Our Members have been on some incredible trips with their support workers (Social Carers): Michael and Cale flew to the Sunshine Coast together, Abdullah competed in the Powerchair Championships in Melbourne thanks to Jess, and Harry partied at Schoolies in Fiji with Maddie!
If you're keen to embark on an adventure of your own but need some support, we're here to help! Our caring support workers can provide transport, accompany you to events, and provide quality companionship along the way.
In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of holidaying with a support worker, including how to handle expenses. So, buckle up and get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality!
1. Confirm the details of your trip
To have an amazing holiday, you'll want to have an amazing support worker. To help us find the right person for your needs, you'll need to figure out:
- What dates you need support for
- Where you'll be going
- What type of support you'll need - remember, Like Family support workers cannot help with medical or personal care
- Whether you'll go as an individual or with a group - we offer 1:2 and 1:3 group bookings!
For example, our Member Michael wanted a support worker who could help him:
learn how to deal with travelling by plane, and using my smart phone for say looking up bus routes and times, via Google Maps. Thanks to Cale, I can now do these things better, but still not perfectly due to middle age & disability.
If your trip takes place outside of your support worker's local area, you may be charged continuously for the entire booking. We may be able to match you with a support worker at your destination location to help you save on travel costs.
Every holiday is unique, so if you have specific questions about your trip or would like to explore payment plans, reach out to our amazing Customer Care team at hello@likefamily.com.au or on 1800 545 332 to get a quote.
Are you holidaying overseas?
If you're an NDIS participant travelling overseas, you can use your supports and funding for up to 6 weeks. The NDIS calls this a "grace period".
If you're planning on being overseas for longer than this, you'll need to contact the NDIS to request an extension to this grace period.
2. Discuss accommodation options
Unlike regular bookings, if you book a multi-day trip with Like Family you'll need to think about where your support worker will sleep.
Are you happy to pay for their accommodation? Do they need a private room and bathroom?
Talk to your support worker in advance and see what you're both comfortable with.
3. Discuss who will cover expenses
Holidays can involve a lot of fun, and not so fun, expenses. These may include flights, public transport, entertainment, and meals.
Before your booking takes place, make sure to discuss who will be responsible for paying for what. Perhaps you'll be happy to pay for your support worker's accommodation, but not their meals and flights. Clarifying expenses in advance will save you from awkward conversations later!
If you're travelling within Australia, make the most of the Companion Card scheme! This will allow your support worker to attend a range of participating venues for free.
Can I use my NDIS funds for these expenses?
The NDIS only funds supports and services that are deemed reasonable and necessary for your needs. This means several holiday-related expenses will not make the cut!
However, you may be able to use your NDIS funding to cover:
- the time your support worker spends providing support
- additional fees for hiring accessible transport or accessible accommodation
- excess baggage costs if you need to bring special equipment with you
- short term accommodation
4. Consider travel insurance
It's important to be prepared when it comes to travel. Sometimes a plane will get cancelled, luggage will go missing, or someone gets injured.
If you're going on an overseas trip or anything else involving significant expenses, consider taking out travel insurance in advance to give you peace of mind. We can cover travel insurance for your support worker - contact us to learn more.
Book your dream holiday today!
Whether you're planning your very first cruise, a day trip up the coast, or an interstate flight, we want to make your dream holiday a reality. Post an Activity today or contact our team at hello@likefamily.com.au to find a support worker to go with you!
And once you come back, be sure to share your photos with us!