If you or a loved one is living with a disability that qualifies for support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, choosing an NDIS registered provider is one of the most important decisions of your life.
The great news is that all registered NDIS providers will offer professional care in conjunction with the protocols set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Still, choosing the best service is pivotal in shaping the future that you deserve, which is why avoiding the common pitfalls is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding the role of an NDIS provider
Before looking at any individual NDIS registered provider, it’s important to know a little more about the NDIS scheme.
A provider is defined as “a person, business or organisation who delivers NDIS funded supports to participants”. However, one provider may offer a vastly different level of expertise and assistance than another.
The role of a provider is essentially to help you or your loved one enjoy the best quality of life possible. Their services should translate to increased health and happiness while ensuring that NDIS funds are utilised in the most efficient way. When living with a disability in Australia, the right NDIS provider will make a difference.
10 mistakes to avoid when choosing an NDIS registered provider
When operating with an NDIA-managed plan, you can only use a regulated NDIS provider (like us). While individuals who have a self-managed NDIS plan can choose unregistered providers if they like, it is always best to select a certified provider that you can trust.
Narrowing your search to NDIS registered providers will instantly help you avoid the biggest potential misstep. For the best results, though, be sure to avoid the following mistakes too:
#1. Not knowing your personal needs
Over 610,000 Australians living with disabilities received some level of care courtesy of the NDIS scheme in Q2 2023, and it is expected that the official numbers will grow further in 2024.
Unfortunately, many people and businesses continue to group all NDIS participants into one. However, we all know that each person is an individual and needs their NDIS funding to be utilised in a way that is tailored to their needs. So, if you fail to address those requirements, it will be virtually impossible to find the NDIS registered provider and services that align with them.
For many participants, the first key question is whether at-home care, Supported Independent Living (SIL) or living in residential care is the better solution. Where possible, the former is usually preferred as it allows participants to keep living in familiar surroundings and retain a greater level of independence.
Whichever path is taken, it’s necessary to consider what type of assistance is needed. This could mean dedicated care to deal with conditions ranging from autism to diabetes or personalised services relating to life skills, community participation, or behaviour support. Either way, a deeper understanding of your specific requirements is a key step towards being matched with the right provider.
Conversely, overlooking the need to build a clear vision of what the best assistance looks like for you will inevitably stand in your way of finding it. Taking the time to sit down to write down where assistance is needed, along with the frequency, will give you a reference point when speaking to providers. In turn, it should be far easier to determine whether they are the right choice.
#2. Entering the process with ambiguity on funding allocation
As already discussed, no two NDIS participants are identical, which is why you need to understand your individual requirements. However, you should also note that this is reflected by the fact that NDIS funding isn’t the same for all successful applicants. If you try to research providers before knowing where you stand financially, it is possible that you find a seemingly suitable solution that simply isn’t affordable.
NDIS funding is personalised, meaning you will get the level of funding deemed necessary to facilitate a better quality of life. This is determined by an eligibility assessment, which will determine the level of funding. Participants fall into three categories (low, intermediate, and high needs) but, even then, two people in the same category will receive different levels of funding.
Funding is influenced by various criteria including the type and severity of the condition, along with the type of support that you may need. After all, someone with motor neurone disease care may need more significant care than someone who has slightly impaired mobility.
The NDIS funds can be distributed across multiple supports, as long as you don’t exceed the annual value of your plan. However, while you may see figures suggesting that the average person receives AU$50,000 or people with a specific condition are awarded X, assuming that this will be accurate for you is a major mistake. You must complete your assessment for transparency.
Of course, it is possible to simply use the NDIS funding to subsidise your disability care while using personal funding avenues to cover the rest of the costs. Even so, a clearer understanding of the financial situation will help you with your decision as you subsequently discuss services and pricing with potential NDIS providers.
#3. Failing to research the NDIS registered provider
When you do eventually sit down with your shortlisted NDIS providers, it may take a lot of time to determine which option is right for you or your loved one. With this in mind, speaking to every single provider you encounter could be a major mistake. Aside from taking up a lot of time and delaying the process of getting the desired support, the overload of info from all directions could lead you to a poor decision.
Research shows that the NDIS providers market is growing by the year, which is mirrored by the introduction of many new providers. Some are good while others are not so good. Thankfully, you can streamline the process of separating the best from the rest through a little research.
Online research allows you to quickly drag up relevant information about a company or carer. Firstly, you can confirm that they are an NDIS registered provider and check how long they’ve been in business for.
Additionally, research steps could include looking at the locations of their service areas, and whether they support your disability. Crucially, you can investigate their reputation by reading reviews, viewing their accolades, or generally learning more about the NDIS provider. The insights gained may allow you to rule out some providers before you waste any extra time meeting them. Alternatively, it will offer a clearer insight into your shortlisted providers.
