If you are looking for an NDIS provider, it is important to do your research first. There are many providers out there, and not all of them are created equal. So, what should you look for when choosing a provider? Here are 3 key things to consider: a well reputed organisation with professional staff members, easy to access online presence and regularly updated social media along with a range of service options to cater for your needs specifically.
Established NDIS Provider and Staff
The first thing you want to look for is the reputation of an NDIS provider. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the company has been around for awhile and is well recognised. Check the number of years they have been operating which is a great indication of their industry experience as a service provider.
It is also crucial to have a look at their whole team, starting from the founder(s) to the supporting staff who will be by your side during your NDIS journey. Check to see if they have the relevant qualifications and professional experience to provide high-quality service. More importantly, investigate to see if the carers, nurses and support staff are empathetic, understanding and have a personable nature. Participants will have ongoing communication with the ground staff so it’s important to feel at ease interacting and voicing their wants/needs to team members who have a genuine passion for their job and will tend to participants care with utmost priority.
Website & Social Media Channels
An NDIS service provider’s website should be clear, concise and above all easy to navigate. It’s preferable to have accessibility tools such as larger text sizes, dyslexia-friendly fonts, text spacing, contrasting background colours, and bigger font and cursor sizes amongst other such adjustments. This will allow easy accessibility to individuals with any level of disability, allowing them to explore the website independently during their research process. Additionally, an NDIS service provider who has a website that translates to several languages is ideally one that fosters an inclusive environment for their participants.
Having a blog section allocated within the website is also a sign of a provider who is willing to communicate openly and frequently with their participants, as well as the general public. Sharing insightful information on a range of services, FAQ’s and general tips and tricks allows prospective NDIS participants to gain a greater understanding of the organisation, its service offerings and what to expect.
Moreover, the NDIS provider should also have active social media channels that are updated on a regular basis. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn give a face to the organisation and provide an opportunity for NDIS participants to engage with the provider on a more personal level. They are a great communication space which allows for quick updates, service announcements, inspirational stories as well as general industry events and news, always keeping you in the loophole.
Services & Accommodation
Once you have ascertained that the NDIS provider is well established, caters to friendly staff members, has an accessible and regularly updated website and social media presence, it’s time to look at what services and accommodation options they offer. Do their services align with your specific wants and needs as an NDIS participant? Are there a range of accommodation types to choose from depending on your care level and independence needs?
There are many services to keep an eye out for. If you are looking for group activities, then Community Participation is a great option. If you are interested in travelling from point A to B, then Transport Assistance is your best bet.
Community Participation
This service is inclusive of but not limited to:
- Attending social or cultural activities
- Going on an outing to the movies or the local library
- Volunteering
- Participating in team sports and recreation
It is designed to help you become more independent, build skills, confidence and make friends in your community so that all participants have the chance to lead a happy and fulfilling social life.
Transport Assistance
This entails the following:
- Assistance with planning and booking transport options
- Organising a support worker to accompany you on your journey if required
- Utilising wheel-chair optimised vehicles
- Personally drive with specialised controls and other adaptations
It is aimed to help with the cost of transport to access NDIS support, work, education and other activities.
Another crucial element to consider when looking for a NDIS provider is whether they have a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. Of course, participants will want to make sure that the accommodation is comfortable, safe and clean. Most importantly, it should be able to meet their specific needs. Respite Care is a suitable option for those looking for a short term home placement. For all participants seeking an independent accommodation alternative, Supported Independent Living is the one.
Respite Care
It’s usually a NDIS service that is sought after when your carer would like some time away from their duties for a short period of time. This can be for a holiday, work or other personal commitments. It is essentially your home away from home for upto 14 days. It offers family members a sense of relief, knowing that their loved one is still being cared for by another professional in a safe and comfortable environment.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
This is an accommodation service for NDIS participants who are seeking more independence but still require some level of assistance in their everyday tasks. This service may be offered as part of a shared group-home environment, or alternatively, as a drop-in service in your personal homes.
Finally it is important to remember that a NDIS service provider should adjust around your needs rather than the other way around. They should be open to feedback on their services and offer a customer centric approach putting participants first and foremost.
Get In Touch With OSAN
If you need access to any of the following service options discussed in this blog, contact OSAN Ability Assist today. We can help you find the best care for your loved ones needs, provided by some of Australia’s most talented carers. Get in touch with us today to find out more!
