Where it all started

Ten years ago, Like Family’s co-founders faced a problem so many families know intimately. A parent needed support, but with full-time jobs and busy lives of their own, they simply couldn't be there enough. What he was missing wasn't help around the house - it was connection. Every day he would try to get out into the community and lose his way, and the isolation was taking a toll that no amount of practical help could fix.

So they suggested a carer, and he pushed back immediately. He didn't want a stranger coming in and telling him how to live his life. But then they thought of a friend of theirs, someone young and outgoing who loved the beach and lived for music, and everything changed. He'd spent his life as a jazz musician, and the moment he heard she loved music too, he said he'd go anywhere with her.

What followed was a real friendship. He got someone to share his passions with, his family finally had peace of mind; and their friend, who was far from her own family overseas, found something she didn't know she was missing: a sense of connection to people outside her own generation, at a time when she needed it most.

That relationship is the reason Like Family exists. It highlighted just how much this kind of support was needed, and how little of it was out there.

A decade on, Like Family is live across the east coast of Australia, delivering more than 1.8 million hours of care, and operating as an NDIS registered provider, which means real trust and safety protocols sit behind every match made, protecting Members and Carers alike.

What is a Social Carer?

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: connection changes lives. Like Family exists to reduce social isolation and loneliness, and every single thing our Carers do, whether it's a chat over coffee or hands-on personal care, is underpinned by that same idea. It's why we call our Carers ‘Social Carers’ rather than ‘support workers’. The name reflects what actually matters here, which is the relationship, not just the task being completed.

That connection shows up in a few different ways, depending on what a Member needs and what a Carer is drawn to.

For some, it's companionship, shaped entirely around shared interests. A coffee catch-up, a walk, a trip to an expo, even turning up to Comic Con in full costume together. It's just as much about the everyday things too, having someone alongside you for appointments, errands and groceries, so they feel less like chores and more like time well spent.

Sometimes the best matches come from exposure to something new on both sides. One young Member who loved WWE wrestling was paired with an older couple, and he wasn't convinced at first. A few months later, he was teaching them how to play video games so they could join in with their grandchildren, while learning chess from them in return.

For others, it's about daily life support, the shopping, meal prep and light household tasks that help someone stay independent, along with skill building like digital literacy and learning to manage the small logistics of everyday life, from budgeting for a meal to getting to the shops and back.

It can also mean community connection, getting out to social events and building friendships, and just as importantly, helping someone build the confidence to make friends of their own.

And for Carers with the right qualifications, it extends to personal care, hands-on support like showering, toileting and medication assistance, delivered with the same warmth and respect that runs through everything else.

Real stories, real range

The people who become Social Carers come from every kind of background imaginable, and their reasons for joining are just as varied. To give you a sense of that range, here are a few stories that came out of a recent webinar with student carers on our platform. They're a small slice of a much bigger community.

Nick was studying healthcare at university when he joined Like Family, and found the course was heavy on clinical theory but light on the human side of caring for someone. Working with a nonverbal Member who has autism, he built a connection strong enough that a few gentle prompts led to a genuine shift in behaviour that others hadn't managed. Nick has since gone on to become a doctor, and he credits the interpersonal skills he built as a carer with helping get him there.

Marie is a Certificate IV graduate with training across medication administration, health administration and mental health. Living in a more remote area, she'd found it hard to access conventional work, but the flexibility of the platform let her build a client base close to home, sometimes for just half an hour at a time, helping with breakfast and medication. Over time, she's built strong relationships with her Members and uses her training to genuinely advocate for their best interests.

Valentina is a student who fits shifts around her study schedule, letting her Members know when exams mean she's unavailable. It gives her the flexibility, independence and sense of purpose she wouldn't find behind a retail counter, while still letting her choose her own clients and hours.

These are just three stories from one particular slice of our community. If you'd like to meet more of the people who make up the Like Family community, explore our carers here.

Why people love doing this work

Ask any of our Carers why they stay, and the answers tend to circle back to the same few things. It's flexible, it's meaningful, and it genuinely respects them as people, not just as workers filling shifts.

• You're in control: As an independent contractor, you choose who you work with, what kind of support you offer and when you're available. If domestic assistance isn't your thing, you simply don't accept those activities. There are no rosters, no lock-ins and no must-dos.
• It's meaningful: Every activity and every message is a chance to genuinely make someone's day better, not just tick a box on a checklist.
• The pay is competitive: Rates reflect the value of the work, with a higher rate for personal care in recognition of the qualifications it requires. Note: our rates are reviewed annually, and new rates will take effect from 1 September 2026, with all Carers given plenty of notice ahead of time.
• The admin is handled for you: As an NDIS approved provider, we carry public liability and personal liability insurance for our Carers, chase up invoices so you get paid, and manage the Member relationship, so you can focus on the part you're actually there for.
• You're backed by a trusted community: A 4.7 rating on Google, ten years in the sector and more than 1.8 million hours of care delivered mean you're joining something established, with a customer care team on hand whenever you need support.

Getting started

We've recently rebuilt our onboarding from the ground up, and it's one of the things we're proudest of. Rather than filling out endless text boxes, you'll work through a short, video based experience on the app or the web, whichever suits you best. You'll answer a handful of questions on camera, each one under two minutes, and those answers are used to build your profile for you. It's quick, it feels human, and it means your profile ends up sounding like you rather than a form.

Explore becoming a Social Carer

Those videos stay behind the scenes. They're used purely for onboarding and are never shown to Members or used for marketing.

Alongside your video responses, you'll need to complete verification, which starts with an NDIS worker check. A police check or Working With Children Check are useful additions too, and the latter is required if you'd like to work with Members under 18. Once everything is submitted and verified, activation can happen within 24 hours, which means you could be matched with your first Member sooner than you'd think.

Become a Social Carer today

If you've been curious, this might be it

Being a Social Carer is meaningful work. It genuinely helps reduce isolation and loneliness for people in your community who need connection as much as they need care, and it tends to give back just as much to the people doing it. Flexible hours, real relationships and a sense of purpose that's hard to find in a lot of other jobs.

If this sounds like something you'd love to be part of, we'd love to hear from you.

Sign up to become a Social Carer · Find out more · Get in touch with our team

Our Carers are the backbone of everything we do, and we're always here to help if you have questions along the way.

Thomas, known online as AuslanHQ, is a Deaf content creator whose videos blend humour, relatability and advocacy to advocate for the Deaf community help hearing audiences understand Auslan and Deaf culture. We interviewed him to talk about his approach to content, what real inclusion looks like, and what genuine allyship means in practice.

