Some support arrangements begin with paperwork. Kim’s support began with trust.
What started as a professional support work arrangement eight years ago has grown into something much greater. In that time, they’ve become inseparable, sharing a home and life together as Kim has begun to host her participant.
Over the years, they’ve come to embody the Interchange WA values of Belonging and Respect. That’s why Interchange WA is proud to welcome Kim and Alice into our Host Arrangement program. Alice’s name has been anonymised for privacy.
Host Arrangements are an arrangement between a host family, an NDIS participant, and an NDIS organisation. In them, the Host family or the host person opens their home and their lives to a compatible person with disability. Through this arrangement, the NDIS provider (such as Interchange WA) ensures that both the host and the participant have a great time through regular check-ins and a careful matching review process, as well as managing essential tasks such as compliance. These can be temporary arrangements, such as respite care, but they can also be long-term arrangements that build real and enduring friendships between customers and hosts.
“Through this journey, I have come to appreciate that family is not defined just by blood, but by the genuine relationships, trust, and connection we build with others.”
Starting Small
Kim met Alice over eight years ago, when Kim began to support her. Then, in 2022, when an emergency left Alice unsupported, Kim offered to begin temporarily hosting her to make sure she wasn’t alone and unsupported.
Despite the distress Alice felt from the circumstances, Kim and her partner did everything in their power to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment that made her feel at home. Together, they tackled the emergency and settled into a comfortable pattern.
As time passed and the original hosting arrangement was expected to end, Alice’s husband reached out to Kim. He asked if she could continue to host her. His support needs had grown and he was no longer able to support her at home.
Kim took this request in stride, and since then there’s been no turning back for them.
Trust & Understanding
In the last few years, Alice’s Alzheimer’s has caused her wellbeing to decline. In time, she’s lost her ability to communicate in English. Fortunately, because Kim has known her for many years when she could still communicate, she’s still able to provide personalised support that meets Alice’s needs. Kim understands her history and personality, and past conversations have allowed Kim to interpret her needs and intentions when she can’t share them herself.
Together, they’ve built up a familiar routine that creates a sense of comfort and security. Kim is early to rise in the mornings so she can complete her chores while Alice sleeps, then provides her with support through the morning once she wakes up. Most afternoons, Alice watches movies from her time starring actors like John Wayne and Charlton Heston, while Kim enjoys her interests and remaining housework.
“I feel a deep sense of connection and responsibility toward my client. Having come to know her so well over the years, I am committed to advocating for her and ensuring she feels understood, supported, and cared for at all times.”
They also enjoy walking in the park, attending church, and listening to classical music together. Alice’s husband is a violinist and maestro, so they attend his concerts. Kim’s home is in the perfect place to do things together, too. Kim’s home is within close distance to lots of public facilities. This includes the city, parks, a library, a swimming pool, and a shopping centre. With this prime location, they can enjoy a variety of frequent outings together that maintain a sense of familiarity. By using specific landmarks such as a coffee trailer and jacaranda tree, Kim gives Alice a sense of place that helps her feel at ease with her environment, which may feel unfamiliar to her at times.
Kim’s interests are broad, including cooking, gardening, and pottery. Everything she does feeds back into the way she provides support. For example, when Kim learned that Alice used to live in Spain and followed a Mediterranean-style diet at that time, Kim began to alter her cooking to align with that style of food. This resulted in the entire household eating healthy and balanced meals, which created a shared supportive environments at mealtimes where nobody is left out.
Why Host with Interchange WA?
Kim has been independently hosting since 2022. As time has gone on, she’s had concerns about the long-term viability of her arrangement. Previously, she had been hosting as a sole trader. But that came with limitations that could have restricted the support she could have given Alice, which would put her wellbeing at risk.
The move to Host Arrangements with Interchange WA was a choice that provided reassurance and structure. It gave Kim confidence that the way she is operating is fully NDIS-compliant and sustainable into the future. The peace of mind Interchange WA’s commitment to compliance and satisfaction has offered her is a weight off her shoulders. Now, she can focus on what she’s passionate about: Supporting Alice in a consistent, safe, and caring environment at home.
Kim Transitioning to Host Arrangement with Interchange WA
The transition process from moving from sole trader to working with Interchange WA was easy. Our Shared Management and Host Advisor assessed her circumstances, provided her with a list of requirements that she needed to meet, and provided her with training for our procedures, such as invoicing and case notes. When something was unclear, she had a direct line of contact with the advisor that could help her resolve things.
“All processes were very straight forward and thorough. The support is top notch!”
Why should someone become a Host with Interchange WA?
When we asked Kim about her experience with Interchange WA for Host Arrangement, her answer was profound. So we’d like to share her words:
“It can be a mutually rewarding experience, strengthening not only your connection but also your sense of shared purpose as a household. Being paid for this service enables you to live in your home, have some free time and receive payment for your good works. For me this sounds perfect!”
If Kim has inspired you to become a host, you can learn more about Host opportunities at Interchange WA here.
