Start with what you need
Before you ring anyone, jot down what would help most and when. It might be company, a few hours of housekeeping, or a lift to appointments. It's much easier to compare providers when you know what you're comparing them on.
Ask who will actually come into the home
Will it be the same person each time? Can you find out a little about them beforehand? How are they chosen for you? A provider that can explain how it matches people is usually thinking about it carefully.
Find out how carers are checked
- A National Police Check and identity verification
- References, and who checks them
- A Working With Vulnerable People clearance, where your state or territory runs that scheme for this work
- How the checks are kept current
Understand the price before you commit
- What is the hourly price, and does it change by day, time or location?
- Is there a minimum visit length?
- Does the price include GST?
- What happens if you need to cancel or move a visit?
- Is there a contract, and can you stop whenever you like?
See how problems get handled
Things occasionally go wrong, even with good people. Ask who you'd call, how a complaint is handled, and how quickly you'd hear back. A clear, simple answer is a good sign.
Trust your first conversation
Did they listen? Did they explain things plainly? Did you feel rushed? How a provider treats you before you're a client tells you a lot about what comes after.