Follow more of Thomas's work at AuslanHQ / @findoutwiththomas.

Question 1: Let’s start right at the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about your story?

I'm Thomas. I'm Deaf, and Auslan is my first language.

I've always been curious about how people think and navigate everyday life. That curiosity naturally led me to become an Auslan teacher and a qualified Deaf Interpreter.

More recently, I began creating online content, including funny videos and sharing moments from my everyday life, while also helping people learn about Auslan and Deaf culture.

Looking back, I realised everything I do has the same purpose. I enjoy bringing people together through communication, humour and learning. That's what motivates me every day.

Question 2: Your content blends relatability, humour and advocacy. How did you come to this approach with AuslanHQ?

We live in a world where everything moves so fast, and our attention spans are getting shorter because of social media and technology. That's why I create Auslan content that is relatable, engaging and easy to connect with. I believe educational content is most effective when it creates opportunities for people to interact, ask questions and share their thoughts.

Many of the myths about Deaf people have existed for a long time, such as the idea that someone has to "look Deaf." Rather than making people feel embarrassed for not knowing, I use humour to make these conversations more approachable. It encourages people to stop, think and ask questions they may have been too afraid to ask before.

My goal has always been to create a positive space where people can learn, laugh and have meaningful conversations about the Deaf community and Auslan. If someone finishes one of my videos smiling while also learning something new, then I know I've achieved what I set out to do.

Question 2: You have a series signing Pokémon names in Auslan. A lot of trends and pop culture moments are designed with sound and hearing audiences in mind. How do you translate that world into something that works for Deaf audiences?

Deaf people are just like everyone else. We enjoy movies, games, Pokémon, sport, social media and pop culture too. The biggest difference isn't disability, it's language. When content includes captions, Deaf people can enjoy it equally and be part of the same conversations as everyone else.

I also believe inclusion shouldn't stop at accessibility. Include Deaf people and people with disabilities in the creative process. We bring different perspectives, lived experiences and ideas that can make content even better. For example, with Pokémon, we can create Auslan signs for the characters, share insights into Deaf culture and help make the content meaningful for both Deaf and hearing audiences.

I'd also love to see more characters with disabilities who are simply part of the story. Their disability doesn't have to define who they are. When representation feels authentic and natural, it helps people see that we already belong in these spaces. The reality is, we already do. Authentic representation simply reflects that.

Question 3: In your videos you often talk about the differences between Deaf and hearing culture. Can you tell us about your experience navigating the world with Auslan as your first language?

Auslan has been my first language since birth, so it's how I naturally communicate and experience the world. Growing up, I learnt to navigate between Deaf and hearing cultures every day. Sometimes it's smooth, and other times there are barriers, often because people don't understand Deaf people or assume we all communicate in the same way.

Many of those barriers aren't caused by being Deaf. They're caused by communication and accessibility. Simple things like providing captions, using interpreters when needed, or taking the time to communicate in a way that works for everyone can make a huge difference.

Sharing these experiences through my content helps people understand that Deaf culture is different, not less.

Question 4: Do you have any final thoughts or advice you'd like to leave our community with?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. We don't expect you to know everything, but we do appreciate people who are willing to learn. The best ally isn't the person who gets everything right. It's the person who listens, includes us from the beginning, and helps create spaces where everyone belongs.

At the end of the day, Deaf people are already part of society. We just want equal access to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.

About Like Family

Like Family is an NDIS disability and aged care provider, connecting people who need social and personal care with quality support workers who truly make a difference. We match Members and support workers based on interests, personality and needs to create a lasting relationship that feels like family.

This conversation is part of an ongoing series spotlighting voices from the disability and mental health community, sharing the different ways people are finding their own ways to thrive, express themselves and show others what's possible.

The NDIS is going through its biggest restructure since it launched. If you're a current participant - or supporting someone who is - here's what you need to know.

The short version: your plan isn't being cancelled. But budgets are tightening, the way plans are assessed is changing, and if you're not prepared, your next plan review could look very different from your last one.

Here's what's changing, when it kicks in, and how to put yourself in the strongest position before it does.

What's driving the NDIS reforms?

On 22 April 2026, NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced the "Securing the NDIS for Future Generations" reform package — the most significant restructure since the scheme launched in 2013.

The NDIS was designed for around 410,000 participants. It now supports more than 760,000 Australians and is on track to cost more than $50 billion this year. Without intervention, that figure was heading past $70 billion by 2030.

The reform plan sets clear targets: reduce participant numbers to around 600,000 by 2030, slow annual growth from 5–6% to 2%, and bring average plan sizes from $31,000 back down to $26,000.

There are four pillars driving how it gets there:

1. Tightened eligibility: New entrants must demonstrate what Minister Butler has described as a "significant reduction in functional capacity", not just a diagnosis. Existing participants will be reassessed at plan review.
2. Reduced plan sizes: Average plan sizes come down. Social and community participation funding is the first category affected. Plan rollovers end.
3. Market and provider reform: All providers must use a new digital payment system. Mandatory registration expands, starting with SIL providers from July 2026.
4. Quality and safeguarding: Stronger powers for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

When each change kicks in

Nothing happens overnight. Most participants won't feel a direct impact until their next plan review. But there are key dates worth knowing.

Please note: The following timeline reflects dates as announced by the Australian Government in April 2026. Timelines are subject to change and may be subject to delay as legislation is finalised. We will update this article as further information is confirmed.

• June 2026: Tighter criteria for unscheduled plan reassessments take effect.
• July 2026: Mandatory registration begins for Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. New digital claims and payments system rollout begins.
• 1 October 2026: Social, civic, and community participation budgets begin to be progressively reduced. This is the change most current participants will feel first.
• 1 February 2027: Tighter "reasonable and necessary" support assessments applied — new entrants first, then existing participants at plan review.
• 1 April 2027: New Framework Planning system commences.
• 2028 Onwards: New eligibility criteria intended to be fully in effect for current participants.

The biggest shift: from diagnosis to functional impact

The NDIS is moving away from diagnosis-based decisions and towards functional-impact decisions. This is the most important change to understand.

What counts is how your disability affects your daily life - communication, mobility, personal care, community participation, work, and relationships.

This is being delivered through a standardised tool called the I-CAN v6 (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs, version 6), developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and the University of Melbourne. A trained assessor will have a structured conversation with you about your daily life and support needs.

