Support Workers

Support Workers

Disability Support Workers

If you’re living with disability, getting support is crucial. The right person can help you tackle life’s challenges with a positive mindset, so you live each day with confidence.

Home Caring’s support workers help people with disability thrive by providing assistance, training and encouragement in everyday life. Whether it’s helping you with the housework, providing personal care or learning important life skills, we’ve got your back – no matter your ability.

We are a registered NDIS provider, with teams in major cities and regional areas across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Canberra. Here are some of the things our support workers can help you with:

  • Personal care (e.g. help bathing and getting dressed)
  • Mobility assistance
  • Medication management
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Household chores
  • Support for challenging behaviours
  • Companionship and emotional support
  • Support to participate in social activities
  • Managing appointments
  • Learning communication skills
  • Setting and working towards your NDIS goals
  • Advocating for your rights
  • Maintaining a record of your activities
  • Minimising risks and hazards you may face
  • Employment and education support
  • Guidance and support for families
  • Respite care 

About Us

Home Caring has been supporting people with disability, in the communities where they live, for many years. As a disability service provider, here’s what you can expect from our NDIS support workers.

  • Skills and knowledge– our staff are fully qualified, have a police check and children check, and are rigorously screened. We have all the skills needed to provide quality care for a wide range of disabilities.
  • Experience – our staff have experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and deliver quality care with dedication and sensitivity.
  • Flexible shifts – we understand that life can be busy. Our support workers are locals in the areas where they work, so they are able to provide affordable care at a time that suits you.
  • Personal – we’ll take the time to get to know you, build a rapport with you and your family, and understand your goals. As your cheerleader, we’ll encourage you in everyday life with person-centred care.
  • Passionate – we are dedicated to providing quality support in the community. We believe everyone – no matter their ability – deserves an opportunity to lead a full life.
  • Multicultural – our support workers come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and are able to provide culturally appropriate and bilingual support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a support worker?
How can a support worker benefit people with disability?
What is the NDIS?
How do I access a support worker through the NDIS?
How much does a support worker cost?
What should I consider when choosing a support worker?
What is the difference between a support worker and aged care worker?
Can a NDIS support worker help me with my mental health?
Can you change your support worker under the NDIS?

What is a support worker?

A support worker is someone who helps people with disability live as independently as possible. Similar to a personal carer, they provide assistance to people who face challenges due to physical or mental impairment, helping them achieve their goals and lead independent and meaningful lives.

Here are some of the tasks a disability worker might perform, in a variety of settings:

  • Assistance with personal care tasks
  • Physical assistance and supporting people with mobility issues (e.g. transferring)
  • Help with meal preparation, cooking, and feeding if needed
  • Help with the housework and chores like laundry or cleaning
  • Medication management, and ensuring people take their prescribed medications at the right times
  • Assistance with transportation
  • Support for people with a medical condition
  • Help with running errands
  • Social interaction and community participation
  • Emotional support and companionship
  • Assistance with communication needs
  • Support for individuals in developing and maintaining life skills
  • Collaboration with healthcare professionals, therapists, and family members to ensure comprehensive care and support
  • Documenting observations, progress, and any incidents accurately and maintaining appropriate records
  • Advocacy for the rights of people with disability in different settings
  • Learning fundamental skills

Under the NDIS in Australia, disability support workers work closely with people with disability to understand their specific needs and preferences. They adapt their approach to each person, making sure they receive personalised care and support. Their goal is to empower people with disability, encourage their independence, and help them participate fully in their communities.

How can a support worker benefit people with disability?

There are several ways an NDIS disability support worker with formal qualifications can benefit someone with a disability. This includes:

  • Promoting independence – a support worker can assist with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and bathing, making it easier for someone with a disability to take care of themselves and live in the community.
  • Boosting confidence – support workers can encourage their clients and make a positive difference in their lives. They listen, talk, and spend time with people, which can help them feel happier and more connected to others.
  • Skills development – support workers can help people with disability learn and practice new skills, such as communication and socialisation skills, learning how to budget, catch public transport, do the grocery shopping, or take part in their favourite hobbies.
  • Social engagement – support workers help individuals participate in social activities and interact with others. This can lead to new friendships, improved communication skills, and a greater sense of belonging within the community.
  • Personalised care – under the NDIS, support workers provide individualised support that is tailored to the person’s unique NDIS care plans and set goals, helping them achieve a life that is meaningful to them.
  • Empowerment – support workers stand up for the human rights of people with disability. They help people access resources, services, and opportunities so they can thrive in life and overcome the barriers they may face in society.
  • Practical assistance – a personal care worker can help with tasks such as household chores, managing appointments, and managing medication. This helps people navigate daily life more easily and access the services they need.
  • Better wellbeing – a mental health support worker can help people with mental health conditions by providing day-to-day support, guidance, encouragement and practical assistance with daily living.

