If you feel unsafe with a worker, your safety comes first. It is important to remove yourself from immediate risk if needed and then take the appropriate next step to report the concern and get support.
Most support arrangements on Careseekers go well, but if something does not feel right, it is okay to act on that feeling. You do not need to second-guess yourself or wait for things to get worse before taking a step that helps you feel safe and supported.
Start with what feels safest
If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, focus first on what you need in that moment.
That might mean:
- stepping into another room
- calling a family member, friend or neighbour
- asking the worker to leave
- ending the shift early
- getting immediate help if needed
You are allowed to put your safety first.
If support is happening right now
If the shift is underway and something does not feel right, keep things simple.
You can:
- say clearly that you want the shift to stop
- ask the worker to leave
- contact someone you trust for support
- call emergency services if you feel in immediate danger
You do not need to continue a shift that feels unsafe.
If the issue is not urgent
Sometimes the concern is not an emergency, but you still know something was not okay.
In that case, it can help to:
- write down what happened while it is still fresh
- note the date, time and any important details
- decide whether the issue should be raised as a complaint or an incident report
- ask someone you trust to help if that feels easier
A clear record can make the next step feel simpler.
Complaint or incident report: which one should I use?
A complaint is the right option if you want to raise a concern about how something was handled or about behaviour that did not feel appropriate.
An incident report is the right option if something happened that affected safety or wellbeing, or had the potential to cause harm.
If you are unsure which one fits best, it is still okay to reach out. The important thing is raising the concern.
If the issue feels serious
If there has been harm, a threat to safety, or something serious has happened, report it as soon as possible.
That may include situations involving:
- injury
- abuse or neglect
- a serious medication issue
- a situation where emergency services were needed
- behaviour that created a serious safety concern
If urgent help is needed, call 000 first.
How to raise the issue with Careseekers
If you want to let us know about a concern, you can do that through the complaints process or the incident reporting process.
If you would rather not manage that on your own, a family member, friend or advocate can help you raise the issue.
It is okay to ask for support
If something has happened that left you feeling shaken, uncomfortable or unsure, it is okay to ask for help.
You might want support from:
- a family member
- a friend
- an advocate
- a support coordinator
- your provider, if one is involved
You do not have to work through it alone.
What happens next
Once a concern is raised, the next step depends on what happened.
Sometimes that means following the complaints process. Sometimes it means incident reporting and further follow-up. If needed, you can also decide not to continue with that worker and make a different choice going forward.
The most important thing is that you feel safe, heard and supported.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I feel unsafe with a worker?
Start with what feels safest for you. That may mean ending the shift, asking the worker to leave, calling someone you trust, or getting urgent help if needed.
Do I have to keep going with the shift if I feel uncomfortable?
No. If something does not feel right, you can stop the shift.
What if the issue is not urgent but I still feel uneasy?
Write down what happened and raise it through the complaints or incident reporting process.
When should I report it as an incident?
Use the incident reporting process if something happened that affected safety or wellbeing, or could have caused harm.
Can someone help me raise the issue?
Yes. A family member, friend or advocate can help you.
What if I do not want to continue with that worker?
You do not have to. You can choose not to continue the arrangement and look for a worker who feels like a better fit.
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