For many participants, this is a fairer approach. Two people with the same support needs should receive similar plans regardless of their diagnosis label.

Conditions with fluctuating or less visible impacts - psychosocial disability, chronic illness, autism, ADHD - benefit from strong documentation to be captured accurately in an assessment.

The most useful thing you can do right now: document your functional needs and the support that helps you live your life well.

Will your social and community participation funding change?

From 1 October 2026, budgets for social, civic, and community participation — and capacity building daily activities — begin to be progressively reduced. This is the change most Like Family members will feel first.

Social support isn't being eliminated. It remains a funded category. But funding will be more clearly tied to your disability-related goals and functional needs, rather than general lifestyle activities.

What that means in practice:

• Support that builds social skills, increases independence, or progresses your goals: funded
• A social carer who supports you to participate in your community, attend appointments, or develop new skills: funded
• Supports without a clear link to disability-related goals: at risk of review

Good documentation of your supports helps demonstrate their value - including the role they play in building confidence, practising communication, and reducing social isolation.

This is how Like Family's matching has always worked. We connect Members with Social Carers who share interests and support them towards specific goals, so the activity and the goal sit together - which is exactly what the NDIS will keep funding.

How Like Family helps you get more from your plan

Our rates are 11% below the NDIS price limit

With average plan sizes coming down, every dollar counts more. Like Family's 1:1 social support rates sit 11% below the NDIS price limit. That means for the same funding, you get more support hours - which matters a lot when budgets are tighter.

If your plan drops 20%, that's a hit. But choosing a provider priced below the cap is one practical way to absorb some of that.

‘My Journey’ keeps your support history documented

When your plan review comes around, you need to show what your support has looked like and why it matters. Our ‘My Journey’ feature records your support history with Like Family over time - your social carers, activities, and progress. That's a ready-made record for your assessor, without the scramble to pull it together at the last minute.

We're a registered NDIS provider with 10 years in the scheme

Like Family has been a registered NDIS provider since 2016. We've worked with participants across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia through multiple rounds of NDIS reform. Our team knows the scheme, and if you want to talk through how your plan might be structured or what your funding could cover, we're a phone call away.

📞 1800 545 332 | ✉️ hello@likefamily.com.au

10,000+ social carers, matched to your goals

Our platform has profiles of over 10,000 Social Carers across Australia. You filter by location, interests, and experience - and book up to 5 free Meet and Greet sessions to find the right fit. The match matters, because a social carer who genuinely fits your life is also one whose support is easy to document as goal-aligned.

Five things to do before your next plan review

1. Document your functional needs clearly. Write down what support helps you with, why it matters, and how it contributes to your daily life and goals. Focus on what support enables you to do. This is what assessors will be looking at.

2. Review your current support categories. Check that each support is clearly tied to your disability-related needs and goals, and that you have good records to show this.

3. Spend your plan purposefully. Plan rollovers end under the reforms. Unspent funds won't carry over. Choose providers and Social Carers who genuinely fit your goals and make the most of each plan period.

4. Request reassessments only when your circumstances have genuinely changed. Criteria for unscheduled reassessments tighten from June 2026. If your situation has meaningfully changed, a review may be appropriate - speak with your support coordinator.

5. Choose providers who know the changes. Your support coordinator, plan manager, and registered providers should all be across what's coming. Like Family has been an NDIS registered provider for 10 years and our team is here to answer your questions.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my NDIS plan because of the 2026 reforms? Most current participants won't lose their plans. Eligibility changes apply primarily to new entrants from 2027–2028. Existing participants will be reassessed at their normal plan review using the new I-CAN v6 tool. Permanent and significant disability with clear functional impact remains fundable.

What is the I-CAN v6 assessment? A structured tool trained assessors use to understand how your disability affects your daily life. It focuses on functional impact rather than medical diagnosis, and will inform your plan budget under the new framework.

What happens to my unspent NDIS funds? Plan rollovers end under the reforms. Unspent funds won't carry over to your next plan. Use your funded support purposefully through each plan period.

Can I still get social and community participation funding? Yes - it's still a funded category. The change is that funding will be more clearly tied to disability-related goals and functional needs. Good documentation of your supports helps demonstrate their ongoing value.

Is Like Family affected by the changes? Like Family is a registered NDIS provider and has been since 2016. Our rates sit 11% below the NDIS price limit, helping you get more support hours from your budget. We work across self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed participants.

Last updated May 2026. The reform process is ongoing - timelines and details may change as legislation is finalised. For advice on your specific situation, speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, or a qualified disability advocate.

Like Family is a registered NDIS provider supporting members across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia since 2016

Planning a holiday is exciting for everyone, and if you're an NDIS participant, you might be wondering how your plan can support your travel dreams.

Whether you're dreaming of a beach getaway, visiting family interstate, or exploring somewhere new, understanding what the NDIS can and can't fund for holidays will help you plan the perfect trip.

Does the NDIS fund holidays?

Let's start with the most common question: will the NDIS pay for your holiday?

The straightforward answer is that the NDIS does not fund holidays themselves.

However, this doesn't mean you can't use your NDIS funding to help make your holiday possible. The key is understanding what's covered and what's not.

The NDIS will fund supports that are directly related to your disability and considered reasonable and necessary under your plan.

This means that while the scheme won't pay for your flights, accommodation, meals, or entertainment (costs that everyone pays when they travel), it can potentially cover the disability-related supports you need while you're away.

What NDIS holiday costs can be covered?

Think about your holiday this way: the NDIS can help fund the extra costs you incur specifically because of your disability. This might include:

Support worker costs: If you need a support worker to accompany you, their time can be funded through your Core Supports budget, typically under "Assistance with Social and Community Participation." This covers their hourly rate for the support they provide during your trip.

Accessible accommodation upgrades: If you need to pay extra for an accessible room or modified accommodation due to your disability, these additional costs may be covered.

Accessible transport: The difference in cost between standard transport and accessible transport options, such as hiring a modified vehicle, may be funded.

Specialised equipment: If you need to transport disability-related equipment and incur excess baggage fees or special freight costs, these expenses might be covered.

Transport assistance: Depending on your plan, you may have access to transport funding to help you get to and from activities during your holiday.

Understanding the "$15,000 NDIS holiday" myth

You may have heard about a "$15,000 NDIS holiday" and wondered what it means. This is actually a common misconception about Short Term Accommodation (STA) funding, also known as respite funding.

STA funding is designed to cover the cost of a participant's care in another place for up to 14 days at a time.

