Not sure what to ask at a disability support meet and greet? Use this practical checklist to compare disability support providers and find the right support.
If you don’t know what to ask, you can’t compare properly
A disability support meet and greet can feel awkward if you’re not sure what to ask.
Most people go in thinking:
- “I’ll just see how it feels”
- “I don’t want to ask too much”
- “I’ll figure it out later”
But the reality is:
This is your chance to understand how support will actually work day-to-day
If you don’t ask the right questions early, you’ll only discover issues later, when support has already started.
This guide will give you exact questions to ask, what answers to look for, and how to compare providers properly.
Before the meet and greet (quick prep)
Before you sit down with any provider, take 5 minutes and write this down:
- What does a good day look like for you?
- What do you need help with the most?
- What has not worked well in the past?
- What matters most: consistency, personality, routine, independence?
This makes your questions more focused.
The 5 areas you must cover
Every meet and greet should cover these:
- Fit & personality
- Support delivery (what they actually do)
- Consistency & staffing
- Pricing & admin
- Safety & communication
If you miss one of these, you’re not getting the full picture.
Your Meet & Greet Questions (Use This)
1. Questions about fit and personality
These matter more than people think.
Ask:
- How do you match support workers to participants? (A lot of companies do not match you with the same carers consistently and you may just get random carers every shift)
- Can I meet the worker before starting?
- What do you look for when choosing a worker for me?
What a good answer sounds like:
- They talk about personality, energy, and lifestyle
- They ask YOU questions back
- They don’t rush matching
Red flag:
- “We just assign whoever is available”
2. Questions about support delivery
This is where you understand what support actually looks like.
Ask:
- What does a typical shift look like?
- Can support be flexible depending on the day?
- How do you support independence, not just tasks?
Good answer:
- They talk about adapting to you
- They give real examples
- They focus on how support feels, not just tasks
Red flag:
- Very generic answers
- Only talking about “we do everything”
- Important to note. Support is different per person. Not one size fits all.
3. Questions about consistency
This is one of the biggest issues in disability support.
Ask:
- Will I have consistent support workers?
- What happens if my worker is sick or leaves?
- How often do staff change?
Good answer:
- They prioritise consistency
- They explain backup systems clearly
Red flag:
- No structure around continuity
4. Questions about pricing, travel, and cancellations
You need clarity here from the start.
Ask:
- Are there travel charges?
- What are your cancellation policies?
- Are there minimum shift times?
Good answer:
- Clear, simple explanation
- No hesitation
Red flag:
- Avoiding specifics
- “We’ll go through that later”
5. Questions about safety and communication
This is about trust.
Ask:
- Who do I contact if something isn’t working?
- How are concerns handled?
- How do you communicate updates or changes?
Good answer:
- Clear contact person
- Calm, structured process
Red flag:
- No clear escalation path
- Vague answers
How to Compare Providers After the Meeting
After each meet and greet, don’t rely on memory.
Use a simple comparison:
Score each provider in each area from 1–5:
| Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Communication | |
| Understanding your needs | |
| Worker matching | |
| Consistency | |
| Clarity of pricing |
The highest score isn’t always the best. It may be one made you feel that you could trust them more. Trust your gut.
The best provider is the one that feels clear, consistent, and aligned
The biggest mistake people make
They choose based on:
- Availability
- Price
- First impression
Instead of:
How support will actually feel over time
Support is not a one-off service.
It’s ongoing.
So the decision needs to be based on:
- Trust
- Structure
- Fit
What a strong provider will do differently
A good provider will:
- Ask you just as many questions
- Try to understand your routine
- Explain things clearly
- Not pressure you into starting
You should leave the meeting feeling:
Clear, not confused
Comfortable, not unsure
When to walk away
If you feel:
- Rushed
- Unsure
- Confused about pricing
- Like you weren’t really heard
It’s okay to keep looking, and it’s okay to ask the same questions.
There are good providers out there.
Final thoughts
A meet and greet isn’t just a formality.
It’s your chance to:
- Understand support properly
- Compare providers clearly
- Set expectations early
The right questions will save you:
Time
Stress
Frustration later
