Client Spotlight: Beth Dumont, Navigating the NDIS.

My name is Elizabeth Dumont and I am carer and NDIS nominee (in addition I have been appointed by QCAT as formal decision maker when it comes to decisions regarding NDIS) for an adult son who is on the ASD spectrum. Until May 31st my son's plan was self managed with workers on individual contract with me direct. As of a Plan Review on May 31st I transitioned to Plan Managed with daily management of workers done by an agency - RealCare Assist.

Finding the right agency was a nightmare and incredibly traumatic for myself. There are - unfortunately  - a lot of cowboys operating in the disability sector. I had the misfortune to run into 2 such operators prior to finding Leann and Tracey. They have been a godsend. 

I have found Leanne and Tracy to be professional at all times. Unlike the first 2 agencies I contacted Leanne and Tracy are prompt in returning my phone calls. On being engaged I threw them and their staff a curve ball as my son wanted to go to Melbourne for a holiday to celebrate turning 30.  This holiday has now happened and was a success because of the work put in.

My son is now well supported by good workers who are in turn well supported by Leanne and Tracy. My son is beginning to thrive in ways I knew were possible but wouldn't happen had we still been self managed. I have found Leann and Tracey to be more professional and better at communicating and listening than many of those I have spoken with inside the NDIS itself.

I would urge you to place significant pressure on the NDIA to complete the registration process for RealCare Assist as soon as is possible. We need more of the good providers with a sense of ethical practice who are prepared to go above and beyond like RealCare Assist. Families like mine spend a lot of time moving from crisis to crisis, with many operators not so prepared to go outside the bounds of their funding to support families in crisis.

My caring responsibilities and the trauma that arose as a result of dealing with my son and managing his supports lead to a breakdown last year. My breakdown went so deep I am only just now  - 12 months later - able to regain my energy and my life. Families like mine need quality operators like RealCare Assist and not cowboys in it for what they can get.