It's intended for respite care when your usual support network is unavailable, or to help you try new experiences and build independence. While STA can provide a welcome break for both you and your carers, it's not the same as holiday funding.

The availability and amount of STA funding varies based on your individual circumstances and plan. If you think STA might be relevant to your situation, discuss it with your planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or support coordinator.

Planning your NDIS-supported holiday

Before you book anything

The key to a successful NDIS-supported holiday is planning ahead. Here are the essential steps to take before you start booking:

Review your plan goals: Make sure your holiday aligns with the goals in your NDIS plan. If your plan includes goals around social participation, community connection, or building independence, a holiday might support these objectives.

Check your budget: Look at your Core Supports budget to see what funding you have available. Support worker costs will typically come from this category.

Talk to your support team: Speak with your plan manager, support coordinator, or LAC early in the planning process. They can help you understand exactly what can be claimed and ensure you're not caught off guard by unexpected costs.

Calculate realistic costs: Work out how many hours of support you'll need each day and what that will cost. Remember that having around-the-clock support can quickly use up your funding, so it's important to find ways to keep costs manageable.

If you're taking a support worker

If you're planning to bring your own support worker on holiday with you, open communication is essential. Before you commit to any bookings, discuss these important details:

Sleeping arrangements: Where will your support worker stay? Will they have their own room and bathroom, or will they need to share space?

Work hours and downtime: What will their daily schedule look like? It's important to allocate some free time for your support worker, especially on longer trips, so they can rest and recharge.

Meals: Will your support worker eat with you, or will they need to arrange their own meals? Who will cover the cost of their food?

Tasks and responsibilities: Clarify what you'll need help with during the trip, including any tasks that might be different from your usual routine.

Rates and payment: Discuss how the support worker will be paid for the holiday. Rates might differ from usual fees, particularly if the trip falls over weekends, public holidays, or involves additional responsibilities.

Get it in writing: Create a service agreement or get a quote that outlines all these details. This protects both you and your support worker and prevents any surprises or awkward conversations during the trip.

Smart ways to maximise your holiday budget

Having a support worker with you 24/7 can be expensive, but there are several strategies to help you make your funding go further:

Find local support workers

If you're travelling away from home, consider connecting with support workers in your destination. This can save you the cost of paying for your regular support worker's travel, accommodation, and meals, as well as any overtime or travel time charges.

Like Family makes it easy to find experienced support workers in locations across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. You can search by location, experience, and interests, and even chat with potential support workers before your trip to make sure you'll get along.

Consider group travel

Travelling with others who also need support can help you share the costs of support workers. Many NDIS providers specialise in organising group holidays for people with disability, which can offer great value while also providing opportunities to meet new people.

Plan strategically

Think about when you'll need the most intensive support and when you might be able to manage with less. For example, you might need help getting ready in the morning and settling in at night, but feel comfortable with less support during certain daytime activities if you're with family or friends.

Travelling overseas with NDIS support

Planning an international adventure? Overseas travel with NDIS support comes with additional considerations.

If you're bringing your own support worker, you may be able to use your NDIS funding for up to six weeks abroad. However, everyone's circumstances are different, so it's crucial to discuss your plans with your plan manager or support coordinator well in advance.

If you need to hire a support worker who isn't based in Australia, you can typically still use your NDIS funding. Since they won't have an Australian Business Number (ABN), you'll likely need to pay them directly and then claim the costs back later. Keep all receipts and documentation to make the claims process smoother.

For participants with NDIA-managed funding, overseas travel can be more complex. You're required to use registered NDIS providers, which limits your options for support overseas. Some registered providers offer organised international travel experiences, so it's worth exploring these options if you have NDIA-managed funding.

Aligning your holiday with your NDIS plan

To ensure your holiday expenses can be claimed through your NDIS plan, the trip should relate to your goals. Here are some ways your holiday might connect to your plan objectives:

• Social participation goals: Reconnecting with family and friends, meeting new people, or engaging in group activities
• Community involvement: Experiencing new communities and environments
• Independence skills: Navigating travel, managing in new situations, and building confidence
• Health and wellbeing: Rest, relaxation, and mental health benefits
• Skills development: Learning to plan trips, manage budgets, or communicate in new settings

When you discuss your holiday plans with your support team, be clear about how the trip relates to your plan goals. This makes it much easier to justify the expenses and ensure smooth claiming.

Making your holiday a reality

The thought of planning an NDIS-supported holiday might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and support, it's absolutely achievable. The key is to start planning early, communicate openly with your support team, and be clear about what you need.

Remember, the goal of your NDIS plan is to help you live your best life and pursue your goals. For many people, that includes the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and create lasting memories. With careful planning and the right support, your holiday dreams can become reality.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a family reunion interstate, or an overseas adventure, taking the time to understand how your NDIS funding can support you makes all the difference.

Start the conversation with your support team today, and take the first step toward your next great adventure.

Need help finding support for your next trip?

At Like Family, we connect NDIS participants with experienced support workers across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. Whether you need someone to accompany you on a holiday or support you in trying new experiences closer to home, we're here to help you find the right match.

Get in touch with us today to start planning your next adventure.

For Australians living with a disability, or the family members supporting them, there’s often a feeling that you need to “just get on with it” when dealing with the difficulties you face every day. You find ways to adapt, rely on family members for extra help, and slowly adjust your life to accommodate the challenges you face.

But there is a big difference between coping and thriving.

If you have been wondering if life has become harder than it needs to be, or if you’ve been on the fence about applying for the NDIS because you aren’t sure if you are "eligible enough," Like Family is here to help you understand what you need to consider before applying for NDIS funding.

Don’t delay seeking support

One of the most common reasons people delay seeking support is that they normalise their struggle. When you live with a condition every day, you might stop noticing that simple tasks like showering, cooking dinner, or popping down to the shops are taking you twice as long as they used to.

You might tell yourself, "I can still do it, so I don't need help."

But the NDIS isn't just about what you can’t do; it’s about what’s called “functional capacity”.

Functional capacity assesses whether you rely on another person for help, need specific equipment, or if tasks take you significantly longer than someone else your age.

If any of those apply to you, you may be eligible for NDIS funding.

Three signs it might be time to explore your options

While every disability is unique, there are three common "zones" where the need for support usually shows up first.

