What to Expect During Your First NDIS Support Visit

Have you ever wondered what actually happens when a support worker visits you for the first time under the NDIS? Many participants feel nervous before their first visit, which is completely normal. There are several things you can do to prepare for this experience. You may have questions about how to get ready for the visit, how to communicate your needs to the support worker, and how they will assist you in your daily life. Knowing what to expect during your initial visit will give you confidence when using NDIS supports from day one.

Purpose of Your First Visit

The objective of your first NDIS support visit is to develop a base for your future supports. It’s not simply about performing tasks; it’s about getting acquainted with you and obtaining an understanding of what you want to achieve from participating in the NDIS, as well as how you can be best assisted to be independent and well. Your support worker will spend this visit understanding your everyday routine, your strengths and challenges, your aspirations, and how support services will be provided to you in this manner. This visit facilitates ensuring that the supports you receive are individualised and in alignment with your plan.

Preparation Before the Visit

Good preparation can make your first visit smoother and more productive. Before the support worker arrives, it is helpful to organise some basic information.

Review Your NDIS Plan

Take some time to read through your NDIS plan. Pay attention to your funded supports, goals, and budgets. This will help you understand what services you are entitled to and what you can discuss during the visit.

Write Down Your Questions

You may have lots of questions about your service delivery. It is a good idea to keep a list of these questions so you do not forget any important things.

Prepare Your Space

Make your home a comfortable and safe environment for your NDIS visit. This includes clearing any pathways in the house, getting any relevant documentation ready, and making sure that the area where you will have discussions is quiet and private.

Involve Family or Carers

If you have anyone involved in supporting you, then it is a good idea to invite one or more of those people to be there on the day of your NDIS appointment. You may have the best insight into your needs; however, the supports you have may have the same level of understanding or perhaps even a better understanding than you do.

Meeting Your Support Worker

When your support worker arrives, the main focus will be on building trust and rapport, which is essential for successful long-term support. They will introduce themselves, explain their role, and may share their experience, qualifications, and areas of expertise. You will also have the opportunity to talk about yourself, your interests, and your preferences. During the visit, you will discuss the type of help you need in daily life, such as personal care, household tasks, community participation, transport support, and skill development. If you are working with an NDIS provider in Melbourne, they may also explain how local services and community programs can support your goals. This is also the right time to discuss your comfort levels, privacy needs, and personal boundaries.

Creating a Support Plan Together

During the first visit, you and your support worker will begin creating or refining your personalised support plan by discussing your daily and weekly routines, such as sleep times, meals, medical appointments, work or study schedules, and social activities. This helps them understand when and how to support you best. You will also talk about your NDIS goals, including improving mobility, building employment skills, increasing social confidence, or managing daily life independently, and how their services can help you achieve these. In addition, you will agree on visit times, frequency, and duration, ensuring the schedule suits your lifestyle, preferences, and energy levels.

What Happens After the First Visit

At the conclusion of the first visit, the Support Plan is typically put into action and finalised. The Provider will update records, confirm dates/times/schedules of services, and send written agreements. It is important that you keep copies of all key documents for future reference. The focus of your upcoming support visits will primarily be on providing practical support, tracking your progress, and making adjustments as necessary. Regular reviews will aid in ensuring your supports are effective and continue. As you continue to work together with your Support Team over time, you will develop stronger working relationships based on trust, respect, and cooperation, which have a significant impact on your overall ability to achieve your NDIS goals.

Conclusion

Your first NDIS support visit is an important step towards greater independence, confidence, and quality of life. Being well-prepared, open in your discussions, and having good knowledge of how things will happen will enable you to make the first visit a solid foundation for future success. You should use this first visit to create the best possible way to make sure that the way you access your services is in line with your needs and preferences, because that is what the NDIS is designed to do support: you in making your own choices and achieving your goals.