If you are in a position where you need disability care, you are likely to come across the NDIS. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is a support system for individuals living with disabilities, offering funding for various support services to enhance their quality of life. When it comes to selecting service providers, there’s a crucial decision to make: whether to choose NDIS accredited providers or unregistered ones. Here, we explain the key reasons to opt for NDIS providers for your disability care services.
5 Benefits of NDIS Accredited Providers
Quality and Safety Standards
NDIS registered providers, such as Home Caring, have undergone a rigorous accreditation process. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) sets strict quality and safety standards. The accreditation process includes an audit against the NDIS Practice Standards, adherence to the NDIS Code of Conduct, and implementation of transparent policies. When you choose NDIS accredited providers, you benefit from this commitment to quality and safety.
Dedicated to New Skill Development
For an individual with disabilities, learning new skills can be game-changing. When you are in the care of NDIS registered providers, a part of their services is designed to ensure that you can learn and practice new skills that will help you maintain some level of independence.
This makes it easier as a person with disabilities to pursue a fulfilling life and achieve your goals. The key purpose of the NDIS is to empower individuals and improve their quality of life. As such, adding new skills that specifically target your needs becomes a priority.
Government Funded
When you reach out to the NDIS to develop a disability care plan, you also receive fully funded support for your needs. Therefore, individuals who choose an NDIS accredited provider to fulfill the NDIS plan do not need to pay anything out of pocket.
It is worth mentioning that you can still hire the services of NDIS registered providers even if you are not eligible to receive funding. You will need to cover the bills yourself.
Flexible Accommodation and In Home Solutions
NDIS accredited providers can provide both long-term and temporary services, whether at home or in specialist accommodations. This means that if you need temporary care, such as during recovery after surgery, you could receive this level of support from NDIS accredited providers in specialist short- and medium-term accommodations. Similarly, if you are staying at home and need to adjust your schedule and interior to meet your needs, this is something that can also be discussed and arranged with NDIS carers.
Flexible and Personalised Support
NDIS accredited providers, such as Home Caring, offer a wide range of support services tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and the level of support they need. At any point, you can decide to change provider or you can review with your current provider whether the services you receive are still suited to your current needs.
The NDIS and Its Role in Care Services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian initiative providing funding for individuals with disabilities to access tailored support services. Established in 2013, the NDIS shifts from a traditional welfare model to a person-centred approach, emphasising choice and control.
To benefit from funded NDIS care services, individuals must apply and meet eligibility criteria through a planning process. Participants gain access to three main support categories—Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports—tailored to address their unique needs.
Choosing NDIS accredited providers is a critical decision that significantly impacts the quality of care received by individuals living with disabilities.
Risks of Choosing a Non NDIS Accredited Carer
It’s essential to be aware of these risks when considering care options for yourself or a loved one.
Lack of Oversight and Accountability
Non-NDIS carers operate without the rigorous oversight that accredited providers undergo. This lack of accountability may result in substandard care, unmet expectations, and potential harm to the individual with a disability.
Potential for Fraud and Scams
One of the significant risks associated with non-accredited carers is the increased potential for fraud and scams. Recent cases in the media have highlighted instances where unregistered service providers defrauded NDIS participants of their funding. Inflated invoices, unauthorised charges, and draining budgets without delivering agreed-upon services are common issues.
Limited Access to NDIA Managed Plans
Non-NDIS carers do not have direct access to NDIA managed plans. This means that the individual with a disability may face challenges in managing their budget, verifying invoices, and ensuring their NDIS funding is used properly, even if the provider is trustworthy.
Additionally, a plan manager can also help individuals switch providers more easily. When you reach out to unregistered carers, you may be working outside the scope of an NDIS plan manager, which can make it more difficult to change care providers in the future.
Inadequate Screening and Training
Accredited NDIS providers undergo thorough screening processes, including police checks, working with children checks, and international police checks for their staff. On the other hand, non-accredited carers may lack these essential screenings, exposing individuals with disabilities to potential risks.
Unreliable Service Delivery
Non-accredited carers may not have access to the infrastructure and policies required for transparent and reliable service delivery. Unfortunately, this could lead to inconsistent support, missed appointments, and challenges in coordinating disability care.
The absence of a structured complaints management and resolution system may leave individuals and their families without adequate recourse or alternatives if the service they receive is not satisfactory.
Limited Legal Protections
Choosing a non-NDIS carer may expose individuals with disabilities to limited legal protections. Accredited providers are bound by the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, ensuring that participants have recourse in case of service disputes or grievances.
Non-accredited carers may operate outside this framework, leaving individuals with fewer avenues for addressing issues and concerns.
Impact on Well-being and Quality of Life
Ultimately, the risks associated with non-accredited carers can impact the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Choosing a care provider without the necessary accreditations may lead to increased stress, risks, and having to compromise on the safety of both the individual receiving care and their families.
At Home Caring, we’ve been an NDIS registered provider for over 10 years and we’ve supported individuals with different levels of disability and needs across Australia.
If you have received your NDIS plan and you want to discuss going forward with Home Caring team, get in touch now. We are here to help and guide you through the process.