1. Your physical world is shrinking: Is it getting harder to leave the house? Maybe getting ready in the morning leaves you so exhausted that you don’t have the energy to see friends later. If you are avoiding community activities or struggle to move around your home safely, this is a key sign that support could restore your independence.
2. “Life admin” is piling up: Sometimes the barrier isn’t physical. If you (or your loved one) are finding it increasingly difficult to understand instructions, manage money, plan the week, or remember important appointments, this falls under "cognitive" support. If you require someone else to keep your life on track, it might be time to formalise that support.
3. You are feeling isolated: Social wellbeing is just as critical as physical health. If a disability is making it difficult to control emotions, understand social cues, or make friends, you might find yourself withdrawing from the world. Support workers (like our team at Like Family) are often used specifically to help bridge this gap and get you back into the community.

The easy way to check your eligibility

The world of government funding and the NDIS can be confusing. There are rules about age, residency, and the permanency of your condition that can make the application process feel daunting.

You shouldn’t have to guess whether it’s worth the paperwork.

We have created a simple flowchart to help you figure it out in less than two minutes.

It’s a visual guide that walks you through:

• The basic eligibility rules.
• The "Functional Impact" checklist.
• Your likely next steps.

Stop wondering and start your journey toward better support today.

You've found an amazing carer through Like Family, you've built a genuine connection, and maybe you're thinking about continuing that relationship off-platform to save a bit on fees.

It may make sense on the surface, but before you make that move, let's talk about what you might be giving up.

This isn't about keeping you locked in. It's about making sure you understand what protection, support, and peace of mind actually look like when things don't go to plan.

The value of staying on-platform

We built Like Family to connect locals who care with people in need. We believe that finding great care shouldn't mean sacrificing safety, support, or your peace of mind. Here's what staying on-platform actually gives you:

Safety and trust you can count on

Every carer on Like Family goes through a thorough screening process, including NDIS Worker Screening Checks, reference checks, and ongoing quality monitoring.

Off-platform, you'd need to personally verify qualifications, conduct police checks, and check they are properly insured. You also need to keep all of this up to date yourself.

Community support when you need it

Being on-platform means you're never alone in this journey. You have access to our support team, resources for both carers and members, and a community of people who understand aged care and disability support. We're always just a message or phone call away.

Legal compliance without the headache

Whether it’s understanding NDIS regulations or insurance obligations, staying compliant as a social carer can be complicated. When you're on-platform, we handle all of this for you and your carer.

The reality of going off-platform

We know cost matters, especially when you're managing NDIS funding carefully. But by connecting with carers off the Like Family platform, you open yourself up to risks and challenges.

When things go wrong, there's no safety net

If your carer can't make it one day, gets sick, or needs to move on, you're suddenly scrambling to find replacement care on your own. By using the Like Family platform, we can help you find replacement care quickly should something happen with your regular carer.

There's no one to turn to if you have a problem

If you end up in a disagreement about hours, payment disputes, or concerns about care quality with a carer off-platform, these become personal conflicts with no neutral party to help resolve them. By remaining connected through Like Family, our team can step in to mediate and find solutions that work for everyone.

Insurance and liability sit squarely on your shoulders

Sometimes accidents happen, but if you aren’t working through Like Family when something occurs, you could be personally liable. That could be your carer getting injured in your home, or an incident during an outing, but either way, it’s a risk many people don't fully understand until it's too late.

What being NDIS-registered actually means

You might hear carers say they can work "independently" with NDIS clients. While this is technically possible, it's important to understand what this means.

NDIS-registered providers like Like Family have:

• Robust quality and safeguarding systems that are independently audited
• Group Personal Accident and Public Liability insurance that protects both you and your carer
• Incident reporting and management processes if something goes wrong
• Formal complaint resolution procedures that are fair and transparent
• Ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure standards don't slip

An individual carer, even with an NDIS Worker Screening Check, doesn't have these protections in place. They might be wonderful people providing excellent care, but without the infrastructure around them, you're taking on significantly more risk.

The potential risks of independent care arrangements

While private arrangements with independent carers can work in certain situations, it's important to understand there are risks.

Without clear contracts and invoicing systems, payment disputes can damage relationships and leave you without care. You may end up pressured to pay cash or struggle to get receipts for their NDIS claims, for example.

Great care relationships are warm and genuine, but they also need healthy boundaries. Off-platform, these boundaries can blur, leading to situations that feel uncomfortable but are hard to address directly. And when there's no one monitoring care quality or providing professional development, standards can drift.

Finally, sometimes life gets in the way. Carers get sick, move house, or need to change their availability. On-platform, we help you transition smoothly to backup or new carers. Off-platform, you're starting from scratch every time.

Making the choice that's right for you

Like Family has always been committed to offering simple, affordable rates below the NDIS Price Guide. Our platform's flat-rate fees enable social carers to earn competitive rates, while covering essential operating costs of our digital platform – including insurance and compliance.

We're committed to keeping our costs reasonable while maintaining the quality and safety you deserve.

Ultimately, this is your decision. We trust you to make the choice that works for your situation, your budget, and your needs.

But if you're considering going off-platform, we'd love to chat first. Sometimes there are solutions we can explore together, like finding different funding options within your NDIS package, or connecting you with financial counselling resources.

And if you've already moved off-platform and you're realising you miss the support? We're here. Come back anytime. There's no judgment – just a genuine desire to support you in the way you need.

Let's talk

Got questions about staying on-platform? Wondering about your specific situation? We're here to help you think it through.

Reach out to our support team anytime via hello@likefamily.com.au or call 1800 545 332. We're not here to give you a hard sell, just honest answers about what protection and support actually look like in practice.

Great care isn't just about the person providing it. It's about having the right systems, support, and safety nets around that relationship so it can flourish – for the long term.

As a Like Family carer, you might need to help a member get to appointments or run errands. If you're transporting a member who has a disability parking permit, you're able to use their permit on your vehicle during your booking.

Here's what you need to know to use disability parking permits correctly and confidently.

What you need to know about disability parking permits

Australian disability parking permits are recognised nationally, giving holders important parking concessions that make getting around easier. When you're providing transport to a member as part of your booking, you can display their permit on your vehicle.

No matter which state you're in, these permits open up two key possibilities: parking in designated disability spaces (marked with the international symbol of access), and parking longer than usual in metered, government-managed spaces. How much longer will depend on where you are in Australia, which we'll explore below.

Importantly, though, the permit can only be displayed when you're actually transporting the member it was issued to. Make sure it's clearly visible from outside the vehicle, with the permit number and expiry date easy to see.

State-by-state: What happens in your area

Different states offer different concessions, so it's worth knowing what applies in your area.

