Plan Manage Assist

22/10/2025

In our latest podcast episode, Stu sits down with Ben Lenzo, the creator of Family Member Care, a care management platform born from personal frustration and lived experience.

Ben shares how navigating the complex world of diagnoses, medications, specialist details, referrals and test results for a loved one led him to build a tool that empowers families and carers.

Originally built to support aged care needs, the platform is also empowering for carers and families navigating the hashtag , offering clarity, structure, and peace of mind.

🔗 Watch now to learn more: https://youtu.be/Ua2Ml-GEyWs

In this episode, we speak with Ben Lenzo, the creator of FamilyMemberCare.com, a care management tool born from personal frustration and lived experience. Be...

22/10/2025

🚨 NDIS Update 🚨 Short Term Accommodation (STA) is now called “Short Term Respite” (STR)

The NDIS has officially renamed Short Term Accommodation (STA) to Short Term Respite (STR), a change that better reflects the purpose of this support.

Key Features of Short-Term Respite (STR):
🔹 Duration: Up to 14 days at a time, max 28 days per year.
🔹 Goal: To give primary informal supports (e.g. family) a break while maintaining participant support.

Where and how Short-Term Respite (STR) can be used:
✅ should be planned together with you and your provider, including how often, where, and what level of support is needed.
✅ can be taken in group or individual settings.
✅ standard accommodation for you.
✅ standard accommodation for a support worker if overnight support is needed.

Short-Term Respite (STR) cannot be used for:
❌ Holidays or travel expenses.
❌ Meals, activities, or general living costs.
❌ Accommodation for informal supports.
❌ Duplication of existing NDIS supports.

This update is a step towards clearer and more person-centered language in the NDIS.

📘 Read the full update here:https://planmanageassist.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/OG-Short-term-respite-PDF.pdf

21/10/2025

Technology plays a vital role in empowering NDIS participants with vision impairment or blindness. October is Blindness Awareness Month, a time to celebrate resilience and advocate for accessibility. From smart devices to accessible apps, the right tools can make everyday life more independent and connected 🎧

📌 These supports can be funded under Assistive Technology, Core Supports, or Capacity Building, depending on your plan 📌

We’re here to help you make the most of your NDIS funding, with flexibility, clarity, and care.

👉 Check out our latest blog on 'Assistive Technologies for Low Vision or Blindness' or learn more at https://visionaustralia.org/

21/10/2025

☕ Meet Prashansha – Plan Accountant at Plan Manage Assist
Prashansha not only loves a good coffee, she needs it to power through the day! As someone who approaches invoicing from an accountant’s point of view, she knows that accuracy is everything.

💬 “I once spent hours tracking down a tiny discrepancy in a participant’s invoice history,” she recalls. “It turned out to be a simple typo, but catching it meant their budget stayed on track and their supports continued smoothly.”

At Plan Manage Assist, precision isn’t just a skill, it’s a commitment. And for Prashansha, it starts with a strong brew and a sharp eye.

Need a plan manager who truly cares?
📞 Call us on 1300 199 960
📧 Email: enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au

19/10/2025

This Invisible Disabilities Week (Oct 19–25), shines a light on the challenges faced by those with unseen conditions, helping others understand the barriers they navigate and giving space for their voices to be heard.

Not all disabilities are visible, but they are real, valid, and deserving of respect 💛

The sunflower lanyard was developed for everyone with a hidden disability a quiet signal with a powerful message: “I may need a little more time, understanding, or support."

At Plan Manage Assist, we proudly support NDIS participants with invisible disabilities by:

✅ Managing your plan with care and discretion
✅ Connecting you with the right supports
✅ Advocating for your needs with understanding and respect

📌 You don’t have to explain your disability to deserve support. We see you. We’re here for you.

Learn more at https://hdsunflower.com/au/ 🌻

15/10/2025

🌟 NDIS FAQ 🌟 What does a Plan Manager actually do?

