You’ve got your NDIS plan in place, your funding is sorted, and you’re ready to get the most suited support in motion. One of the most personal—and important—steps is deciding who will support you day-to-day, whether that’s at home, at work, or out in the community.
There’s no single right way to do it. Some people prefer to work with Support Workers through an agency, while others may feel more comfortable choosing someone they already know and trust.
The important thing is that you have a choice—and options. One increasingly popular option is to employ your own Support Workers through experienced NDIS-registered providers in NSWsuch as Living My Way who can support you in this process.
Why Choosing Your Own Support Workers Matters
Support Workers can play an important role in helping people with disability do the things they want and enjoy—from getting out in the community to completing tasks at home. However, not all Support Workers are the same. Everyone has different needs, personalities, and routines. So, having a say in who supports you is important.
Getting to choose your own Support Workers means:
- You choose people you feel comfortable with
- They learn your routine and how you like things done
- You can build longer-term working relationships
- You can feel more comfortable and stay in control
This is especially helpful if you have specific cultural needs, speak another language, or just want more say in who’s supporting you each day.
What Does “Employ Your Own” Support Worker Mean?
The Employ Your Own (EYO) model allows people with disability to directly choose and hire the Support Workers who assist them. You decide who works with you, when they work, and what they support you with.
That’s where an NDIS registered provider such as Living My Way comes in, helping people in NSW manage their support through the EYO model. This means you get help and guidance with tasks such as contracts, pay, superannuation, and insurance—while still having full control over who supports you and how.
How It Works in NSW
If you’re in NSW and you want to employ your own Support Workers, here’s a simple step-by-step:
Decide What Support You Need
A good place to start is by thinking about the type of support you would like. It could help with:
- Getting around in the community
- Daily routines such as meals and hygiene
- Help with tasks at home
- Social activities
- Assistance during work or study
Once you know what kind of support you’re looking for, it’s easier to work out who might be a suitable fit for you. This is where support from experienced NDIS-registered providerscan help make all the difference.
Choose the Right People
You can:
- Choose people you already know and trust (such as a family friend, if it fits within the guidelines)
- Interview new people and see if you feel comfortable with them
- Pick Support Workers who understand your lifestyle, language, or background
Being able to make these choices gives you a stronger sense of trust and comfort in your day-to-day life. Some people have found that working with experienced NDIS-Registered Providers in Sydney and other regions in Australia helps them find Support Workers who better match their daily needs.
Get Support with the Administrative Side
Employing someone means there’s a bit of paperwork and legal requirements involved. This can include:
- Contracts
- Insurance
- Paying wages and super
- Work health and safety
But there’s no need to worry. An NDIS-registered provider such as Living My Way offers support and guidance to help you manage these tasks. You still get to choose your Support Workers and set the rules, but you don’t have to deal with the tricky parts alone.
Benefits of the EYO Model
The EYO model is growing in popularity, especially across NSW, and for good reason. Here’s what makes it a great option:
Choice and Control
You pick the people who support you, when they work, and how they work with you. That means more comfort, consistency, and respect.
Flexibility
You set the schedule based on your needs, and not the other way around.
Stronger Relationships
Because you choose who supports you, this can help build better working relationships with the people whom you have chosen.
Personalised Support
Your Support Workers are trained by you and work in a way that suits your lifestyle and goals. Some people may also choose to work with a Support Coordinator to help navigate this process and find the right fit.
What to Look for in a Support Worker
It’s not just about picking someone nice. Here are a few things to think about:
- Communication – Do they listen well and speak clearly?
- Reliability – Are they dependable and consistent?
- Respect – Do they treat you with dignity and take your lead?
- Experience – Have they worked with people with disability before, and are they open to learning?
- Flexibility – Can they adapt to changes or unexpected situations?
It might take time to find the right match, and that’s okay. The EYO model gives you the freedom to keep looking until you find someone who works well with you.
What About Funding?
If you’re a participant in the NDIS, funding might be available in your plan to employ your own Support Workers. This can depend on how your plan is managed and what kind of support is included.
If you’re unsure, a Support Coordinatorcan help you understand what’s in your plan. They can also help you work out whether the EYO model is a suitable fit for your needs
Getting Started with Living My Way
Living My Way is an NDIS-registered provider in NSW that supports people in employing their own Support Workers. They’re there to help and guide with:
- Employment paperwork and legal matters
- Payments and pay slips
- Insurance and compliance
- General questions about managing workers
But more importantly, they’re there to support you in having a real choice and control as the Employer. You choose who supports you. You set the direction. And they can support you behind the scenes.
Many people across NSW have already used the EYO model through Living My Way and found it to be a simple, respectful, and empowering way to manage their support. It’s a flexible option that sits comfortably within NDIS-funded support.
We’re Supporting Your Freedom to Live Your Way!
Being able to choose your own Support Workers gives you the opportunity to shape your support in a way that makes sense to you.
The EYO model is one way to make that happen, especially when you have the right support around you to help manage the admin side. If you’re in NSW and looking for a way to get Support Workers that really fit your life, Living My Way could be a good place to start.
They’re here to support you in making your own decisions, hiring the right people, and keeping things running smoothly—without taking control away from you.
With trusted support from NDIS-registered providers in NSW such as Living My Way, you can stay focused on living the life you want.
Want to know more about how to Employ Your Own Support Worker? Reach out to Living My Way today and get started on your path to personalised support.