New South Wales

NSW carers can enjoy some of the most generous concessions. If you're in metered or ticket parking areas managed by the council or on-street, you can park for free.

Time-limited spaces become much more flexible, too. When you see a sign showing more than 30 minutes, you can park as long as you need. With a 30-minute parking sign, you will have up to two hours. Even those ultra-short limits of less than 30 minutes extend to a full half hour with the disability permit.

There's also a practical concession for No Parking zones. While you can't leave the vehicle there, you can stop for up to five minutes to help your member in or out of the car, or to load and unload their belongings. You must stay within three metres of the vehicle during this time, though.

Private car parks operate differently. The permit won't give you free parking or extended time in places like shopping centres with boom gates. You'll still need to pay any fees and follow time limits, though you can absolutely use the designated disability spaces.

Victoria

Victoria keeps things straightforward. You can park in accessible bays for whatever time is shown on the sign, or use standard parking bays for double the displayed time limit.

What you can't do is park in restricted areas like Clearways, No Stopping or No Parking zones, Taxi areas, Bus Zones, or spots reserved for residents. The permit also doesn't provide free parking, where fees normally apply.

Queensland

Queensland takes a generous approach to on-street parking. Permit holders can park for free at any on-street metered or regulated parking area. The time extensions are straightforward: if the posted limit is less than 30 minutes, you can stay for up to 30 minutes. If it's 30 minutes or more, you can stay as long as needed. And naturally, you can use any on-street or off-street disability bays marked with the international symbol.

South Australia

South Australia extends time limits in a graduated way based on what's posted. Signs showing less than 30 minutes, give you 30 minutes. If the limit is between 30 minutes and an hour, you get two hours. And for anything over an hour, you can stay for double the posted time. This makes it easy to calculate how long you can support your member during your visit.

Getting it right

If you intend to use your member’s disability parking permit, you must use it correctly.

Only display the permit when the member is actually in the vehicle or when you're in the process of picking them up or dropping them off.

Position it clearly so the number and expiry date can be seen from outside, which helps avoid any confusion with parking officers.

It's worth checking the expiry date before you head out, and taking a moment to familiarise yourself with the specific rules in your state will make each outing smoother and more confident.

Need More Details?

For comprehensive information about disability parking in your state, see these official resources:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia

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Remember: Using a disability parking permit correctly isn't just about following the rules, it's about ensuring your member has the dignity, comfort, and accessibility they deserve when getting around their community. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to ask the Member or check with your local council.

Do you have questions about supporting members with mobility needs? We're here to help.

Become a support worker with Like Family

Like Family is a proud NDIS provider helping Australians with disability to access quality social and community support.

We have a network of over 3,200+ support workers (who we call Social Carers) who help NDIS participants to increase their independence, participate in the community, and enjoy life to the fullest.

We believe in creating meaningful, long-lasting connections. That's why we're dedicated to matching support workers with the right participant based on age, location, support experience, interests and much more.

Many NDIS participants prefer receiving support from familiar faces – their family members and close friends. This preference for family support services is completely natural, raising the common question: "Can I use my NDIS funding to pay family members for care?"

The short answer is no – in most cases, NDIS funding cannot be used to pay family members. While there are rare exceptions (which we'll cover below), the NDIS generally maintains strict guidelines around family member payments.

The difference between formal and informal support

What is formal support?

Formal support refers to professional services provided by qualified individuals or registered organisations outside your family circle.

These services are funded through schemes like the NDIS and include support workers who assist with daily living tasks like meal preparation, personal care, and household activities, as well as allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists.

What is informal support?

Informal support (also called unpaid support or family support services) is the natural assistance provided by family members and relatives, friends and personal networks, and community groups and volunteers.

During your NDIS planning meetings, your planner will ask about your existing informal support network. This helps identify gaps where formal support might be needed, while recognising that both types of support are essential for your wellbeing and independence.

Common examples of informal family support

Informal support is part of everyday family life and includes activities like assistance with personal care provided by family members at home, learning support from siblings using new communication devices or technology, transportation from friends to medical appointments, skill development assistance from community group members, and emotional support and companionship from your personal network.

These relationships are built on love, understanding, and established trust, making them invaluable to your overall support system.

Why doesn't the NDIS usually pay family members?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has established these restrictions for important reasons. Paying family members can potentially limit your ability to make independent decisions about your care, which contradicts core NDIS principles of participant empowerment.

Family payment arrangements can sometimes hinder the natural progression toward greater independence and may increase vulnerability to exploitation.

When family members have financial stakes in your care, it can create tension between their economic interests and your best interests.

Additionally, turning family caregiving into paid employment can strain personal relationships and reduce opportunities for natural family respite. The NDIA also aims to ensure all paid support meets professional standards and accountability measures.

What circumstances allow for informal support?

While uncommon, the NDIA may approve family member payments in specific situations. These include when there's risk of harm or neglect and family care is the safest option, when cultural practices or religious requirements necessitate family-based care, or when geographical isolation prevents access to other support services.

The NDIA may also consider family payment when you have strong views about privacy that family members can best respect, or when all other suitable options have been thoroughly explored and deemed inappropriate.

If a family member is approved as a paid support worker, it's important to note that they must meet the same standards as any other support worker, including NDIS registration requirements if you're agency-managed.

Alternative support options

Instead of family members, consider registered NDIS providers who can provide professional, trained support while offering your family natural respite opportunities.

Professional support workers can help develop your independence skills and maintain appropriate professional boundaries that family relationships might complicate.

Like Family is a registered NDIS provider specialising in respite support for primary carers, social and community participation programs, independence skill development, and relationship building opportunities.

Our rigorously vetted support workers hold NDIS Worker Screening Clearances and can be matched based on your location, age preferences, and specific support needs.

Making the right choice for your situation

While family support is incredibly valuable, professional support workers can complement your informal network by bringing specialised skills and training, providing objective professional perspectives, offering scheduled reliable support, and allowing family members to maintain their natural caring relationships without financial complications.

Ready to explore professional NDIS support options? Get in touch with us today and let us help you find the right support for your needs.

Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, particularly when your child faces developmental delays or disabilities. The NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) provides crucial early intervention support to help children reach their full potential.

This guide is designed to explain everything you need to know about accessing ECA services and how Like Family can support your family's journey.

What is the Early Childhood Approach (ECA)?

The Early Childhood Approach is the NDIS framework supporting children under 9 years old who have developmental delays, disabilities, or developmental concerns.

