Essential Questions to Answer in Your NDIS Carer Statement

Essential Questions to Answer in Your NDIS Carer Statement

Writing a NDIS Carer statement can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear and focused sections makes it easier to ensure nothing important is left out. Answering the following 10 essential questions will help you create a comprehensive and impactful statement that highlights your caring role and secures the necessary support for the person you care for.

1. What tasks do you assist with during the morning routine?

The morning routine is often a busy and critical part of the day. Outline all the support you provide, such as:

• Helping the person wake up (e.g., setting alarms or encouraging to get up).
• Assisting with personal hygiene, including showering, brushing teeth, and shaving.
• Helping with dressing, such as managing buttons, zippers, or tying shoelaces.
• Preparing breakfast and ensuring the person you care for understands good nutrition.

Provide specific examples, like: “I assist my son/daughter/partner/parent with brushing their teeth because they cannot grip the toothbrush independently.”

2. How do you help with preparing for the day?

Many people you care for may need extra preparation to feel ready for the day. This could include:

• Organising and administering medications.
• Packing necessary items, like sensory comforts, a change of clothing, or mobility aids.
• Ensuring the home is secure before leaving (e.g., checking locks and windows).
• Following routines to help the person your care for feel safe and confident.

Use concrete examples, such as: “Every morning, I pack their bag with medication, a water bottle, and noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload in public.”

3. Do you provide emotional support?

Emotional regulation is a crucial aspect of caregiving. Highlight how you help the person manage:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperactivity.
• Changes in routines that may cause distress.
• Avoiding or reducing physical self-harm or harm to others during emotional outbursts.

For example: “I help calm my sons/daughters/partners/parents anxiety before doctor’s appointments by practicing breathing exercises and preparing them with a visual schedule of the day’s events.”

4. How do you assist with social interactions and relationships?

Socialising can be challenging for the person you care for. Include examples of how you:

• Interpret conversations or speak on their behalf.
• Arrange social activities or help them connect with friends and family.
• Address their challenges in maintaining relationships.

Example: “I accompany my son/daughter/partner/parent to social gatherings and assist by interpreting body language or explaining social cues they may not understand.”

5. What physical assistance do you provide?

Physical tasks can range from mobility support to transport. Be specific about how you help with:

• Using mobility aids like canes or walkers.
• Navigating public transport or driving them to appointments.
• Preventing falls or assisting with balance.

For example: “I drive my son/daughter/partner/parent to all appointments as they are unable to navigate public transport due to sensory challenges and mobility issues.”

6. Do you manage finances or appointments on their behalf?

Financial and administrative tasks can often fall on carers. Outline responsibilities like:

• Paying bills, managing budgets, or assisting with banking.
• Scheduling and attending appointments with healthcare professionals.
• Ensuring they understand treatment options and follow-ups.

Example: “I handle all financial transactions, as my son/daughter/partner/parent is unable to calculate costs or understand payment processes.”

7. How do you help with learning and memory challenges?

Learning new things or remembering tasks can be difficult. Share how you:

• Teach new skills or assist with repetitive reminders.
• Use visual aids or written instructions for complex tasks.
• Encourage independence while providing necessary support.

Example: “I create step-by-step visual guides to help my son/daughter/partner/parent prepare meals, as they cannot remember the steps involved.”

8. Are there night-time tasks you assist with?

The caring role doesn’t stop at night. Discuss tasks such as:

• Managing sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares.
• Changing bedding due to incontinence or accidents.
• Monitoring safety if they wander at night.

Example: “I check on my son/daughter/partner/parent throughout the night to ensure they do not leave the house due to disorientation caused by nighttime confusion.”

9. What would they struggle with if you were unavailable?

Imagine a scenario where you are not present. Highlight the critical tasks you handle, such as:

• Administering medications or managing healthcare needs.
• Ensuring their emotional well-being and social connections.
• Handling day-to-day essentials like cooking, cleaning, and transportation.

Example: “Without my assistance, my son/daughter/partner/parent would miss critical doctor’s appointments as they cannot navigate transportation alone.”

10. How does your caring role impact your life and future planning?

NDIS assessors need to understand the toll being a Carer takes on you. Share:

• The physical and mental strain of being a Carer.
• Opportunities you’ve had to forego, like career advancement or personal goals.
• Concerns about the future if you can no longer provide care.

Example: “Providing care has affected my physical health due to the demands of lifting and assisting with mobility, and I’ve had to reduce my work hours significantly.”

Carers SA has developed a Guide to Writing Your Carer Statement to support Carers in effectively communicating their role and needs. You can access it here: Guide to Writing Your Carer Statement.