Finding support as a family member or carer

Helping someone explore disability, aged care or home support can involve many calls and decisions. Care4AU provides a directory and a free request form to help you begin an enquiry. The person receiving support should remain central to decisions wherever possible, including what information is shared and which providers are contacted.

Start with the person’s priorities

Ask what they would like help with, what a good outcome looks like and what matters in a provider relationship. This may include a preferred routine, language, communication style, cultural understanding, location, accessibility or worker continuity. Avoid assuming that a family member’s preference is the same as the participant’s choice.

Prepare a simple description

For an initial enquiry, note the service type in everyday words, suburb or service area, preferred start time, frequency and any essential preferences. Include funding context only if known and relevant. Check whether the participant wants a family member or coordinator to receive updates. Get their permission before submitting the request.

Keep personal information safe

Share only what is needed to start a conversation. Do not include NDIS or Medicare numbers, passwords, bank details, full plan documents or detailed health history in an open form. Care4AU asks for an email address so we can reply and does not require a phone number. We ask before sharing a request with a provider.

Compare before deciding

Ask each provider about availability, who will deliver the service, qualifications and registration where relevant, fees, travel, cancellation terms, service agreements, complaints and backup arrangements. Check official registers or government guidance where it applies. A directory profile is not a recommendation or proof that a service will be suitable or funded.

Support your own role as a carer

It can help to keep a shared list of questions, appointments and agreed next steps. Ask the person what support they want from you and what they would prefer to manage independently. If you are unsure about eligibility, funding or a legal decision-making role, seek guidance from the responsible government service or an independent qualified adviser.

Use our free support request form, read how to prepare a request and compare options with the NDIS or aged-care provider checklist. For aged care, see My Aged Care assessment information; for NDIS provider choice, visit the NDIS website.