Building the Right Support Around You – Things Nobody Tells You at the Start

When people first think about bringing in a support worker, whether it’s through the NDIS or aged care or just because daily life has got too heavy to manage alone, the whole thing can feel bigger than expected. It isn’t just saying “we need help” and then someone shows up. It’s a lot of small choices that build up into something that actually works. Who is the right person, what will he/she do, when they will be around, where do you want things to be done, how will it all be run on a day to day basis. Those questions, the what, where, when, who, and how, they all sound so easy on paper, but once you actually start to put them into play you will find that there is a lot more detail behind each word.

Others fail at the very beginning due to the lack of knowledge of what to write in a job ad and how to describe the position to a member of the family. Others rush and just hire quickly, only to find out later the fit wasn’t right. This guide isn’t about rules or ticking boxes. It’s more about slowing down enough to think through the real needs before taking on paid support.

What Do You Really Need Someone To Do?

That’s the first piece, and it matters more than you think. Support can mean a hundred different things depending on the person. Maybe the person needs someone in the house most days, helping with shopping, cooking, getting meals sorted. Laundry piling up, clothes needing to be hung outside, vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, all that falls under homemaking support. Gardening and yard work too, especially when it’s been left for weeks and feels too much for one person to manage.

But then support might also mean getting out into the community. Someone who will actually go along to soccer matches and sit in the stands, not just drop you off. A worker who can book theatre tickets once a month and make a night of it. Maybe it’s seeing live music or learning how to take the bus to TAFE so independence grows. Even planning a weekend trip away every few months. That’s still support, but it looks very different to washing dishes or folding laundry.

Then there’s personal care. That can include showering, toileting, assisting with teeth and nails, skin care regimens, hair care. It is intimate, it is personal, it is also one of the most crucial spheres. Food and water are also in this category to ensure that somebody is eating and drinking well. For some families this is the main reason they seek outside help.

Medical needs take it to another level. Giving prescribed medication at the right time, being prepared to support if a seizure happens, or following a behaviour support plan exactly as written. This type of support can’t be improvised, it has to be clear and consistent.

Something that makes a big difference is thinking carefully about what’s done with the person and what’s done for them. If someone can stir a pot of soup, chopping vegetables alongside the worker, that’s a with. If they can’t, and everything has to be prepared by the worker, that’s a for. Doing everything for someone can quietly take away skills over time, so wherever possible it’s better to involve the person, to build capacity instead of limiting it.

For a deeper look at this, the NDIS Practice Standards are worth reading.

Where Should the Support Take Place?

Most people assume support is at home, and a lot of it is, especially personal care. But there’s no reason to keep it all indoors. If the goal is physical fitness, the local gym is a better environment. Some join a boot camp at a nearby park, others just want someone to walk with them in the mornings. Social activities call for outings, dinners, theatre nights, community groups.

The point is that the “where” is not fixed anymore. NDIS and aged care both encourage choice and flexibility. If the purpose is fitness, go where fitness happens. If the purpose is social connection, get out into the places where other people are.

When Should Support Be Scheduled?

This one used to be frustrating for families because agencies would dictate times. A morning worker might not show until 10am, which doesn’t work for someone who needs to be up and ready for work at 7. With self-managed funding, there’s more freedom. Support can be booked when it’s actually needed.

If someone needs personal care at 6am, it’s possible. If they want to be out at dinner and home at 11pm, that’s fine too. Life doesn’t happen on office hours, and neither should support.

More about how that flexibility works can be found in the NDIS self-management section.

Who’s the Best Fit to Provide the Support?

It’s not just about ticking off skills. It’s about matching. A teenager might connect better with someone closer in age who knows the latest music, games, or sports. Personal care sometimes means matching gender for comfort. Personality matters too, some people want quiet and steady, others want energetic and outgoing.

Think about what’s really needed. Do you want someone who can help connect with others socially? Then they need confidence in themselves. Do you want someone calm for quiet routines? Then look for gentle and patient. Recruitment is not just about a resume, it’s about personality match.

The Carer Gateway has tools that help families think through this part.

How Do You Want Support Delivered?

Some people like to train workers in their own way, showing them how they want things done. Others prefer hiring people who already have plenty of experience, who can guide them and even suggest new approaches. It depends on how much control you want and how much you trust the worker’s own background. There’s no single correct answer here.

Where to Look for Paid Support

Now comes the practical step of finding people. This is where creativity matters. Some look in gyms, sports clubs, or local noticeboards. Others ask around in their own community, word of mouth can be powerful. Sometimes people you already know, neighbours, students at uni, people who always stop to chat at the café, can turn out to be the right fit.

There are also online spaces: TAFE or university boards, community newsletters, local websites. Even mainstream businesses can help, babysitting agencies, cleaning companies, lawn mowing services, personal trainers. It depends on the type of support you need.

Safety always matters, so check references, do background checks where relevant. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has information on keeping things safe.

Writing and Advertising the Role

When you’re ready to put the word out, don’t just write “looking for help.” Spell it out. Duties, hours, whether it’s working with or for the person. That detail helps the right people apply and saves disappointment later.

Also, be open. Someone without professional experience might have life experience that makes them perfect. People who’ve cared for family members, volunteered, or even just lived through similar challenges can bring real understanding.

Pulling it All Together

So in the end, building a support team is really about being thoughtful before acting. First, list out what jobs are needed. Next, think about where they should happen. Then, decide the times that make sense. Consider who is the right personality match and how you want the work to be done. After that, it’s about advertising and asking around until the right person comes along.

The process isn’t quick, but it’s worth it. Done right, support isn’t just about getting through the day. It’s about living in a way that feels full, meaningful, and connected.

For anyone wanting more guidance, the team at Support Network is there to help. Call 1300 971 631 and talk through your needs. Sometimes a conversation makes it all easier.