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6 | InTouch APRIL 2022 Taking control of my support needs MICHELLE OVERCOMES HER FEAR OF INDIVIDUALISED FUNDING For years the thought of individualised funding scared Michelle Smith. In August last year, she finally decided to toke the plunge. She shares her journey with In Touch . FEATURE When I was first approached by my needs assessor Kelly about individualised funding nearly four years ago, I immediately said no. The thought of it scared me. I had spoken to people about it in the past, but the idea of employing staff, dealing with employment contracts, and sorting out payroll was overwhelming even though everyone said it was the best thing. I think my biggest fear was not being able to find back-up support workers and being left in the same position as I often found myself in with the healthcare agency. While I do have my husband on hand, he should not have to be the one showering and dressing me every day before he goes to work. A secondary fear was dealing with payroll – as I always say, I am an historian not an accountant, even though I live with one! So, at each subsequent assessment, my needs assessor brought up the scary topic. And each time I always said no. Even though she said it would be the best thing for me, I dug my toes in. However, each year the services from the healthcare agency I was using got worse. While my everyday support workers were brilliant, the organisation’s lack of communication, inability to cover shifts (despite often Hopefully we will get a good photo(s). Michelle and her mobility dog, Leah. Michelle and her husband, Blair.