If you’re looking for help at home, start with the part of the day that is hardest to manage. It might be getting ready, preparing a meal or keeping up with household tasks.
“In-home care” can describe different services. This guide is about disability support. Aged care, clinical nursing and NDIS-funded assistance have different arrangements, so ask which service you’re being offered.
Write down the practical needs
List the tasks, preferred days and times, and any assistance that requires particular training. Include how you like someone to communicate and what privacy means in your home.
You can also tell a provider what you want to keep doing yourself. Having a worker present doesn’t mean handing over the whole task.
Compare the actual service
Ask who would visit, what experience they have and whether they can work your requested hours. Find out how the provider checks screening and prepares a worker for your support needs.
If you would like to meet a worker first, ask how that is arranged and whether there is a cost. Also ask about alternatives when the regular worker is away.
Put the costs beside the hours
A quote should identify the rate, hours, frequency and any extra charges. Ask how public holidays, travel and cancellations affect the amount.
Check the relevant plan budget and available funding period before committing. A price estimate is useful, but it doesn’t decide whether the support can be claimed.
Know who to contact
You should know how to report a change, ask a question or raise a concern. Check office hours and the agreed arrangements for issues during support outside those hours.
Keep a copy of the service agreement and support plan in a format you can use. You can ask someone you trust to help you read them.
Vana Care provides in-home support in Adelaide subject to service fit and suitable worker availability. You can enquire online or talk with us first.