A Plan Manager helps you manage the financial side of your NDIS plan so you can focus on your goals, not the paperwork.

Here’s what we do at Plan Manage Assist:

✅ Pay your providers on time
✅ Track your spending
✅ Provide monthly statements & alerts
✅ Offer guidance on using NDIS funding effectively

📌 Best of all? Plan Management is fully funded by the NDIS, no cost to you!

Need a plan manager who truly cares?
📞 Call us on 1300 199 960
📧 Email: enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au

12/10/2025

The carers behind the program want to see it expanded so more people across the state and the country can access it. https://ab.co/4o115Xn

An Australian-first pilot program gets underway in WA in the hope of not only giving the parents of children with complex needs a break, but helping them navigate the maze of different support systems.

12/10/2025

👐 Behind every empowered participant is a carer whether it’s family, friends or support workers.

This National Carers Week (Oct 12–18), it’s a time to honour, celebrate, and shine a light on the 3 million Australians who care for a loved one offering support, compassion, and dedication every day.

Carers are the quiet heroes of the NDIS journey. They:

✨ Stand up and speak out for their loved ones
✨ Learn new skills like Auslan to communicate
✨ Provide unwavering emotional and physical support
✨ Celebrate every milestone, big or small

At Plan Manage Assist, we see you. We support you. And we thank you.

📌 This week, and every week, we celebrate carers, the heart of our community.

10/10/2025

💡Did you know?💡 NDIS Plan Management is completely free for participants and doesn’t take away from your support budget!

That’s right! When you choose a Plan Manager like Plan Manage Assist:

✅ It’s funded separately under Category 14 (Improved Life Choices)
✅ You can use both registered and non-registered providers
✅ We handle invoices, budgeting, and provider payments for you
✅ More flexibility, less stress
✅ No out-of-pocket costs for you!

📌 Choosing Plan Manage Assist means more time for your goals, and less time on admin.

Need a plan manager who truly cares?
📞 Call us on 1300 199 960
📧 Email: enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au

08/10/2025

✨ What does real inclusion in employment look like for participants?

In our latest video, Karlie from Scope (Aust) shares her insights on how we can create workplaces that truly support people with disabilities. From assistive technology to inspiring support, Karlie highlights the simple yet powerful ways we can help make employment more accessible and meaningful.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/5CO4H8ZNlDw

Let’s keep building workplaces where everyone belongs 💙

In this powerful conversation, Karlie from Scope and Stu from Plan Manage Assist dives into the importance of genuine inclusivity in employment for people wi...

03/10/2025

🛒 What Can I Spend My NDIS Consumables Budget On?

The NDIS consumables budget can be used for a range of disability-related items that support your daily living and care needs. These may include continence products, personal protective equipment and wound care supplies. Additionally, you could also use it for items like modified eating aids, food preparation products, and specialized mattresses or pillows.

⚠️ Important Considerations:
Reasonable and Necessary: Items must be directly related to your disability and meet NDIS funding criteria.
Specific to Your Plan: Your plan outlines what supports are approved for you.
Not for General Living Costs: Everyday household items (e.g. standard furniture, food) are not covered.

👉 To learn more, visit: tr.ee/ndis-updates

01/10/2025

🎥 Meet Sarah – Plan Manager at Plan Manage Assist
Sarah is passionate about helping people make the most of their NDIS plans. She knows firsthand how confusing the language and structure of a plan can be.

💬 “I remember working with a participant who felt overwhelmed by all the terminology in their plan,” Sarah shares. “They were hesitant to ask questions at first, but once we sat down together and unpacked it step by step, they felt more confident to make decisions that suited their needs.”

Her top tip? Ask questions if you don’t understand something in your plan. No question is too small.

Need a plan manager who truly cares?
📞 Call us on 1300 199 960
📧 Email: enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au

*P.S. Don't mind our printer getting installed in the background 🤣