Reviewed: 16 September 2026
Finding disability support for an adult son, daughter or family member can feel different from arranging support for a child. Families often hold important history and practical knowledge, while the adult participant retains the right to be heard, respected and involved in decisions.
Begin with the participant’s own priorities
Ask what the person wants help with, what a good week looks like, what they enjoy and what they want to do more independently. Use the person’s preferred communication method and allow enough time. Supported decision-making helps a person understand choices and communicate preferences; it should not automatically replace their decision with someone else’s.
A practical Perth family scenario
A 24-year-old participant may want help attending swimming, shopping and a weekly social activity. Their parent may be most concerned about reliability, safety and communication. A useful provider listens to both perspectives, then confirms the participant’s preferred activities, worker qualities, schedule and how updates will be shared with consent.
Clarify the support being requested
- Community participation and social activities
- Shopping, appointments and local errands
- Daily routines and independent-living skills
- Personal activities where funded and agreed
- Transport arrangements connected with support
- Household tasks such as eligible cleaning support
The support must relate to the participant’s goals, plan and funded supports. A provider should not promise that the NDIS will approve or pay for something.
Prepare useful information without oversharing
For an initial enquiry, provide the suburb, preferred schedule, support type, communication needs, important worker preferences and desired commencement date. Detailed clinical records are rarely necessary for the first conversation. Confirm the participant’s consent or your authority before sharing personal information.
Worker-matching checklist
- Does the participant prefer a particular communication style, language or gender?
- Are shared interests important?
- What experience or training is relevant?
- Are there sensory, mobility or cultural considerations?
- Can the participant meet or speak with the worker first?
- What happens if the first match is not suitable?
Questions about reliability and continuity
Ask who communicates roster changes, whether the same worker attends where possible, how leave is managed and whether replacement workers are discussed first. Continuity can be especially important for participants who need predictability or time to build trust.
Review prices and the service agreement
A service agreement should explain the supports, schedule, prices, travel, cancellations, responsibilities, complaints and how services can change or end. Ask for plain-language explanations and a format the participant understands. Read the official NDIS guidance on making a service agreement.
What a respectful provider should demonstrate
- Speaks to the participant, not only about them
- Explains capability and capacity honestly
- Does not pressure the family to start immediately
- Uses consent-based information sharing
- Welcomes feedback and complaints
- Reviews support as goals and circumstances change
Local considerations across Perth
Ask whether the provider has workers near the participant’s actual suburb and schedule. Access4All supports enquiries across metropolitan Perth, with strong local connections around Cockburn, Spearwood, Bibra Lake, Bertram, Baldivis, Gosnells and surrounding areas, subject to suitability and capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent make an enquiry for an adult child?
Yes, a family member can make an initial enquiry. The provider must still establish consent, authority and how the participant wants to be involved.
Can the participant change workers?
Participants can raise concerns and discuss a different match. Availability may affect timing, but feedback should not result in adverse treatment.
Should we share the whole NDIS plan?
Not automatically. Share only information necessary for the service and funding arrangement, with appropriate consent.
Can a support coordinator help compare providers?
Yes. A coordinator may help research and compare suitable options while supporting the participant’s choice and control.
Learn about NDIS support workers in Perth, read our worker-selection guide or request a free initial conversation.
Prepared by the Access4All Disability Services team, a registered NDIS provider. General information only.