The right support worker changes everything. We match each participant with a worker whose skills, experience and personality suit them, then look after that match for the long term — because the thing that makes support work is rarely the roster.
How does support worker matching work?
We meet you first, understand what you need and who you would get on with, and then propose a worker — rather than sending whoever is free that day. You meet them before any support starts, and if the match is not right we change it.
- A conversation. With you, your family or your support coordinator, about your goals, your routine and what has and has not worked before.
- The match. Based on experience, skills, gender preference, language and shared interests.
- You meet them. Before support begins, not on the first shift.
- We check in. Regularly, and we act when something is not working.
That last point matters more than it sounds. Most people who have had support before have had a match that did not suit and felt awkward about saying so. Telling us is expected, not a complaint.
Do you have workers with mental health experience?
Yes. We have support workers experienced in supporting people living with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychosocial disability — workers who are calm, consistent and used to days that do not go to plan.
Consistency is the part that tends to matter. A worker who turns up at the same time, in the same way, week after week, does more for somebody with a psychosocial disability than any particular technique.
What support can a worker provide at home?
- Daily living tasks and routines
- Meal planning and meal preparation
- Shopping and errands
- Medication prompting
- Household tasks and cleaning
- Pet care, including dog walking
- Building life skills and independence
Where the aim is to build a skill rather than have a task done, that is usually funded from a different part of a plan. Our guide to Improved Daily Living explains the difference, and why it matters for what you can claim.
Can a support worker help with getting out?
Yes — appointments, shopping, social groups, the gym, the beach or anywhere else. Community access is one of the most common reasons participants bring in a worker, and it is funded from Core supports in most plans.
If you want something more structured than a weekly outing, our community access and group activities page covers what else we run.
What about manual handling?
We have workers trained in safe transfers, mobility support and equipment use. Getting this right protects the participant and the worker, and it is not something to improvise around.
If transfers or equipment are part of your support, tell us at the first conversation so we match you with somebody appropriately trained rather than finding out on the day.
Which areas do you cover?
The Gold Coast and Brisbane, including Southport, Helensvale, Coomera, Robina, Nerang, Burleigh Heads, Labrador and Parkwood, and across to Logan and Tweed Heads for cross-border participants.
Get started
Call 0451 115 196 or email info@careandculinary.com.au. Support coordinators can send a referral and we will reply within one business day.