Hiring help for Core Supports

It is easy for family and friends, as well as professionals, to suggest finding someone to help with NDIS core supports tasks and care responsibilities. Having someone else to help with personal care and household tasks might sound appealing to you too. But what does it mean to have someone in your house “to help” you? Where do you begin to find someone?

Based on our industry knowledge and discussions with industry professionals we have tried to simplify things for you. NDIS disability advocates tell us about what to look for, what to avoid, and key issues to be aware of when searching for the best NDIS Core support service providers.

There are a variety of core support services that allow individuals to remain in their home and maintain their independence. Planning ahead is important and can have real benefits for you and your loved ones. Services can be provided by a privately hired caregiver, or a family member or through a Registered NDIS Core Supports provider.

A family caregiver may be the most cost-effective option when providing support, but there are several downsides to this solution including higher rates of depression (40-70%) among family caregivers and lack of professional training.

A good provider will hire only the best support workers and have a team of expertly trained support worker to match with your needs. They are up-to-date on trends in health and wellness and will constantly train their support workers to provide the highest caliber care for their participants.

Registered NDIS Core Supports providers will have well-defined scheduling and backup procedures so that there is constant monitoring and care management so the participant is never at risk for being left without care

Here are some tips to choosing a service provider:

• Compare a range of care providers
  When selecting a NDIS Core Supports providers, ask if they are registered with NDIS. Compare providers, talk to their clients if you can. A large agency doesn’t guarantee good service.

• Use a checklist
  It’s important to ask the NDIS Core Supports providers a few questions. Some of them being

1. if they can find a replacement immediately
2. whom to contact after hours
3. care giver training

• Ask current customers for feedback
  There is no feedback more valuable than that from current consumers. Ask to be put in touch with a participant who already use the core supports service and talk to them about their experience.

• Ensure you know your rights and responsibilities
  As someone using NDIS funded supports you ought to be treated well. Ensure you know your rights and get a caring caretaker

Smrity Bagga OT, Associate fellow ACHSM (03)90051159 Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne