What is a Self-Managed Home Care Package — and Why It’s Changing Lives

A self-managed Home Care Package gives you direct control over your government-funded support. Rather than having a provider decide everything for you, you choose how your funds are used, which workers support you, and how your care looks on a day-to-day basis.

It’s not just a different model. It’s a different mindset. Self-management empowers people to make decisions based on their own needs, preferences, and lifestyle. It replaces the top-down approach with something far more personal — and powerful. You’re not waiting for someone else to coordinate; you’re coordinating your care in a way that respects your time and your choices.

For many, the benefits are emotional as much as they are practical:

• More flexibility to tailor support to your routines.
• More independence, which helps maintain confidence and identity.
• Better value, since you can often get more support hours for your package funds.
• Choice, because you select who supports you and how.

But you’re not on your own. We work quietly in the background, ensuring your care remains compliant with NDIS regulations. We handle administrative tasks like invoice processing, funds tracking, and reporting — while you stay focused on living your life the way you want.

It’s a model that’s bringing real change, especially for people who’ve long felt unheard in the system. And in a place like Darwin — where community values and individual strength go hand-in-hand — it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to manage their own care with confidence and heart.

Freedom to Choose the Right Carers for Your Life

There’s something incredibly empowering about being able to say, “This is what I need — and this is who I trust to help me.” That’s the heart of self-managed care. You decide what matters most in your life, and you get to choose the carers who feel right for you — not just someone from a rotating list, but people you feel safe with, people you connect with, people who understand you.

We believe that the right carer is not just skilled — they’re kind, respectful, and truly present. Our self-managed model allows you to build your own care team, one that fits not just your needs but also your personality, culture, and rhythm of life. And behind the scenes, we support that process, quietly handling the admin and compliance, while you stay focused on building the right support around you.

Here’s how our carers show up — for you, your family, and your life.

Home Care

When home is your haven, it should feel safe, supported, and comfortable. Our home carers don’t just “check off” a list. They listen. They understand how you like things done — from your morning tea routine to how you fold the laundry. With self-management, you get to pick someone who respects your space and helps you preserve the life you’ve built at home.

Daily Living

Everyday tasks don’t need to become daily obstacles. From preparing meals to helping with grooming, our carers step in with the kind of gentle help that feels like a partnership — not intrusion. You decide what you need support with, and we help connect you with someone who works with you, not around you.

Domestic Assistance

A clean, well-organised home makes a huge difference to wellbeing — but that doesn’t mean you should exhaust yourself trying to keep up. Whether it's mopping, tidying, or managing laundry, our domestic assistants are chosen for their attention to detail and their respect for your home. You choose someone who understands your way of doing things and brings calm, reliable help to your space.

24 Hour Care

Sometimes, support is needed around the clock. That doesn’t mean losing your independence — it just means having the right person there when you need them. With self-management, you choose carers who can provide full-time care without making you feel like you’re losing control. They’re there to support your rhythm — not impose a new one.

Personal Care

These are intimate tasks — bathing, dressing, grooming — and they should be handled with care, dignity, and trust. Our carers are hand-picked by you, which means you never have to accept someone you’re uncomfortable with. It’s about respect, boundaries, and letting you lead, always.

Overnight Care

Peace of mind at night is just as important as support during the day. Whether you need assistance getting settled, help with night-time routines, or someone present for reassurance, our overnight carers provide calm, quiet care that doesn’t disrupt — it comforts.

Disability Care

Living with disability shouldn’t limit your choices. Self-managed care opens up possibilities — and our dedicated carers are trained, compassionate, and focused on helping you live fully, safely, and with pride. Whether support is needed at home, out in the community, or for specific health needs, the power stays in your hands.

Disability Support

Disability support isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our carers work closely with each individual — not just to assist, but to genuinely support you in your goals, your independence, and your lifestyle. You decide who walks alongside you in your day-to-day.

Complex Care

When health needs become more intricate, the care has to rise to meet them. Our complex care professionals bring clinical skills, steady hands, and human warmth. You choose the carer you trust to manage complex needs — from medication support to chronic condition management — while we make sure it all stays compliant and stress-free.

High Care

High care doesn’t need to feel clinical. Our approach is personal, because even with intensive needs, people deserve connection, choice, and dignity. We work with you to build a team that not only knows what they’re doing but knows how to do it with gentleness and heart.

Social and Community Participation

Getting out and about, staying connected, attending events, joining classes — it’s all part of living well. Our carers don’t just escort you; they encourage you. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a community group, or a weekly outing, you pick someone who brings joy into these moments, not just logistics.

Behaviour Support

When behaviours of concern arise, the right support can make all the difference. Our carers are trained to provide structured, respectful behaviour support that’s rooted in empathy and understanding. You select the person who can calmly and professionally support you or your loved one, helping to reduce stress and build confidence.

Dedicated Support for Every Health Condition and Need

Every person’s health journey is different. Some days are steady. Others are full of little hurdles — getting dressed, remembering medications, or even just finding the energy to smile. That’s why we don’t believe in handing out the same care to everyone.

We quietly support people who live with specific conditions by helping them choose caregivers who don’t just understand the job — they understand the person behind the diagnosis. With self-management, you decide who that carer is. Someone you trust. Someone who fits into your day without overwhelming it.

Here’s how that support takes shape, depending on your needs:

Arthritis Care

On days when your joints ache and even a coffee mug feels heavy, the right support matters. We help you find a carer who doesn’t rush or push — they offer calm, steady hands for everyday things like dressing, walking, or simply getting around the house. You set the pace. They follow it.

