Switching support shouldn’t be hard – here’s how it works

Choosing a support provider is an important decision but it’s also one you can revisit as your needs change.

Whether your circumstances have changed or you’re simply looking for a provider that feels like a better fit, you have the right to choose the support that works best for you.

Many people worry that changing providers will be complicated or stressful. You might wonder:

• will my support stop?
• will I have to start the whole process again?
• will changing providers mean leaving behind the people who know me?

The good news is that switching support doesn’t have to be difficult.

At Avivo, we understand that life already comes with enough things to organise. Our team can help guide you through the process, making the transition as simple and smooth as possible.

Thinking about changing providers?

There are many reasons someone might consider changing support providers. Finding the right fit is an important part of receiving good support.

Your support should help you feel confident, respected and comfortable – not like you have to fit into someone else’s way of doing things.

You might be looking for:

• support that better fits your current needs;
• a provider with a stronger connection to your local community;
• more consistency with the people supporting you;
• services that better align with your goals and preferences; or
• a different approach to care and support.

Whatever your reason, it’s good to explore your options.

Common concerns about switching support providers

“Will I lose my support if I change providers?”

Changing providers is a planned process. Your new provider will work with you to understand your current supports and help make the transition as seamless as possible.

The goal is to minimise disruption and make sure you continue receiving the support you need.

“Will I have to start all over again?”

Starting with a new provider does not have to mean starting from scratch.

A good provider will take the time to understand your story, your routines, your preferences and the things that matter most to you.

You can also continue involving the people who already know you well, including family members, health professionals, therapists, or other trusted services.

“Will it be too much work?”

Changing providers can feel like a big decision, especially when there are forms, conversations and arrangements to consider.

But you don’t have to manage it all alone.

While there are a few practical steps involved, a supportive provider will guide you through the steps, answer your questions, and help take some of the pressure off.

What should good support feel like?

Choosing a support provider is about more than just the services you’ll receive. It’s also about how that support makes you feel.

Good support should feel:

• Respectful: you feel listened to, valued and treated with dignity.
• Reliable: your support happens when expected and in a way you can depend on.
• Personalised: your routines, preferences, goals and circumstances are understood.
• Flexible: your support can adapt as your needs and life change.
• Focused on your choice and control: you remain at the centre of decisions about your support.

Good support is also built on trust.

Feeling comfortable with the people supporting you, knowing they understand your preferences and feeling confident speaking openly with them are all important parts of a positive support experience.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask questions, provide feedback or explore whether a change could better support you.

You should never feel stuck with support that doesn’t meet your needs.

At Avivo, choice and control sit at the centre of how we work. We listen to your feedback, adapt when things change and work with you to find support that feels like the right fit.

How we structure support at Avivo

For almost 60 years, Avivo has supported Western Australians to live with independence, choice and connection in their homes and communities.

When you choose Avivo, you can expect:

Local support from people who understand your community

With more than 80 neighbourhood teams across 420+ WA suburbs, Avivo provides support through local teams who understand the communities they work in. This local knowledge helps create support that feels connected, personal and tailored to your everyday life.

Support designed around you

Everyone’s needs, routines and goals are different. Our person-centred approach means we listen first, understand what matters to you and create support that works around your life.

Experienced Support Workers

Our Support Workers are trusted, trained, NDIS approved Support Workers. And as a registered provider, we meet national quality and safety standards, and are committed to continuous improvement.

You can bring the people who know you best

Changing providers doesn’t mean leaving behind the relationships that matter to you. If you have trusted health professionals, therapists, family members or other services that understand your needs, they can continue to be part of your support network.

At Avivo, we work alongside the people around you to create a complete picture of what matters most – helping ensure your support reflects your life, preferences, and goals.

How does switching providers work?

While every situation is different, the process is usually straightforward.

1. Think about what you want from your support

Before making a change, it can help to reflect on what’s working well and what you would like to be different.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable and confident with my current support?
• Do my services still meet my needs?
• Do I feel listened to and involved in decisions?
• Is there anything I would like to change?

Understanding what matters most to you can help you find a provider that aligns with your goals.

If you’re reviewing your current support, check out our aged care services page, which shares what good support can look like and how to get the most value from your services.

2. Speak with your new provider

Once you’ve found a provider you’d like to explore, the next step is starting a conversation.

This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand:

• what services they offer;
• how they approach support;
• how they will help you transition; and
• what information they need from you.

At Avivo, we take the time to understand what matters most to you, your current arrangements, and what you would like your support to look like moving forward.

3. Your support team helps coordinate the change

Changing providers doesn’t mean you have to organise everything yourself.

Your new provider can help guide you through the transition process, including understanding your existing supports and working with relevant people involved in your care.

This may include your:

• GP or health professionals;
• therapists;
• family members; or
• other trusted services.

At Avivo, we believe support works best when everyone around you works together.

4. Begin building your new support relationship

Once everything is organised, your new support can begin.

Getting comfortable with a new Support Worker or team can take time – and that’s completely normal.

Sharing your preferences and getting to know each other all help build trust over time.

For more tips on making the transition easier, read our blog ‘How to feel comfortable with a new support provider’, where we share ways to build trust, confidence, and connection with your new support team.

Ready to explore your options?

If your current support no longer feels like the right fit for your life, you are allowed to switch providers and you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Whether you’re looking for more consistency, a different approach, greater choice or simply want to understand your options, the Avivo team is here to help.

Starting with a conversation can help you understand what’s possible – with no pressure to make a decision before you’re ready.