FAQs | Loving Life Support Services Gold Coast

🧠 Loving Life Support Services – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our NDIS services, group programs, support options, and more across the Gold Coast. If you still have questions, we’re just a message away.

🌟 General NDIS Support Questions

❓ What NDIS services do you offer on the Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast?
We provide a range of NDIS-funded supports for participants aged 13 and up, including:

In-home support (daily living, routines)
Community participation (social outings, local events, skill-building)
Group-based programs for teens and young adults
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) with real-world training
Optional transport to and from sessions

Our supports are always tailored to your individual needs, goals, and personality.

❓ Do you work with both plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants?
Yes! We welcome self-managed and plan-managed participants. If you’re not sure what type of plan you have or how to get started, we’re happy to walk you through it. As we are an Unregistered Provider, we cannot work with NDIA managed Participants at this time, we are in the process of making that happen!

❓ Are you a registered NDIS provider?
We are a non-registered NDIS provider. This means we do not deliver services that involve medication administration or high-intensity supports, but we can still support most participants under Core Supports and Capacity Building. Many families choose non-registered providers for the flexibility and personal approach.

🧍 1:1 Disability Support Gold Coast

❓ Do you offer 1:1 NDIS support?
Yes! Loving Life Support Services provides personalised 1:1 disability support to NDIS participants on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s in the home or out in the community, we tailor every shift to suit the individual’s goals, interests, and needs.

Our 1:1 supports are ideal for:

Building independence with daily routines
Getting out into the community (shopping, appointments, public transport, fitness, socialising)
Practising life skills like budgeting, cooking, or using technology
Supporting teens and young adults who prefer one-on-one interaction or have higher support needs

❓ Where do your 1:1 supports take place?
We offer support:

In your home, for assistance with routines, planning, or comfort-based activities
In the community, for shopping, transport training, social goals, or general outings
At our Nerang Hub, if you’d prefer a structured space to work on specific skills in a quiet, supported environment

❓ Can I choose which worker supports me or my child?
Yes — we believe in consistency and relationship-building. We always try to build a consistent team around each participant, so that you're never shocked by a stranger walking through your door! If you (or your teen/young adult) connect well with a specific worker, we’ll do our best to roster them regularly. We want everyone to feel safe, respected, and comfortable with the person providing support.

❓ Do you offer 1:1 support on weekends or after hours?
Yes — 1:1 support is available on weekdays, weekends, and evenings. Rates are based on the relevant NDIS pricing for time of day and support type (e.g. standard, Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday rates). Let us know your preferred days and times, and we’ll build a roster that works for you.

👥 Group Programs (Teens & Young Adults)

❓ What group programs do you offer for teens and young adults?

We currently run several small-group programs on the Gold Coast:

These programs help participants build friendships, independence, social skills, and confidence — all in a fun and inclusive environment.

❓ What support ratio do you use in your social groups?
All group programs are staffed at a 1:2 support ratio (1 staff to 2 participants). For participants who require additional support, we may offer 1:1 support by arrangement — just let us know when enquiring.

❓ How many participants are in each social group?
We keep our groups intentionally small. Most programs are capped at 8 participants per session to ensure everyone feels safe, supported, and included. Some programs may have more, depending on what the purpose of the group is.

❓ Can I use my Core Supports funding for these social group programs?
Yes! Our group programs are funded under Core Supports – Community Participation (Group Activities).

❓ What if I don’t have Core Supports funding?
If you don’t have Core Supports or you’re unsure how your plan is set up, get in touch! We can help you understand your options or refer you to a Support Coordinator who can assist. We are able to invoice you personally and have you pay out of pocket, however this comes with extra cost, as we would need to add GST to our service price. Depending on your goals, we can also access Capacity Building Funding, however this should be confirmed by your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager.

❓ Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
Most of our programs are fully covered by NDIS funding, because we ONLY charge for supports, and we cover any activity costs from our own pocket. However, the School Holiday Program occasionally includes a small co-payment for special excursions (e.g. $50 for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary). This will always be clearly listed on the booking form.

🚌 Transport & Accessibility

❓ Do you offer transport to and from programs?
Yes! Optional transport is available for most programs. This is charged under Activity-Based Transport (NDIS) and is quoted individually. Just let us know your location when booking, and we’ll confirm if transport is available.

❓ Is your Hub accessible?
Yes — our Nerang Hub is wheelchair accessible, sensory-considered, and designed to be welcoming for all participants. We also have a sensory room and quiet spaces available during sessions.

❓ Can participants bring their own support workers?

In most cases, no — we provide trained staff to meet the agreed 1:2 or 1:1 support ratio for each group. This ensures consistency, safety, and a cohesive experience for everyone involved.

Bringing a private support worker while also being billed for group support is generally considered “double-dipping” under NDIS rules, which is not allowed. The NDIS only permits one provider to claim for the same support at the same time, unless prior written approval is granted in specific high-support situations.

While we’re aware that some other providers allow this practice, we choose to operate with integrity and in alignment with NDIS guidelines — ensuring that all claims are fair, transparent, and justifiable.

If your participant has unique behavioural or safety needs that may require 1:1 or additional supervision, please get in touch. We’re always happy to discuss appropriate arrangements that are compliant and participant-focused.

🎓 SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports)

❓ What is SLES and who is it for?
SLES is an NDIS support designed to help school leavers transition to employment. It focuses on:

Job readiness and communication skills
Work experience
Confidence and independence
Public transport training
Routine building and daily planning

It’s best suited to participants in Years 12 or post-school who are exploring pathways to work or further study.

❓ What makes your SLES program different?
Our SLES program offers real-life experience in a supportive environment. We own a café in Helensvale, where participants can:

Work with qualified chefs
Learn barista and customer service skills
Get experience across kitchen and front-of-house roles

We also partner with local businesses to tailor placements for participants interested in other industries.

❓ How long does the SLES program run?
SLES is flexible! Some participants join for 6 months, others for up to 2 years. We work with you and your team to set the right pace and goals.

📝 Enrolment & Booking

❓ How do I book a place in a group or program?
Visit our Groups page and select which group you are interested in. Each Group has its own booking form. Or use our Contact Page to send an enquiry. Our team will be in touch to confirm availability and next steps.

❓ Do you offer a free meet & greet?
Yes! We always encourage a free initial meet & greet before joining a group, or beginning 1:1 Support. It helps everyone feel more comfortable and ensures we’re a good fit.

🙋 Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Use our Contact Form below, email us at admin@lovinglife.care, or call us to speak with a friendly team member. Our contact numbers are at the bottom of each website page!