Have you ever jumped into a project or big decision without being quite sure what you wanted the end result to be? Maybe it was renovating a room, planning a holiday, or even just heading to the shops without a list. Chances are, it took longer, cost more, or left you feeling unsure if you got what you really wanted.
Now, think about something as important and life-shaping as creating a customised support system for your loved one with disability—what we call a “Service for One.” If you’re even beginning to think about taking more control, setting up something tailored to your family, or moving away from traditional service models, you’re already doing something bold and brave.
But before you dive in and start making decisions about funding, staffing, scheduling, or paperwork, there’s something really important to get clear on first: your vision.
In this post, we’re going to explore why having a strong vision is the most powerful thing you can do when setting up a Service for One. You don’t need to have all the answers right now, but you do need to know what you’re aiming for—and this blog will help you understand why.
What Do We Mean by “Vision”?
A vision is your big-picture, long-term hope for what life looks like—for your loved one, your family, and your day-to-day experience of support.
It’s not just about what you don’t want (although that’s a useful place to start). It’s about painting a picture of what you do want.
Here are some questions that can help shape a vision:
- What does a good life look like for my loved one in 1, 5, 10 years?
- How do I want them to spend their days?
- What makes them happy, calm, engaged, and fulfilled?
- What kind of people do I want around them?
- How do I want our family to feel—less stressed? More connected?
A vision is deeply personal. It’s not a generic service plan or a wishlist. It’s the north star that will guide every decision you make along the way.
Why Vision Comes First
It might feel tempting to start with logistics—budgets, hiring support workers, booking appointments—but without a clear vision, these things become just tasks, not tools to get you where you want to go.
Here’s why it’s worth pausing and getting your vision clear first:
1. Vision Keeps You Grounded in What Matters
In the world of disability support, it’s easy to get pulled into systems, processes, and red tape. A strong vision brings you back to what really matters.
Instead of just “filling a roster” or “using up NDIS funding,” you’ll be thinking:
- Is this support helping my loved one build relationships?
- Is this activity helping them gain skills or independence?
- Is this the kind of life we want to build?
It shifts your mindset from reacting to the system to creating a life on your terms.
2. Vision Helps You Make Confident Decisions
There are hundreds of tiny and big decisions involved in setting up a service for one—who to hire, what hours of support you need, whether to use an ABN or create a business, how to build routines, and more.
With a clear vision, every decision becomes easier to navigate. You can ask:
- Does this decision move us closer to our vision?
- Is this the right fit for our goals and values?
- Will this help create the kind of life we’ve imagined?
Vision gives you clarity and confidence.
3. Vision Attracts the Right People
When you can clearly describe what you’re trying to create, it becomes much easier to find support workers, allies, therapists, and community members who are aligned with your values.
People are drawn to strong, purpose-led ideas. When you can say:
“We’re building a life where our daughter has meaningful friendships, gets to pursue her art, and is part of her local community.”
It’s much more inspiring—and clearer—than saying:
“We need someone to fill 15 support hours a week.”
Your vision helps others see the bigger picture and get excited to be part of it.
4. Vision Protects You From Overwhelm
Let’s be honest—setting up a Service for One can feel like a lot. There are forms to fill out, systems to learn, people to interview, rosters to manage, and maybe even fears to face.
A strong vision helps protect you from overwhelm because it reminds you what you’re working towards. On the hard days, it’s the fuel that keeps you going.
Instead of getting bogged down in the ‘how,’ you can take a breath and reconnect to the ‘why.’
5. Vision Helps You Say No (and Yes!)
One of the hardest parts of being a parent in this space is knowing when to say no. No to unsuitable programs, overbearing providers, or well-meaning suggestions that don’t actually fit.
A clear vision gives you permission to say no—and also to say yes to things that truly light you up.
If something doesn’t align with your vision, it’s not the right fit, no matter how shiny it looks.
And when something does align—grab it with both hands.
6. Vision Grows With You
Your vision doesn’t have to be perfect or final. It’s something you can refine over time as your loved one grows, learns, and develops new interests or needs.
But starting with a version of your vision, even if it’s rough or evolving, will give you something to shape and work toward. It becomes a living document—something you return to again and again.
What Happens When You Don’t Have a Clear Vision?
It’s common to want to do something quickly—especially if you’re frustrated with traditional services, overwhelmed by waiting lists, or tired of things not working.
But jumping into a Service for One without a clear vision can lead to:
Burnout, from doing too much without a clear plan
Misalignment, hiring the wrong people or building routines that don’t feel right
Wasted time and money, because you try things that don’t actually meet your goals
Feeling stuck, because you’ve built something, but it doesn’t actually feel like “a good life” for your loved one
You deserve better than that. Your loved one deserves better than that. Starting with a clear vision means the effort you put in goes toward something that matters.
How to Start Creating Your Vision
You don’t need a vision statement worthy of a strategic plan. You just need to start capturing your thoughts, ideas, hopes, and dreams.
Here’s a simple way to begin:
Step 1: Reflect
Take some time to think about:
- What brings your loved one joy?
- What gives you energy? What drains you?
- What do you hope life looks like in 5 years?
Jot down anything that comes to mind. No filter.
Step 2: Imagine a Day in the Life
Write or talk about what an ideal day looks like—from morning to evening. Where are you? What’s happening? Who is there?
This helps you move from abstract hopes to practical detail.
Step 3: Involve Your Loved One (if possible)
Use pictures, stories, or experiences to understand what matters to them—especially if they don’t use words to communicate. Notice what lights them up.
Step 4: Write a Simple Vision Statement
Pull together your ideas into a short paragraph or even a few bullet points.
For example:
Our vision is for Sam to live a life full of creativity, connection, and calm. We want him to spend time with people who respect him, engage in activities he loves like painting and music, and feel safe and supported in his own home. We want to feel confident and in control as a family.
That’s enough to start.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Creating a Service for One can feel huge—but it’s also incredibly empowering. And the good news is: you’re not alone.
There are communities, resources, and mentors who have been where you are and want to support you on the journey.
That’s exactly why I am creating the Innovate community—to give families like yours the tools, guidance, and connection to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re just beginning or already underway, having a community of like-minded families and professionals around you can make all the difference.
We help you build your vision, map your supports, make informed decisions, and walk the journey together—with clarity and confidence.
Final Thoughts: Your Vision is the Heart of it All
At the end of the day, a Service for One isn’t about filling a roster or ticking off funding line items. It’s about creating a life that feels good—for your loved one and for you.
That starts with vision. It starts with knowing what matters, and giving yourself permission to build something beautiful, personal, and purposeful.
So take the time to dream, plan, imagine, and hope. Your vision is your anchor. And from there, everything else can grow.
You’ve got this—and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
