What to Ask at an NDIS or Aged Care Expo – So You Get the Right Info (Not Just the Freebies) 

Expos are a fantastic way to explore your options, whether you’re navigating the NDIS for yourself or a loved one or planning aged care support for the next chapter of life. 

But with hundreds of stalls, dozens of smiling faces, and a million brochures being handed out—how do you cut through the noise and make sure you’re actually walking away with value? 

Here are some helpful questions to ask depending on which type of expo you’re attending: 

🟣 When You’re at an NDIS Expo – Ask: 

1. Are you an NDIS registered provider? 
This helps you know whether they can work with agency-managed plans, or only self and plan-managed participants. 

2. What supports do you specialise in? 
It’s one thing to be a provider—another to know the ins and outs of particular needs, diagnoses, or age groups. 

3. Can I meet the person who will be delivering the service? 
Because relationships matter. If the person at the booth isn’t the one you’ll work with, ask to meet the actual support worker or therapist later. 

4. How flexible are your services with changes to my plan or goals? 
NDIS plans evolve. You want providers who can adapt. 

5. How do you report progress or outcomes? 
Accountability is key. Ask about their communication style, reporting frequency, and how they involve you in goal tracking. 

6. Do you have a waitlist or availability right now? 
No point falling in love with a provider you can’t access for 6 months. 

🔵 When You’re at an Aged Care Expo – Ask: 

1. Are you a government-approved Home Care Package (HCP) provider? 
   This helps you understand if they can deliver services through the My Aged Care system or if it’s private-pay only. 

• What kind of care levels do you offer? 
  Some providers only do low-level care (Level 1–2), while others handle complex supports too (Level 3–4). Make sure they’re equipped for now and the future. 

• Can I keep the same carer or support worker long-term? 
  Continuity of care is a big deal. Ask how they manage rostering and if you can choose your support team. 

• How do you handle emergencies or after-hours needs? 
  A good provider should have a clear process—and make you feel safe. 

• What’s included in your fees and what’s extra? 
  Transparency is everything. Some providers charge admin fees, exit fees, or markup third-party services. Know before you sign. 

6. Do you support people with dementia or specific health conditions? 
A generalist provider might not be the best fit for specialised care. 

💬 Don’t Forget to Ask for Social Proof 

Smiles are great—but reputation speaks louder. Before you make a decision: 

• Check their Google and Facebook reviews. Are there consistent themes? Are people raving about the same positive experience—or complaining about the same issue? 
• Ask if you can speak to a current participant or family member. Most good providers will happily connect you with an advocate who can share their experience honestly. 
• Look for testimonials that go beyond “They’re lovely.” Look for specifics—like how the provider helped someone reach their goals, feel safe, or stay independent. 
• Check if they have videos, case studies, or real-life stories on their website or socials. You want to see real people, not just stock photos. 

Social proof gives you insight into what happens after you sign up—when the brochures are long gone. 

✅ Bonus Tip: Come With a Goal 

Whether you're at an NDIS or Aged Care expo, walk in with a purpose: 

• Are you looking to switch providers? 
• Do you need support in a specific area (e.g. OT, transport, social connection)? 
• Are you looking on behalf of a loved one? 

Write down your top 3 needs and use them to guide who you talk to and what questions you ask. 

Final Thought: Expos are great for inspiration—but even better for clarity when you know the right questions to ask. Go in curious, come out empowered.

👀 Been to an expo recently? What was the best thing you experienced? I’d love to hear your tips too—drop them in the comments! 

For more antics and lived experiences of a mum with kids growing up with disabilities please see my blog at www.disabilityexposc.com.au/blog

Managing NDIS Supports During Holiday Periods - Regional Disability Expo

Who Cares for Carers? - Regional Disability Expo

Looking at Abilities- What’s Yours? - Regional Disability Expo

“RDE – Regional Disability Expo – Everything disability under the one roof”