Aside from speeding up the process and allowing you to benefit from the NDIS scheme far sooner, it should enable you to enter the next phase of the decision-making process with greater confidence. Skip this step, and the chances of feeling lost will be greatly increased.
#4. Overlooking support purposes
All NDIS supports are ultimately built to help the individual enjoy a better quality of life. However, it’s important to recognise that services may have different objectives. If you do not pay attention to this, you may struggle to find a registered NDIS provider who can build a plan capable of supporting the NDIS participant to the highest possible standards.
Supports fall into three categories. The first is ‘core supports’, which covers basic daily activities extending to consumables, personal care, and community participation, The second, ‘capital supports’, focuses on assistive technologies and equipment. Finally, ‘capacity building supports’ focus on skills building and developing greater levels of independence.
Many people living with disabilities will benefit from NDIS plans that focus on all three support purposes. If this is the case for you, it’s vital that the NDIS registered provider can help deliver a tailored disability care strategy that satisfies all objectives. Ideally, you will want to keep all care under one roof as this reduces the risk of mixed communications.
Capacity building supports can be particularly useful when helping an NDIS participant build a better future. Statistics show that 59% of people living with a disability are employed full-time, and this includes thousands of NDIS participants. The best NDIS registered provider will, where possible, prepare individuals to reach their full potential in the work-related arena.
This won’t be a viable path for all NDIS participants. Nonetheless, the right NDIS registered provider will actively seek ways to support the individual’s development and become better equipped for life – both in and out of the home.
#5. Not asking how they support a disability or condition
Disability support services covered by NDIS funding can be used for a wide range of disabilities. While many NDIS registered providers may offer services for individuals with all types of disabilities, the harsh reality is that opting for a generic approach will limit the level of care received. Therefore, you must gain a better understanding of how the provider will support a specific condition.
NDIS eligibility will be accepted for individuals living with an amputation, autism, bilateral hearing loss, blindness, cerebral palsy, genetic conditions, intellectual disabilities, lysosomal storage disorders, mucopolysaccharidoses, Patau syndrome, Rett syndrome, spinal muscular atrophies, or spinal cord and brain injuries.
Whatever condition the NDIS participant lives with, it’s important to confirm that the NDIS registered provider is equipped to deal with it. When contacting providers, you should ask them about the services that they provide along with their experience in this specific environment. Only then can you make an informed decision.
Simply talking to the NDIS provider about how they can support the NDIS participant with the exact disability should help you gain a feel as to whether they are the best choice. Likewise, it can form the first step towards building an NDIS plan.
NDIS is used by participants in all of Australia’s territories by people with an array of conditions. While many simply look for the biggest provider or a provider that they know from a friend, the right option is one that is perfectly matched to the individual requirements. Do not forget it.
#6. Ignoring the human elements
Ensuring that the NDIS registered provider can deliver the right type of disability care for the NDIS participant and their specific requirements will establish the right platform. However, proper disability care isn’t only determined by a knowledge of disabilities and care practices. Frankly, carers become central figures in an NDIS participant’s life, which is why overlooking their human qualities is one of the worst missteps of all.
Roughly 1 in 6 Australians has a disability of some kind, and many do not experience too many limitations in terms of social interactions. For NDIS-eligible individuals, though, it can be one of the biggest challenges.
A truly supportive healthcare worker will make a huge difference in the individual’s life by providing genuine compassion and companionship. The best carers should have warm personalities, be able to connect with the individual on their level and be able to deliver consistent care from one day to the next.
In addition to the direct influence of the carer, you should consider whether group homes could be an ideal move for the NDIS participant. Living with others living with disabilities can support the development of friendships while still retaining a private living quarters. NDIS providers may also extend their support to external social activities within the community.
Ultimately, if you focus solely on the technical skills rather than considering the human qualities too, there is a strong possibility that the NDIS participant will miss out on key factors that would support a better quality of life.
#7. Selecting providers without behaviour management plans
When considering potential NDIS providers for a loved one, it’s important to ensure that they are prepared for the very worst situations and scenarios. It is especially true if the NDIS participant has complex behavioural needs. In this instance, a dedicated behaviour support strategy should be in place. This includes behaviour management.
Regulated restrictive practices may be put in place for various situations. They may include chemical restraint, environmental restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, or seclusion. However, it’s important that providers opt for the choice that will cause the least distress and can be used for the shortest period of time to restore normality.
Ideally, though, a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) designed with the seven Ps of positive behaviour support (Person-centred, Partnership, Planned, Positive, Purposeful, and Process-driven) should be implemented. When done correctly, regulated restrictive practices will only be needed as a last resort.
The right behaviour management plan leads to more consistent care, which means reduced stress and distress for the participant. As a loved one, it also puts your mind at ease regardless of whether they live in residential care or have at-home services.
