Finding the Right Aged Care and NDIS Support Workers Through Support Network

Trying to put together the right support team can feel heavy sometimes. You’re looking for someone who understands, who can fit in with your day, and who won’t just be a name on paper. That’s why many families and individuals across Australia are moving towards platforms like Support Network, because it doesn’t throw random workers your way. Instead, it gives you a space to choose, to build, and to actually meet the people who’ll be part of your daily life. Whether you’re using NDIS funding, aged care packages, or paying privately, the idea here is simple: find workers you trust, book them directly, and keep everything organised in one place.

It’s not only about care, it’s about connection. And Support Network lets you shape that connection on your terms.

Why a Platform Like This Works Better for Many Families

For years, disability and aged care support in Australia was more like a closed door. You’d often be told who your worker would be, with little say in the matter. Since the NDIS came in, the whole system has shifted, suddenly, choice and control aren’t just buzzwords, they’re rights.

Support Network builds on that. It allows you to read profiles, get to know who they are, look at their background and then make your choices as to whether this is the right person to come into your home or not. You can meet them first in case you are not sure. And when it is not the right fit you simply move on and find another person. Such a degree of control is potent since each family and every case is unique.

Safety is another reason. Workers on Support Network don’t just create a profile and show up. They go through police checks, reference checks, and in roles that demand qualifications, like personal care or nursing, they must have certificates such as Certificate III or IV in Disability or Aged Care. Insurance is included too, so both sides have peace of mind. You can also see reviews and ratings, which makes a huge difference when you’re weighing up who to trust.

Pricing works differently as well. No hidden charges. Workers set their indicative rates, and you agree before anything begins. Weekdays, weekends, overnights, public holidays, rates are listed clearly and can be discussed.

What Kind of Support Can You Actually Find?

Support needs change with time. Some people want help with housework, others with personal care, and sometimes it’s therapy or nursing. On Support Network, categories cover almost every type of service under aged care and disability supports.

• Social Support – companionship, outings, someone to help you stay active and part of the community.
• Domestic Assistance – keeping the house running: cleaning, cooking, laundry.
• Therapies – physio, speech therapy, psychology, occupational therapy.
• Nursing Services – qualified nurses for medical needs, medication management, wound care.
• Personal Care – Assistance with showering, dressing, eating or moving around.
• Independent Living Help – Small things that keep life moving: shopping, errands, meal prep.
• Travel Assistance – Secure passage to and fro appointments, shops or social events.

You’ll find details about NDIS categories and aged care services directly on the official NDIS website and My Aged Care if you want to see how it all fits into funding.

How to Get Started

Signing up is straightforward. You create a profile and then choose one of two paths:

1. Search for Workers – scroll through the profiles of support workers already active on the platform, reach out to the ones that feel like a match, and organise a first chat.
2. Bring Your Own Worker – if you already know someone you’d like to employ, you can invite them to join. They go through the same screening before they can start.

When you’re checking profiles, it’s worth noting:

• Services offered (personal care, therapy, social support, etc.)
• Checks and qualifications (has the person got the right training or certifications?)
• Badges (non-smoker, pet-friendly, LGBTQIA+ friendly, etc.)
• Indicative rates (weekday, weekend, overnight, holidays)
• Past work and education history
• Reviews and ratings from others

This way, you’re not going in blind.

Talking About Rates Without Awkwardness

Money conversations can feel uncomfortable, but the system makes it easier. Each worker lists their indicative rate. That doesn’t mean it’s fixed, you can talk about it. If the role requires extra responsibility, like nursing or managing medications, then naturally the rate will reflect that. If it’s more social support, it might be lower.

Remember that workers are independent contractors. They handle their own tax and super, which they factor in. So when you’re negotiating, it’s about finding something fair for both sides. Having that chat early saves problems later.

Meeting Before Committing

Most support workers offer a first meeting at no charge, a “meet and greet.” This is often the turning point. You can see if you feel comfortable, ask questions, explain your needs, and decide if it clicks. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, you move on and try another worker.

The Australian Government’s aged care resources suggest preparing for these meetings by writing down exactly what you need help with. That way, you won’t forget something important. You can read more about this in guides provided on My Aged Care.

Agreements and Why They Matter

Once you’ve found your worker and agreed on rates and hours, they’ll send you an Agreement through the platform. It lists everything clearly: what’s being provided, when, and at what cost. The insurance cover only kicks in once that Agreement is accepted, so don’t skip this step.

Agreements can be adjusted too. If something changes, the worker can resend a new version until both sides are satisfied.

Travel and Transport Costs

Usually, the hourly rate covers work time only, not travel to and from your house. But if you’re asking a worker to take you out, drive long distances, or use their own vehicle, it’s fair to agree on fuel or additional costs. The NDIS pricing guide lays out what can be claimed under travel. It’s worth checking this before you finalise arrangements.

Sorting Out Issues if They Come Up

Not every working relationship goes smoothly. If something isn’t right, you have a few options. You can:

• Leave a review or star rating on the worker’s profile
• Give feedback directly on the platform
• Contact Support Network for assistance if the matter is serious

And if you ever feel your complaint isn’t handled, you can reach out to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or even the Health Care Complaints Commission in NSW. Having those external options means you’re never stuck without a voice.

Funding Types: Self, Plan, and Agency Managed

No matter how your NDIS plan is managed, you can still use Support Network.

• Self-Managed: You choose and pay workers directly, then claim through the NDIS portal.
• Plan-Managed: Your Plan Manager needs to approve and pay invoices, but you can still choose your worker.
• Agency-Managed (NDIA): You’ll need your registered provider to confirm, but many allow use of independent platforms.

It’s flexible across funding types, which is why a lot of families are making the switch.

After Booking, What Happens Next

Once you’ve booked a worker:

• They submit their Support Session via the app.
• You get a notification to approve it.
• If you don’t act, it gets auto-approved after 24 hours.
• You get weekly invoices.
• You claim funds from NDIS or aged care, then pay Support Network, which pays the worker.

It’s a cycle, and keeping up with invoices matters, delays can make workers reluctant to continue.

Final Word

It does not take a short time to build a right support team. It requires patience, decision, and some experimentation. With support networks like Support Network, it is easier as they provide tools such as profiles, checks, agreement, reviews and direct conversations with people who will be involved in your daily life.

This is a matter of trust in the end. Being able to dictate who enters your home, what they do and the way they are compensated is a huge difference. This freedom transforms the entire process of aged care or NDIS support in families.

If you’re ready to start shaping your own support team, call Support Network at 1300 971 631 and take the first step.