Finding care workers or support services

Joyful elderly lady laughing with a younger woman, abstract heart shapes in the foreground.

Finding care workers or support services when self-managing your Home Care Package can be easy if you know how!

One of the benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package is having the flexibility to choose your care or support service providers.

There are many ways to find support services in your area and, depending on where you live, there could be many people in your area looking for new clients.

How to source support services

  • Workers are already working with you
  • Recommended by a friend, family member or health worker
  • Local service providers
  • Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces

Local support services can be found through

  • Local directory boards
  • Community support groups
  • Local newspapers
  • Google search
  • Social media groups

Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces include websites such as:

Engaging in community forums, such as online community groups, can provide insights into preferred service providers in your area.

Another critical aspect to consider is the compatibility between the carer and the client. This goes beyond professional qualifications and includes factors such as personality, interests, and communication style. A good match can significantly enhance the quality of care and the overall experience for both parties. Some online platforms offer matching services based on these criteria, so it’s worth investigating these options.

Finally, always ensure that the service providers you are considering have a transparent pricing structure. Understanding the costs involved upfront can help you manage your Home Care Package funds more effectively and avoid any unexpected expenses. Regularly reviewing and assessing your care needs and the effectiveness of your chosen providers is also important to ensure you are getting the best value and care possible

If you need help understanding what to look for when finding care worker or support service, you can read our article on factors to consider when choosing a carer or service provider.

It’s important to note that service providers will need correct qualifications and complete Trilogy Care compliance checks to be paid under your Home Care Package funds. You can read more about service provider qualification requirements on our carer qualifications page.

By taking these additional factors into account, you can make a more informed decision when choosing care or service providers for your Home Care Package, ensuring a more satisfying and effective care experience.

Factors to consider when choosing a care worker or support service

care worker or support service

Having access to reliable and consistent care workers and support services can make self-managing your Home Care Package a more secure and reassuring process than navigating a Home Care Package with an unreliable traditional provider. This article will help you understand they key factors to consider for when choosing for new care workers or support services to help you identify a carer that will suit your ongoing needs.

Consider your needs:
Firstly, it’s best to identify the type of support you’re looking for, any health conditions you have that may impact the type of support you need and your availability. Whether you need domestic help or nursing support, understanding your needs before reaching out to new service providers will help you to explain your needs and determine whether a service provider aligns with your requirements.

Finding care workers and support services:
Once you’ve identified your needs, you can start looking for suitable care workers and support services. There are many places to look for a new support services including:

  • Recommendations from friends, family or neighbours,
  • Online directories such as Careseekers or HireUp
  • Local organisations like seniors’ groups, your local community centre or medical centre
  • Your local newspaper, or
  • Google search

Interview and visit:
Contact the service providers you're interested in and schedule interviews or visits. This will help you assess their suitability, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach and environment.

Compare costs:
Inquire about the costs associated with the care services. Compare prices and consider your budget.

Check references and online reviews:
Ask for references from the care providers and contact them to learn about their experiences. Online and Google reviews can also help you understand how other clients rate their services.

Trust your instincts:
Trust your gut feeling about a provider. Personal rapport and trust are crucial in care relationships.

Consider compatibility:
Evaluate if the provider's schedule, location, and approach align with your needs and preferences.

Carer credentials and qualifications:
Trilogy Care provides a compliance service for all new care providers and support workers. We background check any staff you would like to work with to ensure they have a current ABN, insurance and other requirements relevant to the work they will perform.

Review contracts and agreements:
Carefully review any contracts or service agreements before making a final decision. The Trilogy Care compliance team and your Trilogy Care care partner can also assist with reviewing any care agreements.

Remember that finding the right care provider may take some time and effort, but it's essential to ensure the well-being of yourself or your loved ones. Take your time to research and make an informed choice.

Would you like to know more about how to self-manage your Home Care Package? You can read more on our website or complete the below form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Workers compensation cover

Workers compensation cover

Workers compensation cover is an insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick due to their work.

This cover includes payments to employees to cover their wages while they are not fit to work as well as medical expenses and rehabilitation.

It is governed by individual Australian states and territories.

Who Offers Domestic Workers Compensation Cover?

First of all, please check your household insurance policy to see if it includes Public Liability and/or Domestic Workers insurance – the wording may include the likes of “this optional cover is only applicable in states or territories where this insurance can be offered in conjunction with a home contents policy.

Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia are the States and Territories where this cover is able to be obtained as an optional extra.

In all other states you will have to take out domestic workers insurance as a separate insurance policy as these States and Territories have no provision for adding these services to home insurances,

In NSW, Victoria and South Australia, the government authorities have approved designated insurers called “Scheme Agents” who act as Providers of such insurance policies.

Queensland is the only State where the State Government manages and provides coverage under “WorkSafe” – formerly known as WorkCover.

Domestic Work Cover - States & Territories

Here’s a state-by-state rundown of who offers domestic workers cover:

NSW Scheme Agents:

  • Allianz
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • EML
  • GIO
  • QBE

VIC Scheme Agents:

  • Allianz
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • EML
  • Gallagher Bassett
  • Xchanging

QLD (State Operated):

  • WorkCover Queensland's Household Worker's Insurance Policy

WA Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE Insurance
  • Wesfarmers General Insurance
  • Zurich

SA Scheme Agents:

  • EML
  • Gallagher Bassett

TAS Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE
  • Zurich

ACT Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE
  • Zurich

NT Private Providers:

  • Allianz
  • GIO
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE

Please check the relevant State or Territory website for specific information relating to your responsibilities regarding insurance coverage in your individual situation.

ACT

NSW

NT

SA

QLD

TAS

VIC

WA

For more information on your support workers qualifications follow this link. Make sure you are ready to self-manage your Home Care Package by following this checklist. Start your self-managed journey today by clicking on 'Get Started' below this article.