Autism Care

Support for someone on the autism spectrum must be thoughtful and consistent. Whether it’s helping with routines, providing social interaction, or simply understanding sensory triggers, the carer you choose will work around your comfort zone — not pull you out of it.

Cancer Care

Cancer changes so many parts of life, and the support around you needs to adjust with it. You might need help getting to appointments, managing fatigue, or simply having someone there who knows when to talk and when to sit quietly. You choose that person — and we make sure they’re the right kind of steady.

Epilepsy Care

Living with epilepsy means living with unpredictability. The carer you bring into your space will be someone trained to respond to seizures calmly, who helps create a safe environment and respects your routine. You’re not giving up control — you’re gaining someone who watches your back.

Heart Disease Care

If you’re living with a heart condition, little things like climbing steps or lifting bags might feel heavier than they used to. We’ll help you find a carer who supports without hovering — someone who helps you stay on top of meds, meals, and rest, while still encouraging independence.

Huntington's Disease Care

Huntington’s doesn’t just affect the body — it changes the rhythm of everyday life. With the right carer, support feels natural. Not clinical. We help you find someone who respects your needs as they evolve, without taking over your sense of self along the way.

Mental Health Support

Some days feel light. Others feel foggy. You’re not alone. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, or something harder to name, the right carer offers quiet support — not pressure. They’ll walk alongside you, listen when you're ready, and hold space when you need stillness.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care

MND moves quickly, and your needs can shift in weeks — or even days. We connect you with carers who understand those changes and respond with grace. You’ll choose someone who brings strength, respect, and peace of mind, even when things get hard.

Muscular Dystrophy Care

Your body may not move how you want it to, but your voice still matters. Our carers know when to step in and when to step back. Whether it’s lifting, bathing, or simply navigating the day, you pick a carer who sees you, not just the diagnosis.

Out of Hospital Care

Coming home from hospital should feel like healing — not chaos. Whether it’s short-term help or the start of a new routine, you choose someone who helps you ease back in. No fuss. Just real help, where and when you need it.

Parkinson’s Disease Care

Parkinson’s brings tremors, slowness, and unpredictability — but also pride, history, and personality. You’ll find a carer who respects your rhythm and walks with you through the good days and the shaky ones. They’ll support, not take over.

Palliative Care

This kind of care is about more than comfort — it’s about presence. We help you find someone who sits with you, gently supports you, and knows when to speak and when to simply be there. It’s quiet, respectful care that honours dignity, always.

Dementia Care

When memories begin to fade, what matters most is feeling safe. The carer you choose will bring patience, warmth, and understanding — not frustration. They’ll support routines, gently redirect moments of confusion, and offer kindness at every turn.

Support Network's Platform: Making Self-Management Simple

When you decide to self-manage your Home Care Package, you deserve tools that feel intuitive — not overwhelming. That’s why we built a platform that’s not just functional but designed around your experience. Whether you’re managing care for yourself or for someone you love, our system gives you everything you need, all in one quiet, easy-to-use space.

There’s no confusing dashboard. No jumping through hoops. Just clear steps, thoughtful design, and real-time visibility into your support.

Post jobs in minutes

Need a new carer for personal care, help around the house, or community outings? You can post a job directly through your account and connect with experienced, NDIS-cleared workers who are the right fit — for the role, and for your life.

Approve timesheets with confidence

Each time your carer logs hours, you get notified. You can check, approve, or query the timesheet in a couple of clicks. No paperwork. No chasing. Just clean, clear records that help you feel in control.

Manage invoices without stress

Support Network reviews every invoice for you, making sure it aligns with your budget and NDIS rules. You simply view, approve, and move on. And if something doesn’t look right? We help you sort it, quickly and kindly.

Stay on top of your budget

Your dashboard shows exactly how much you’ve spent, what’s left, and where it’s going. No hidden fees. No guesswork. Just the peace of mind that comes with knowing — not wondering.

At every step, our team is behind the scenes making sure your care stays compliant, your records are tidy, and your experience is smooth. You stay in control — and we stay in the background, where we belong.

Because self-management should feel like freedom, not another full-time job.

Benefits of Self-Managing Your Home Care Package

Self-managing your care isn’t just a decision — it’s a quiet revolution in how care can feel. Here’s why more Australians are choosing to take the reins, and how we make that easier every step of the way:

• Your care, your say.You decide who supports you, how often, and in what way. No more strangers at your door — only familiar faces you choose.
   
• Full control of your budget.See where every dollar goes. Make choices that matter most to you, not someone else’s schedule or priorities.
   
• Lower fees, more care.With less overhead, more of your package funds go where they belong — toward your actual care hours.
   
• Culturally matched carers.Choose support workers who speak your language, understand your background, and respect your way of living.
   
• Clarity and calm, every step.No more waiting for updates or chasing paperwork. Our platform gives you real-time access to your care records and budget.
   
• You’re never alone.While you’re steering the wheel, our team is right behind you — keeping your package compliant, your admin sorted, and your questions answered.
   
• Trusted by families across Australia.We’re not just a platform. We’re a registered NDIS provider, and we’ve been doing this long enough to know that real care always starts with listening.

Because when care feels like yours, everything else starts to feel easier.

Contact Us

Your care journey should never feel confusing or rushed. Whether you're exploring self-management for the first time or you're ready to switch to a more personalised care model, we're here to help.

Speak with one of our Care Experts today to understand how we can support your care plan, reduce your management fee, and help you get more from your Aged Care package. At Support Network, we believe in real conversations, not cookie-cutter answers.

Call us or reach out online — and let’s start building the kind of individual care you actually feel good about.