Not all NDIS participants will need to concern themselves with this issue. For those that do have behavioural requirements, though, overlooking this aspect will harm the process of finding an NDIS registered provider. Worse still, it is likely to have a hugely negative impact on the participant, who deserves the support of a carer who knows how to handle difficult situations.
#8. Not being prepared for meetings
Selecting your NDIS registered provider isn’t only about finding the right provider. The goal is to ensure that the participant, whether that’s you or a loved one, stats to receive the right assistance in daily life in the quickest time while also ensuring that NDIS funds are utilised correctly. Being ill-prepared and inadequately equipped for consultations or planning meetings is a major pitfall you must avoid.
When meeting with an NDIS provider, you should carry all necessary documentation. Thai includes medical records, any assessments that have been completed, proof of existing supports received, and any documents relating to NDIS applications and funding.
The best NDIS registered providers will be capable of helping you regardless of what stage of the journey you’re at. However, knowing where things stand at this current moment will make it far easier for them to do this. If looking to change plans by switching to a new provider, reports and assessments should be available to support your claim.
It’s always wise to conduct some research into possible strategies that may be used, as well as the provider’s background. For the best results, though, you should be open to suggestions and actively listen to what the provider has to say. Taking notes is also advised. Even if you do not choose this provider, their insights may point you in a better direction.
Given that 45% of Australians living with disabilities are close to the poverty line, you must access NDIS funding and NDIS services ASAP. A smoother meeting will allow the process to progress more efficiently. Crucially, you should partner with an NDIS provider who will be as proactive as you.
#9. Failing to coordinate a clear NDIS plan together
NDIS participants, their loved ones, and the NDIS registered provider all share a desire to implement a disability care plan that delivers the best outcomes for the person living with a disability. Unfortunately, many overlook the need to coordinate the NDIS plan in a united fashion.
The right NDIS plan management strategy will lay the foundation for ongoing support. By working together, your NDIS registered provider can help you claim the maximum funding amount. Moreover, they will help you get the utmost value out of the funds by using them on the correct supports in alignment with the needs of the NDIS participant and the existing support of their loved ones.
NDIS providers will try to do the best for the individual, but it is far easier for them to do this when all parties are on the same page. Hiding any relevant information is the last thing you should do. Likewise, not asking questions or seeking clarity over any uncertainties can lead to crossed wires, ultimately hindering the level of care provided.
From the NDIS participant’s perspective, few things are worse than receiving mixed messages and support from family caregivers and NDIS providers. With over 2.65 million disability care workers in the country, a commitment to actively working with families and coordinating a clear NDIS plan is often what separates the best from the rest.
Conversely, if an NDIS provider that is not focused on working with families and getting to understand the NDIS participant’s individual requirements, they will only provide a watered-down care package, even if it is tailored to the individual’s needs.
#10. Only thinking about the present
Finding an NDIS provider is a long and stressful process. Despite the fact that the rewards of getting it right will make it worthwhile, it is not a procedure you’ll want to repeat anytime soon. Sadly, it is a situation that many families find themselves faced with due to a lack of long-term thinking.
Choosing a registered NDIS provider capable of supporting your loved one’s current needs is one thing, but the harsh reality is that requirements may change over time. The likelihood of living with a disease increases with age. Similarly, both physical and mental disabilities may worsen or introduce new challenges in the years to come. As such, choosing a versatile provider that can adapt is vital.
Modifications may include increased care hours, supporting new or progressive disabilities, or adding additional supports as the individual becomes unable to complete certain tasks. It may also involve arranging respite care for families and primary caregivers.
Either way, a larger NDIS provider that is fully equipped to handle all aspects of disability care is the best option. Crucially, they should be prepared to offer regular reviews to analyse whether the current level of care is right for the NDIS participant. It can play a huge role in ensuring that NDIS funding is used to its full potential too.
Conversely, if you focus only on the immediate issues, it may be necessary to repeat much of the process in a year or two. Not only is it very time-consuming, but the transition to new care teams or environments may be difficult for the individual. In other words, making the right decision at the first time is essential.
Get the support you deserve with Home Caring today
Finding the right NDIS registered provider is the key to living a better life, and Home Caring is the perfect choice for many Australians living with disabilities – not least because we operate in multiple locations across all territories ranging from Abbotsford to Wyong.
We pride ourselves on delivering world-class at-home care that allows you to continue living in your home. All plans can be personalised to meet your individual requirements and support your specific disabilities and/or conditions.
Moreover, our friendly experts can guide you through every step of the process from NDIS applications to managing your plan. When combined with our continued commitment to consistent care that adapts to your evolving needs, Home Caring is the only service you need.
To learn more about how we can support you or a loved one living with disabilities in Australia, contact us today.