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a government program in Australia that provides support and assistance to people with disability. It provides funding to help participants access the services they need to achieve their goals and participate in their communities. This includes things like therapy, equipment, home modifications, personal care, and assistance with daily activities. It also includes funding for a support worker that can assist with a person’s daily needs.

Home Caring provides quality NDIS supports for people with disability. We’ll work with you to create a support plan that meets your needs, and deliver services that make a positive impact on your life. For more information, please get in touch with our customer services team.

How do I access a support worker through the NDIS?

The NDIS provides funding for people with disability to hire a support worker that can help them engage with community activities, live independently and reach their personal goals. To access a disability worker through the NDIS, here are the steps that you need to take:

  • First, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS. To qualify, you need to be under 65 years old at the time of your application, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate fully in everyday activities. You can check your eligibility using the online checklist on the NDIS website.
  • NDIS Application: Complete an application for the NDIS, either online or over the phone. You’ll need to providing information about your disability, functional limitations, and the supports you currently receive. You can also have someone submit an application on your behalf.
  • After submitting your application, an NDIS representative will contact you to schedule an assessment. This helps determine your eligibility for the NDIS and the level of support you may require.
  • If you are eligible, you'll be invited to a planning meeting with an NDIS planner. This is to develop your NDIS plan, which outlines your goals and the support you need. You can discuss your preference for a support worker during this meeting. Afterwards, your NDIS plan will be reviewed and approved. It will detail the funding allocated for your support needs, including funding for a support worker.
  • Once you have your approved NDIS plan, you can start the process of finding a support worker. You can choose your own disability care worker who is self-employed, or engage a service provider to help you find a suitable match.
  • Once you've found a support worker who best meets your needs, you can negotiate terms, such as hours of support, tasks, and rates. Make sure they have relevant qualifications, experience, and a willingness to support you based on your NDIS plan.

How much does a support worker cost?

The amount you may have to pay for a community support worker depends on whether you are eligible for funding through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). If you are eligible, the NDIS provides funding to cover the cost of a support worker, based on your individual plan and the level of support you require. Keep in mind that the NDIA sets price limits for NDIS worker rates, to ensure reasonable and fair pricing. They can serve as a reference point when you discuss pricing with a support worker you are thinking of hiring.

It's also possible to hire a private support worker or personal care assistant, if you don’t have access to NDIS funding. If you are hiring private carers, you can choose and negotiate terms with the individual support worker directly. This includes negotiating the hourly rate, working hours, specific tasks, and any additional requirements. This can give you more flexibility and control over the hiring process and the type of support you receive.

What should I consider when choosing a support worker?

So you’ve just been approved for NDIS funding, and you’re looking for community support workers who can provide disability assistance. How do you find the person who is right for you? Here are some questions you can ask when interviewing caregivers or contacting a support worker agency, to help guide your decision making.

  • What qualifications and certifications do you have relevant to disability support?
  • How many years of experience do you have in providing disability support?
  • Have you worked with someone with similar needs or conditions as mine before?
  • What specific skills or areas of expertise do you have that are relevant to my needs?
  • Are you trained in specific techniques or interventions that may benefit me?
  • Are you comfortable and knowledgeable about any assistive devices or technology I rely on?
  • What are your available working hours and days?
  • Are you open to occasional schedule changes or additional hours if needed?
  • How much notice do you require for schedule adjustments or time off?
  • What types of support and services can you provide?
  • Are you comfortable assisting with personal care, household tasks, or transportation?
  • Are there any limitations or restrictions on the types of tasks you can perform?
  • How do you approach building a positive working relationship with your clients?
  • How do you handle communication and collaboration with the client and their family?
  • Can you provide references from other clients or families you have worked with?
  • How do you maintain professional boundaries and ensure client confidentiality?
  • What is your approach to respecting my privacy and personal preferences?
  • How do you ensure that the support you provide is tailored to my specific needs and goals?
  • Can you describe your approach to person-centred care and promoting my independence?
  • How do you involve me in decision-making and goal-setting processes?
  • How do you handle transitions or handovers when another support worker is required to step in?
  • Are you open to collaborating with other professionals involved in my care, such as therapists or doctors?

What is the difference between a support worker and aged care worker?

