When will Dependable Friends Commence Operation?
We will commence operations in early 2020. Prior to that date we will be screening, training and engaging Dependable Friends to visit nursing home residents. We will also be taking expressions of interest from families of loved ones in nursing homes, nursing home management and nursing home residents themselves who would like to employ the services of a Dependable Friend.
Where will Dependable Friends operate?
We will commence operating in South Australia and then expand across other states to meet demand.
How does it work?
We will screen and recruit Dependable Friends (sole traders) who are available to visit a resident in a nearby nursing home on behalf of the resident’s family or friends. Visits would be scheduled when a family are unable to be there themselves e.g. due to work commitments, illness, annual holidays, living interstate or overseas etc.
The family or the resident themselves will be able to use our website or phone app to provide the location of their nursing home and view cameo videos of nearby and available Dependable Friends. We will connect the family with the Dependable Friend, provide an engagement contract to be signed by both the family and the Dependable Friend and also provide an easy payment and insurance service through our website.
Is there a phone app in addition to the website?
Yes the app is being developed now and will be available when we commence operations in the first half of 2020.
What preparation do I need to become a friend?
You will need to apply via our website, answering some questions such as why you would like to be a Dependable Friend, how many hours and which days of the week you are available for visiting residents, how far you are prepared to travel for visits, your interests and languages spoken. If we select you to be a Dependable Friend we will then require you to obtain a police clearance, a department of community service and inclusion certificate, you will need a tax file number and an ABN (we can assist you to apply for that), you will need current vaccinations for Influenza and Whooping Cough.
Are travel costs included in the remuneration?
This will depend upon travel distance to the nursing home.
Is it free to register as a friend?
Yes.
Are all friends accepted for the register as they apply?
A: We will review each applicant for suitability and if criteria are met (refer Q5) you will be accepted for the register.
Are friends screened? Do I need a reference?
A: Yes, due to the vulnerability of residents, all friends will be screened. A reference from a prior employer or a personal reference will be viewed favourably.
Is superannuation involved as part of the payment?
As a sole trader, superannuation will be the responsibility of the Dependable Friend, however if any personal superannuation payments are made, a deduction could be claimed by notifying their superannuation fund
How do I receive pay?
As a Dependable Friend you will submit your work date and hours into our phone app or website form and payment will be made by the family of the resident that you have visited.
What sort of things would I be expected to do for the resident?
You might chat with the resident, write cards or letters for them, read a book to them, assist with a crossword puzzle, play a board game, take them on an outing (depending upon mobility), walk with them, attend church with them, shop with them, play music, help them to eat and simply brighten their life.
Can I solicit other customers from within a nursing home that I am working for through a Dependable Friends referral?
Yes. You will receive a referral fee for engaging other residents to use the Dependable Friends service.
Can I get my other friends involved?
Most definitely! If your friends are interested in applying to become Dependable Friends, they will be screened by us and if they meet our criteria will be accepted.
What kind of people do you anticipate becoming Dependable Friends?
We think that this concept will particularly appeal to retired or semi-retired people, university students, stay-at-home parents of school-aged children.
What if the resident and I don’t get along with each other or if the family doesn’t approve of me?
You will meet the family prior to your first session to gauge compatibility. We request that a family member is present for your first visiting session to introduce you to the resident. If after that session, or a subsequent session, either you or the family or the resident are not comfortable with an ongoing arrangement you will be reassigned to an alternative family and resident.
Do I need to have any qualifications to be a friend?
No. You will need to be friendly, kind, compassionate and interested in making a difference to the lives of residents in nursing homes.
Do I need to take out any personal insurance?
Dependable Friends will arrange workers compensation and public liability insurance.