On July 1, 2023, the NDIS changed the early childhood approach to include children younger than 9, expanding from the previous age limit of 7 years.

This ensures children and their families are supported by an early childhood partner during and after they transition to primary school.

Unlike traditional NDIS pathways, the ECA takes a different approach. It emphasises family-centred support that recognises parents as experts on their children.

The approach builds on existing strengths and capabilities rather than focusing solely on disabilities or delays, with support integrated into everyday community settings like childcare centres and playgroups.

Most importantly, targeted early intervention strategies are designed to maximise developmental outcomes during these critical formative years.

What is the difference between ECA and NDIS?

ECA and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are both integral elements of Australia's disability support framework, although they cater to different needs.

The Early Childhood Approach specifically serves children under the age of 9, focusing on learning difficulties or children with disability, with an emphasis on early intervention. On the other hand, NDIS offers broader and ongoing support to individuals aged 7 and above, supporting them throughout their lifetime.

Early connections, part of Australia's early childhood approach, assists children under 9 with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Children don't need a diagnosis to access these services, which provide information, support, and connections to mainstream and community services. Even without NDIS eligibility, children can benefit from early connections, and they can access these supports through healthcare or education professionals or directly through an Early Childhood Partner, without needing a referral or diagnosis.

Who is eligible for the Early Childhood Approach?

Age requirements

• Under 6 years: No diagnosis is required –  concerns about development are sufficient
• 6-9 years: May require disability diagnosis or significant developmental delay evidence

Developmental areas covered

Your child may benefit from NDIS early intervention if they experience challenges with:

• Communication and speech development
• Physical development and motor skills
• Social and emotional development
• Cognitive development and learning
• Daily living skills and independence
• Behaviour and self-regulation

No diagnosis? No problem

If your child is younger than 6, you do not need a diagnosis from your doctor to access support through the early childhood approach. The focus is on your child's individual needs and how support can help them participate in family and community life.

What types of Early Intervention supports are available

Early intervention comes in many forms, addressing various areas of a child's development. Some of the most common types of supports include:

Therapeutic interventions

• Speech and language therapy: For children experiencing difficulties with communication, speech and language therapy can be immensely beneficial. Therapists work on improving a child's speech clarity, understanding and use of language, and social communication skills.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): OT aims to enhance a child's ability to perform daily activities independently. This could include fine motor skills like holding a pencil, gross motor skills like running and jumping, or life skills like dressing and feeding.
• Physiotherapy: For children with mobility issues, physiotherapy can be instrumental. Physiotherapists help children develop strength and improve their movement capabilities, often through play-based exercises.
• Psychology services: Child psychologists provide techniques and strategies to help children cope with emotional and behavioural issues. They can also support children with autism or ADHD.

Capacity building supports

• Family training and education: Parents and carers receive comprehensive training to support their child's development at home and in the community. This includes learning specific intervention techniques, understanding their child's disability or developmental needs, and developing skills to advocate effectively for their child's needs.
• Sibling support: Brothers and sisters often need support to understand their sibling's disability and learn how they can help. Sibling support programs provide age-appropriate information, emotional support, and practical strategies to foster positive family relationships.
• Professional development: Educators, childcare workers, and other professionals receive specialised training to better support children with disabilities in their settings. This ensures inclusive practices and appropriate accommodations across all environments where the child spends time.

Community participation supports

• Inclusion support: Additional assistance helps children participate fully in mainstream early childhood education settings like kindergarten, preschool, or daycare. This might include one-on-one support workers or environmental modifications to ensure successful inclusion.
• Social skills development: Structured programs and activities help children build peer relationships and develop appropriate social behaviours. These programs often use play-based learning to teach communication, sharing, and friendship skills in natural settings.
• Assistive technology: Specialised equipment and devices can dramatically improve a child's independence and participation. This ranges from simple communication boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices, mobility aids, or adaptive seating and positioning equipment.
• Transport assistance: Funding may be available to help families access community activities, therapy appointments, or inclusive education settings. This support ensures that location and transport barriers don't prevent children from participating in important developmental opportunities.

Remember, early intervention is most effective when it's tailored to the child's needs. It is always a collaborative process involving families, carers, and professionals to ensure the best outcomes for the child.

How to access the Early Childhood Approach

Step 1: Initial contact

Contact options include:

• Your GP, child health nurse, or paediatrician
• Early childhood educator or daycare provider
• Directly contact an early childhood partner in your area
• Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110

Step 2: Connect with an Early Childhood Partner

Your early childhood partner will:

• Assess your child's developmental needs
• Discuss your family's goals and priorities
• Explain available support options
• Connect you with appropriate services
• Help with NDIS early intervention application if needed

Step 3: Accessing Early Connections

While waiting for formal assessment, you can access immediate supports through Early Connections:

• Information sessions about child development
• Referrals to mainstream community services
• Short-term therapeutic interventions
• Playgroups and social opportunities

Step 4: Developing your child's support plan

If formal ECA services are appropriate, your early childhood coordinator NDIS will work with you to:

• Create an individualised support plan
• Coordinate service delivery across providers
• Monitor progress and adjust supports
• Plan transitions as your child grows

NDIS Early Intervention application process

For children requiring ongoing support, the NDIS early intervention application involves:

Documentation required

• Developmental assessments from qualified professionals
• Reports from current service providers
• Medical information (where available)
• Evidence of functional impact on daily activities

Assessment process

• Comprehensive developmental assessment
• Family interview about needs and goals
• Review of current supports and services
• Decision about ECA plan or NDIS plan pathway

Timeline expectations

Families can expect the process to move relatively quickly once started. From your initial contact to the first meeting with an early childhood partner, the timeline is typically 1-2 weeks.

Following this, the comprehensive assessment and development of your support plan usually takes 4-8 weeks to complete and once your plan is approved, support services can commence within 2-4 weeks, meaning most families are receiving active support within 2-3 months of their first contact.

What happens when your child turns 9?

When your child reaches 9 years, a carefully planned transition process ensures continuity of support.

The transition process begins well in advance, with your early childhood coordinator starting transition planning approximately six months before your child's 9th birthday.

This includes a comprehensive assessment for ongoing NDIS eligibility to determine what level of support your child will need as they move into school-age services.

During this period, connections are established with appropriate school-age support services, and if your child continues with NDIS support, there will be a structured handover to Local Area Coordinators who specialise in supporting older children and adults.

Access quality social support with Like Family

While we don't currently provide support to children under 7 at Like Family, we are well-equipped to assist NDIS and non-NDIS Members alike to build social skills and independence.

