To showcase innovative community care programs, evidencebased
better practices and new models of service delivery that have demonstrated improved
quality of life outcomes for individuals. An enabling approach focuses on what the person can do and wants to be able to do,
not just on what they are unable to do at present. It offers people the opportunity to be
actively involved in identifying goals
that are important and meaningful to them and to
participate alongside their support worker to achieve their goals. Evidence from around the world shows that when well targeted and implemented, an
enabling approach in community care can benefit people by building their confidence
and self esteem, empowering them by actively involving them in decisions about their
care needs, enhancing their autonomy and independence and improving their personal
wellbeing and quality of life. Successful enabling programs may include a shortterm restorative component. This
is suitable for people who have recently entered the community care system, existing
clients who have experienced a recent change in functioning or existing clients who
identify goals around improving their functioning and independence. An enabling approach is personcentred and uses where appropriate, a number of
evidencebased better practices to achieve agreed goals and outcomes. These include
practices around wellness, active ageing, early intervention and prevention, social
inclusion, and shortterm restorative care
