Quick access and lower costs charged by these quack carers are some of the reasons they are contacted to offer care services.
NDIS
The world is now a global village. Almost everyone in the care service industry is integrating technology into their operations. Talk about service providers, agencies, support workers, carers, etc.
This integration makes it easy and tempting to always resort to the internet and social media for quick solutions. Today, different online forums and Facebook groups have become popular for helping participants find support workers.
While these platforms may seem convenient, it harbours a lot of risks. And topping the chart is hiring unverified carers. In this article, we talk about real-life concerns and the potential dangers of hiring unverified carers.
An Overview of Unverified Carers
An unverified NDIS carer is a care provider who does not qualify to offer care support services but does. They do not have the necessary qualifications, experience, and training to be called NDIS carers.
They are not even on the radar of any NDIS service provider and cannot provide valid preferences. Hiring such individuals can put participants and their families at risk.
Why do people resort to hiring unverified carers online?
Finding the right carer is essential for participants. They require solid care service and only verified carers should be entrusted with such. However, in the rush to secure a support worker, many people resort to social media platforms – especially Facebook groups, where they end up hiring unverified carers.
Quick access and lower costs charged by these quack carers are some of the reasons they are contacted to offer care services.
One mistake people make is prioritizing convenience over safety. It is not just about having a support worker come around. It is about having a reliable and trusted NDIS carer provide quality care support.
Dangers of Hiring Unverified Carers
No Insurance or Liability Cover
Regular verified and registered NDIS providers are expected by rule to hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance. However, an unverified carer won’t have such coverage. That leaves you at risk if something goes wrong.
There is no cover. No coverage. No insurance. There is no public liability insurance or workers’ compensation to cover accidents during care. This leaves you in a financially vulnerable state.
No form of Accountability
Relationships between participants and carers are not immune to disputes. However, the quick intervention of the agency often makes things easier.
Unfortunately, in the case of hiring unverified carers, there is no agency to mediate matters or resolve issues when they arise. There is no governing body to report to. There is a mediation process for disputes. In worse cases where the carer absconds, there is no way to verify their identity.
Poor Quality of Care
Since unverified carers lack substantial training in disability and care support, the quality of care they provide is always below par. They do not understand NDIS guidelines or participants’ rights, hence, you just have to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
They are unreliable and do not provide consistent care services. The shortcoming implies that the participant’s care condition could worsen.
No Background Checks
The NDIS Worker Screening Check ensures carers are safe to work with people living with disabilities. However, hiring an unverified NDIS carer skips this process.
Inability to conduct proper formal checks exposes you and your family members to huge risks. There is no way to conduct effective background checks on an unverified carer. There is no way to know if the carer has past misconduct or a criminal record.
Unlike their registered counterparts, independent and unverified carers on social media lack police checks. Some of them can even forge certificates or lie about their level of expertise just to make you employ them.
Imagine hiring a carer from a Facebook group and they end up stealing valuable items from your home. How would you track them? Imagine hiring a support worker who does not uphold NDIS compliance standards.
Financial Exploitation
Some of the carers found through Facebook groups and other social media platforms have been known to take advantage of participants financially. Since there is no formal contract, it is hard to hold anyone accountable.
There have been cases of payment scams. Where participants pay cash for care services upfront and the NDIS carer disappears. Since there is no proper invoicing and receipt, you will not be able to claim reimbursement from the NDIS – even if you are eligible.
The carer might even decide to ghost on you after receiving payment. No emotional and financial exploitation beats this. However, one way to avoid this is to use traceable payment methods and make formal arrangements.
Zero Training
Caregivers require knowledge of disability care, communication, and behavioural management before they can be certified. An unverified carer does not possess these skills. This might worsen the participant’s situation.
Five Tips to Avoid Hiring Unverified Carers
Choosing a carer does not have to be a gamble. These tips will help practice safe hiring practices.
- Work through platforms that verify carers before listing them. This reduces risk and maximizes flexibility.
- Conduct proper interviews and checks.
- Ensure you sign a formal contract and agreement. Use a written service arrangement. Be specific about the duties, payment terms, and workable hours.
- Report red flags early
- Start with short shifts. And monitor how the carer relates with the participant. Check their communication skills, empathy level, and expertise.
With these skills, you can easily spot a fake or risky NDIS carer on social media and Facebook groups.
What to Look for in a Verified NDIS Carer
- Consider carers who have relevant qualifications and experience
- Choose carers who hold CPR and First Aid certification
- Can they provide references from past clients?
- Are they traceable?
- Have they passed all the NDIS screening checks?
This is not asking too much. Verification means protection. And you must not slack on these points when hiring a NDIS carer. Your safety and that of your loved ones matters. Ensure it!
Conclusion
Hiring NDIS carers should not revolve around the pricing, it includes safety and trust. It may be easy and fast to get carers on social media but it is not ideal. It can lead to stress, panic, and harm, and can also have a lasting consequence on the participants’ health.
Some outstanding NDIS carers promote their services on social media platforms, but the best way to hire NDIS carers is to use trusted platforms like NDIS Provider Finder. You can also go through reputable agencies or verified referrals.
If you are ever confused or unsure about a carer’s claim of legitimacy, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for clarification. They register and regulate NDIS providers.
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