CentaCare criticised for lack of transparency in NDIS service shutdown

A former CentaCare worker has slammed the disability support provider's "shock" exit from NDIS services, saying staff and clients were left in the dark about their futures.

The former Centacare worker worked at multiple “care homes” across the Coast, including a Little Mountain home and a Currimundi home.

A former CentaCare worker on the Sunshine Coast has criticised the company for its lack of transparency after it ceased its operation as an NDIS provider.

The disability support company with more than 40 years of history announced it would be transitioning out of NDIS-funded services in August.

An independent review determined it was no longer financially sustainable to continue the scope of NDIS care it was providing.

A former CentaCare support worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was left in the dark during the transition.

“It was a shock,” she said.

“There was no lead-up communication, so it felt completely out of the blue.”

CentaCare released a public statement in which chairwoman Vanessa Sullivan said staff would be aware of their options in light of the change.

“Over the coming days and weeks, staff will be kept informed of the opportunities open to them, including redeployment and introductions to other disability service providers who have expressed interest in supporting CentaCare clients,” she said.

Carers were given the option to move to another company or reapply for aged care roles at CentaCare.

Many carers opted to work with other companies so they could continue working with their current clients.

The former CentaCare worker opted to work for another company, allowing her to continue working with some of her existing clients.

She said the change still made it challenging to continue working with a lot of her clients.

“It’s been a time of uncertainty for the participants as little information was communicated,” she said.

“It’s made it really difficult to continue to work with all of the participants I regularly work with.

“It has meant support workers have had to make difficult choices on where and who we will work with, all while trying to provide stable and consistent support until CentaCare finishes.”

She will finish her work with CentaCare on Thursday, November 20, and she will begin working with regular clients through a different NDIS disability support provider.

CentaCare was contacted for comment.