Tool 16
Support-Person Implementation Guide
How to support a person's agreed learning plan without taking over: observe, give time, use the least prompt needed, practise, record, fade support when safe.
The most helpful thing a support person can do is often to wait. This guide sets out the implementation sequence — observe, give time, use the least prompt needed, practise, record, fade support when safe, maintain — and the everyday habits that make it work.
Do: follow the agreed plan, use consistent words and cues, allow processing and initiation time, record the assistance actually given, and report meaningful changes through the agreed pathway.
Avoid: doing the whole task when the person can participate, changing clinical recommendations, recording supported completion as independent performance, reducing support after one success, or continuing when a stop rule applies.
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Support-Person Implementation Guide
Family / Carer / Support Tool • SUPPORT-PERSON TOOL
Purpose: support the person's agreed learning plan without unnecessarily taking over tasks they can safely attempt.
Implementation sequence
Do
- Follow the agreed plan and professional recommendations.
- Use consistent words / cues where possible.
- Allow reasonable processing and initiation time.
- Record actual assistance, not the assistance you hoped would be needed.
- Report meaningful changes in safety, function or behaviour through the agreed pathway.
Avoid
- Doing the whole task automatically when the person can participate.
- Changing clinical recommendations independently.
- Recording supported completion as independent performance.
- Reducing support after one successful attempt.
- Continuing a task when a stop rule or safety concern is present.
IMHC educational tool. Use within the person's agreed plan and professional recommendations. This resource does not replace clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment or emergency support.