Support workers and aged care workers both provide care, but they focus on different groups of vulnerable people in the community.

A support worker is a community care worker who provides support to people with disability of varying ages. They help their clients live more independently and participate fully in their communities. Often, they assist with tasks such as personal care, household chores, transportation, and accessing community activities.

An aged care support worker is specifically focused on providing care and support to elderly people who need help with daily activities. Aged care workers help older adults maintain their quality of life and independence as much as possible. They often assist with tasks like personal hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, and emotional support.

Can you change your support worker under the NDIS?

Yes, if you aren’t happy with the care support worker you have, you can change to someone else. Under the NDIS, you have the right to find a different personal support worker who better meets your needs. Here are some things to consider when changing support workers:

  • Try to have an open and honest conversation with your current support worker to discuss your concerns or reasons for wanting to make a change.
  • Contact the NDIS and request a plan review. During the review, you can discuss your dissatisfaction with your current support worker and explain why you would like to change. The NDIS will consider your request and assess whether a change is appropriate.
  • While the NDIS plan review is underway, you can start searching for a new support worker. You have the freedom to choose a support worker who you feel is a better fit for you.
  • Once you have found a new support worker, inform the NDIS about your decision and provide them with the necessary details. This ensures that the NDIS is aware of the change and can update your plan accordingly.

Can a NDIS support worker help me with my mental health?

An NDIS support worker can help you with your mental health, as part of caring for your wellbeing. They can be there to listen to you, understand your feelings, and help you deal with challenging situations or stress. They can also assist with daily activities like planning meals, doing household tasks, and taking care of yourself.

A social support worker can also help you with social engagement. They can accompany you to social events, encourage you to participate in community activities, and help you connect with others. They can teach you practical skills to manage your mental health, such as relaxation techniques, ways to cope with stress, and problem-solving strategies. If you are receiving therapy or counselling for your mental health, support workers can work together with your therapist to put into practice the strategies and goals discussed in your treatment plan.

It's important to note that while a support worker may have training in mental health care, they may not be a professional mental health worker, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. But they can work alongside these professionals and be a valuable part of your support network. If you require specialised mental health interventions, it may be helpful to include funding for services like psychology, professional counselling services, or psychiatric support in your NDIS plan.

Support Workers Sydney

Home Caring’s quality support workers in Sydney help people with disability live as independently as possible. Our local teams of qualified disability carers assist with a wide range of tasks, including personal care, help with the housework, transport support, learning daily skills, social activities, learning support and more.

Support Workers Melbourne

Looking for a personal support worker in Melbourne’s suburbs? Home Caring provides experienced support workers that can help you with a wide range of tasks. From support you with personal care to learning basic skills and engaging with your community, our teams of care experts are here to help you thrive in everyday life.

Support Workers Brisbane

Home Caring provides experienced support workers to help NDIS participants enjoy a full and meaningful life. We’ll help you work towards your goals with positive encouragement, constant support and guidance. And we’re always here to step in and help, so you’re never without a safety net.

Support Workers Perth

Are you looking for a home carer in Perth? Home Caring provides disability support workers to help NDIS participants and their families meet the challenges you face each day. We’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your needs and goals, and help you thrive in daily life.

Support Workers Adelaide

Home Caring’s passionate and dedicated support workers in Adelaide help NDIS participants live life to the full. Our wide range of services include domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, basic skills training, education support, social support, and much more.

Support Workers Canberra

If you’re looking for NDIS carers in Canberra, we’re here to help. Home Caring’s team of experienced local disability workers help people in the community thrive in everyday life. We’ll help you reach your goals, take part in local activities, and do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Support Workers Gold Coast

Home Caring provides teams of quality support workers to help people with disability with everyday tasks. We provide a wide range of services, from personal care and domestic assistance to transport, social support, learning life skills, education support and more.

Support Workers Newcastle

Do you need a family support worker in Newcastle? Home Caring’s qualified NDIS support workers offer a range of services that can help you live life to the full. We’ll assist you with daily life, while helping you gain the skills and knowledge you need to live as independently as possible.

Support Workers Sunshine Coast

Home Caring provides support workers on the Sunshine Coast who are ready and able to assist with a wide variety of needs. If you’re looking for a disability carer near you, we have local teams that provide flexible, personalised support that helps you work towards your personal goals.

Support Workers Central Coast

Home Caring’s local teams of support workers provide quality assistance with everyday life. If you’re living with a disability, we offer a wide range of services to help you, including personal care, domestic assistance, support for community engagement, and learning life skills.

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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 157 reviews
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