Our NDIS-verified support workers are here to help you or a loved one with a variety of activities, including exercise, household tasks, skills training, transportation and a buddy for social events.

Sign up today to connect with a reliable, compassionate support worker in your local area.

There's plenty of evidence that ongoing exposure to plants and gardening is good for your mental and physical health. But for many NDIS participants, maintaining a garden can quickly become an overwhelming burden.

The good news is that your NDIS plan may be able to help you cover the costs of maintaining your garden and outdoor spaces.

There are a few things to consider when it comes to NDIS gardening support, so this guide is designed to help you understand all the different elements of using your NDIS plan for garden and yard maintenance.

Understanding NDIS Gardening Support

Activities like cleaning, gardening, and home maintenance are all classified by the NDIS under Support Category 1 (Assistance with Daily Living). This is a Core Support, so if you have funding in your plan's Core budget, you can use it to get help around the house or garden.

Maintaining your outdoor space isn't just about aesthetics. It's about safety, accessibility, and your ability to live independently in your own home.

NDIS gardening and cleaning services are designed to provide practical assistance for participants who find daily household tasks challenging due to their disability.

What's covered under NDIS gardening support

When we discuss NDIS-funded gardening assistance, we're referring to practicalmaintenance tasks that help keep your outdoor areas safe and accessible.

NDIS-funded yard work usually falls under the Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life category.

Typical gardening tasks that may be covered include:

• Lawn mowing and basic grass maintenance
• Weeding garden beds and pathways
• Pruning overgrown bushes and shrubs
• Clearing fallen leaves and debris
• Maintaining safe access paths to your home
• Basic garden bed maintenance
• Hedge trimming for safety and access

What's generally not covered:

It's important to understand that soil, plants, and gardening tools are not claimable items as part of this support. These are not related to your disability, as anyone would need to buy these to upkeep their garden. The NDIS focuses on the labour and assistance rather than materials or aesthetic improvements.

• New landscaping or garden design
• Purchasing plants, soil, or gardening equipment
• Decorative or aesthetic improvements
• Installing new garden features or structures

Who can access NDIS gardening support?

Participants whose NDIS plan includes Assistance with Daily Life funding and whose disability prevents them from performing the gardening tasks independently may access these services. But as with all NDIS funding, it needs to be considered “reasonable and necessary”.

Your eligibility for gardening support depends on several factors:

Your disability impact: The gardening tasks must be something you cannot safely or effectively complete due to your disability. This could be due to mobility limitations, chronic fatigue, sensory impairments, or other disability-related challenges.

Safety considerations: If overgrown gardens or unmaintained outdoor areas pose safety risks—such as creating trip hazards, blocking emergency exits, or attracting pests—this strengthens the case for NDIS funding.

Reasonable and necessary criteria: Like all NDIS supports, gardening assistance must meet the scheme's "reasonable and necessary" criteria. This means the support must be directly related to your disability needs and represent good value for money.

Types of gardening support available

Support workers for gardening tasks

Many NDIS participants choose to work with support workers who can assist with gardening tasks. Another option is to enlist a Support Worker to assist you with the jobs you're unable to do. This is described as 'Assistance with Personal Domestic Activities' and this also falls under the Assistance with Daily Living Support Category.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Continuity of care: Working with the same support worker builds familiarity with your preferences and garden needs
• Flexibility: Support workers can adapt to your changing needs and energy levels
• Skill development: Some support workers can help you learn modified gardening techniques that work with your disability
• Companionship: Gardening together can be both productive and socially enriching

Professional gardening services

For participants who require more intensive garden maintenance, professional gardening services may be the right choice. These providers often have:

• Specialised equipment for efficient garden maintenance
• Professional training in safe gardening practices
• Insurance and workers' compensation coverage
• Experience working within NDIS guidelines

How to access NDIS gardening support

Step 1: Review your current plan

Check your NDIS plan to see if you have funding allocated for Core Supports, specifically "Assistance with Daily Life." If it’s not there, you’ll need to make a case for its inclusion in your next plan review.

Step 2: Document your need

Before your next plan review, document why gardening assistance is necessary for you:

• Take photos of garden areas that pose safety risks
• Keep a diary of how your disability impacts your ability to maintain outdoor spaces
• Note any incidents or near-misses related to garden maintenance
• Consider getting a letter from your healthcare provider if mobility or safety is a concern

Step 3: Include in your plan review

During your plan review meeting:

• Clearly explain how your disability prevents you from maintaining your garden independently
• Discuss safety concerns and accessibility needs
• Provide evidence of your current garden maintenance challenges
• Request specific funding for "Assistance with Daily Life" activities

Step 4: Finding the right support

Once you have funding approved:

• Research local providers who understand NDIS requirements
• Ask about their experience with disability support
• Ensure they have appropriate insurance and qualifications
• Consider whether you'd prefer individual support workers or professional services

Making the most of your gardening support

Communication is Key

Whether working with support workers or professional gardeners, clear communication ensures you get the support you need:

• Create a priority list of gardening tasks
• Discuss your preferences and any plants or areas that are particularly important to you
• Communicate about seasonal needs and changes
• Provide feedback

Stay involved as much as possible

Even with gardening support, you might still be able to participate in ways that work for your disability:

• Try to complete light tasks like watering plants or deadheading flowers
• Plan and direct your garden’s layout
• Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being in the garden space
• Learn adaptive gardening techniques from your support workers

Budget management

NDIS Core funding is quite flexible, and you do get to select the services you require if they meet the NDIS guidelines, so you can balance gardening support with other daily living assistance based on your priorities and seasonal needs.

Get back to your garden with Like Family

At Like Family, we understand that every person's gardening needs are different, just as every disability experience is unique.

Our compassionate support workers don't just see gardening as another task to tick off. They understand the sense of wellbeing that comes with maintaining spaces that bring you joy.

Our experienced carers can assist with gardening tasks as part of comprehensive daily living support, working alongside you to ensure your outdoor spaces remain safe, accessible, and welcoming.

Whether it's helping with weekly lawn maintenance, seasonal garden clean-ups, or simply being there to support you as you tend to your favourite plants, we're here to help you get back to the garden on your terms.

We'll work with you to understand your preferences, respect your connection to your garden, and provide the gentle, reliable support you need to keep your outdoor spaces thriving.

Ready to reclaim your garden? Contact our friendly Customer Care team at hello@likefamily.com.au today to discuss how our support workers can help make your gardening goals a reality through your NDIS plan.