals offer support, advocacy, monitoring and companionship. Network members contribute to the person's quality of life now, as well as preparing for their role after parents/guardians are no longer able.

Q: When is the best time to start a network?
Any time is the right time to start a network and create a good life for the person with a disability.
There are advantages in starting early but it is never too late.

Q: Who are network members?
Network members can be anyone who embraces PlanNET's values and recognises the focus person's gifts and capacities.

Q: What is their role?
It is the primary role of a network member to be a friend. This covers a wide range of activities and supports and may include:

The unique experience and knowledge of individual network members means that they may
also contribute by:

Without doubt the life of the person with a disability is enriched by these freely given relationships but as with all relationships they are not one way. Everyone benefits and it is mutually rewarding.

Q: You say this model provides long term peace of mind.  How? 
PlanNET was started by families concerned about the life of their loved one when they were no longer in a position to care for them.  Because PlanNET is not dependent on government monies to survive, we are not subject to the whims of government and the availability of funding, thus providing security about our longevity.  This also means that, if necessary, we are able to speak up on behalf of a person without the fear of losing government funding. 

Q: We're not ready for a network yet. Can I join later?
Absolutely, however some families are investing in their lifetime membership now even though they are not ready to develop their network yet. You won't start paying monthly maintenance fees until we embark upon building your network.

Q: How can we finance the monthly payments?
Monthly maintenance fees will depend n the stage of your network's development. Some families are paying their monthly maintenance fees privately through personal finance, their Disability Support Pension, Carer's Allowance or compensation packages, while other people have negotiated financial assistance through Disability SA.

Q: We don't have a Person Centred Plan. How do we get one?
While PlanNET does not offer Person Centered Plans, there are a few organisations in SA that can develop one with you and your relative. Many of these are convened by other carers who can relate to your circumstances. If you  do not have a plan, PlanNET will help you find the provider and bring them to you and our facilitators will stand by you as you work through the process. 

Q: Are PlanNET's services limited to those with a particular disability?
No. Networks have been developed around people who have intellectual disabilities, limited verbal communication, mental health issues, sensory impairments, acquired and physical disabilities. As long as the individual has been consulted and is consenting to having a network of support developed, we are happy to work with you and your family member.

Q: My Mum is ageing, frail and all of her friends have passed on. Can we access PlanNET?  
Of course you can. Age is not a factor in the delivery of our services and we would be looking to connect a person in this situation to new friendships and support. Sometimes the composition of a network is strategic. Our facilitators will work with you to determine who to invite and you may choose to sit in the network yourself.  

Q: My son's friends have deserted him since he acquired his brain injury. How would a network be developed around him?
Where  friends have faded away after an acquired brain injury, our staff will make contact and offer information, support and disability awareness to these people in a sensitive way. Our proactive approach aims to break down the myths and stereotypes surrounding disability and make contact comfortable for all network members. Outside of former friends, we would look at strategically linking them to people based on the individual's interests and gifts. 

Q: Who can be involved in a network?
The goal is to surround your loved one with a group of people who are genuinely interested in seeing that they have a good life. It is generally people who your relative knows and feels comfortable with and who can bring useful experiences, information and positive attitudes into the group.  They might share a common interest or role. If a person's life experiences are limited, the first step might be to open up community-based opportunities from which relationships can grow. But it is important that people also share the values of PlanNET around inclusion, contribution, and community involvement.

Members of a network may include other family members (particularly brothers and sisters), neighbours, members of church congregations, services clubs, leisure and recreation groups, former support workers, teachers and classmates.  

Q: Our relative is vulnerable. How safe is this?
It is well known that people with a number of good quality relationships in their life are safer from exploitation and abuse. With diligent and trusted people keeping an eye on your loved one, their vulnerability decreases significantly. While there is an option to check the criminal history of network members, in society we don't usually police check our friends so trust must be built. Your PlanNET facilitator will get to know your relative well and be present for all network gatherings. Our facilitators are all police checked and will have undertaken training in Mandatory Notification.   

Q: Do personal networks replace families?
No. The family relationship remains the same, but the introduction of a network will give opportunity for new relationships and new opportunities that may have been beyond the scope or dreams of the family.  As relationships within the network develop, individual network members may decide to take on certain roles that have traditionally been done by the family (e.g. arranging medical appointments, researching housing options). Relationships grow of their own accord, given opportunity and time, and PlanNET's role is to 'invite intentional relationships'.  When strong and enduring relationships develop out of that, it is cause for joy, that perhaps the family can take one step back and begin to see the fruits of the network.

Q: Do family members have to attend meetings of networks?
While this is an individual decision between families and their relative, many families do attend network meetings, especially at the beginning. In this way they assist to build a strong foundation for the network while they are able. Even if they do not attend all meetings, they are kept informed through the Facilitator, and review summary reports of network meetings.  

Q: What are the benefits to parents of establishing a network for their son/daughter while they are still alive?


Establishing a network now:

Q: What are the ongoing costs?

Families are charged monthly for the facilitation of their network.  The network facilitation and maintenance cost is charged at $33.00 per hour. Each network is unique and the hours needed for facilitation to coordinate and develop your network compared to someone else will vary.  Generally it takes 8-10 hours per month for the first 3-6 months to create and develop the network and 3-5 hours per month thereafter.

Our families see this cost as an investment in the future.  Some families have been able to negotiate this as part of their Disability SA funding package or compensations payout. We would be happy to discuss this with you.

Q: How can networks help after I am gone?
The network will:

Q: Do I need to add a clause in my will about PlanNET so that the network continues past my lifetime?
To ensure the continuity of services for your relative in the event of your passing, a simple addition to your Will can provide security. Without this in place, your PlanNET facilitator may be unable to continue their role in maintaining your loved one's network and inevitably it will cease to function, taking with it the security it provides. If your Will instructs your Executors to continue payments to PlanNET  we will ensure they are surrounded by trusted companions for the rest of their life.  Such a minor adjustment  can only add to your peace of mind.  PlanNET can put you in touch with professionals who can assist you to write and implement a clause such as this.

Q: What are some guides for parents who have requested a network?

Q: What are the limitations of networks?
Networks do not work miracles. They require hard work, perseverance and commitment. Networks are no guarantee that all will be well. A lifetime of isolation or loneliness cannot be overcome immediately. New contacts take months before they mature into nurturing relationships. The process can be slow and may at first seem as if nothing is happening. Even though results may take time, pleasant surprises occur frequently (see www.jacksonwest.org).

Q: Do networks replace social services?
No. However, they do minimise the isolating and sometimes impersonal aspects of human services. And they reduce reliance on paid service provision by involving the individual in relationships and connecting them to the community.

 

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