Guide for families and carers supporting someone to find care

Finding disability, aged care or home support can take time, especially when several services, funding pathways or family views are involved. This guide helps you support the person while keeping their choices, privacy and dignity central. Care4AU is a directory and free enquiry pathway; it does not assess eligibility, give clinical advice or guarantee a provider match.

Begin with the person’s own priorities

Ask what they want help with, what they would like to do more easily and what matters in a provider relationship. Listen for preferences about routine, language, culture, communication, accessibility, location and worker continuity. Offer support in a way the person wants; do not assume that you should make decisions for them.

Make a short list of practical needs

For an initial provider enquiry, note the service type in everyday words, suburb or area, preferred start time, likely schedule and any essential access or communication needs. If you know the funding arrangement, include it only when useful. Keep detailed medical or personal information for a later, appropriate conversation.

Get consent before sharing

Confirm that the person wants you to submit a request and what details they agree to share. Agree who may receive replies and whether the person wants to be copied in. Care4AU uses email to respond; no phone number is required. We ask before sharing an enquiry with a provider.

Keep sensitive information safe

Do not put NDIS or Medicare numbers, bank details, passwords, identity documents, complete plans or detailed health records into an open web form. Share only what is necessary and use secure provider processes when sensitive information is genuinely needed. Read the site’s privacy information for more about request handling.

Compare providers without pressure

Ask about service scope, availability, workers, costs, travel and cancellations, agreements, qualifications and registration where relevant, complaints and backup arrangements. Confirm funding or eligibility directly with the responsible government service or qualified adviser. A provider profile is not a recommendation or guarantee that support will suit the person.

Look after your own role too

Keep a simple record of questions and agreed next steps. Share tasks among trusted people if the person agrees. If you are uncertain about your role, legal authority or a complex funding decision, seek independent advice rather than relying on a directory.

Use the free Care4AU support request form, read how to prepare a request or compare services with the NDIS and aged-care checklists. For older people, visit My Aged Care; for NDIS supports, check the NDIS provider-choice guidance.