So many choices
If you have a disability with NDIS funding and looking for a provider, shopping around can be difficult. In this article we have tried to make it easier for you.
Disability organisations come in all shapes and sizes.
Small versus big
for-profit versus not-for-profit
single provider versus multiple providers
The NDIA has put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to how your NDIS funding is spent. But with so many choices available, it isn’t always easy.
The good news is there is plenty of help available to help you in making your decision. You can change your mind at any point if you don’t like how things are going.
Never forget YOU’RE in charge!
Try to think of shopping for NDIS supports just as you would shopping for groceries. There are many shops you can choose from. There’s no need to settle for services that aren’t providing what you want. You are free to shop around to find what is best for you.
How to select a provider
Selecting a service provider is a deeply personal thing. The service provider must be able to understand your needs, your family and lifestyle. It is essential you can trust them to deliver quality support.
If you don’t know how to go about picking a service provider, our three suggestions will make it a much easier task. There is no right or wrong answer, but you must feel comfortable with your decision.
Ask yourself:
1. What kind of support can they deliver?
Will the service provider be able to deliver all the services you require and in the way that you want to have them delivered? Would you rather go with a provider that can offer a bit of everything, or would you rather use several providers that specialise in one particular thing?
The kind of support an organisation offers must precisely match your needs.
Do you require complex support? Do you require modifications on your home? Will you use one provider who can deliver everything? Or would you prefer to deal with several providers who specialise in what you need?
Regardless of your choice, make sure to find a provider that can do all these things well.
2. What kind of relationship would you like with your provider?
This relates mostly to the size of a provider.
Large providers
A large provider will most likely have:
-a large pool of staff so they are more likely to be able to deliver services wherever you are in Australia
-lots of money, employ lots of staff, and have lots of tools at their disposal. However
-sometimes big providers have ‘one way of doing things’, which may not suit everyone
-it may be difficult to speak to someone who knows you when you call them
-you may have different staff coming to visit you which you may not like
Small providers
-are less likely to have a large pool of staff
-may not be able to deliver certain services to you. For example, if you need a nurse, a smaller provider might have to find a nurse from another company
-may not spend much on advertising so maybe harder to find
However
-they are more likely to respond to you quickly
-better still, they are more likely to know who you are when you phone
-they are more likely to send the same staff member(s) to see you. This means you can build up a good relationship with them.
-if you need a change in services, they are more likely to respond quickly
-amazing staff work for both big and small companies, so it is important that you find the provider with staff that make you feel most comfortable.
3. For-profit or not-for-profit?
This one can be a bit tricky. People tend to think that not-for-profits are better quality or ‘more generous’ providers. It is important not to jump to any conclusions.
For-profit companies make a profit and pay tax on that profit, they are then free to do whatever they want with that money. Not-for-profit organisations ALSO make a profit, but they don’t pay tax on it. Instead, they are expected to reinvest their profits back into the company. However, that doesn’t mean all ‘for-profits’ are greedy, and that all ‘not-for-profits’ are generous. Many for-profit companies use their profits to help others as well.
Both for-profits and not-for-profits can make wonderful service providers. Equally, both not-for-profits and for-profits may be terrible!
The most important question to consider before joining a service provider is, ‘What can they offer me personally?’ There’s no benefit for you if your not-for-profit provider doesn’t reinvest in things that help you.
Will a provider deliver the services you need, in the way that is important to you? Only you can be the judge of this.
Will a provider charge you unnecessary fees? For example, is there a fee to join their services? Or to use a service vehicle? These are fees that a provider can charge but don’t have to.
And, if a provider makes a mistake, how will they work to fix it? Providers will always work to avoid mistakes, but sometimes they occur. What is important is how they work to fix mistakes.
No right or wrong
Big, small, for-profit or not-for-profit. There is no right or wrong answer. You have the right to find a service provider that suits you.
At Care to Change, we are a small provider and proud of it. If we say we will do something, we will do it. We believe in delivering personalised care. We want you to know our names. We want you to have confidence in us as people, not as a huge corporate entity.
By not spending lots of money on things like marketing means we don’t charge you for things like the use of our cars or joining our services.
If that sounds like something that resonates with you, give us a call on 1300 515 888.
We look forward to hearing from you!
