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Report Concerns

How to report safety concerns, quality issues, or complaints about your care

Emergency Situations

If you are in immediate danger or witnessing abuse, call emergency services immediately:

000

Police, Fire, Ambulance

1800 200 422

Elder Abuse Helpline

1800 URGENT

CarerNest Emergency Line

Types of Concerns You Can Report

Safety & Abuse Concerns

Physical Abuse

Hitting, pushing, restraining, or any unwanted physical contact

Emotional Abuse

Verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, or psychological harm

Neglect

Failure to provide adequate care, medication, food, or hygiene

Financial Abuse

Theft, fraud, or misuse of money, property, or financial resources

Inappropriate Behavior

Sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, or boundary violations

Quality & Service Issues

Reliability Issues

Late arrivals, no-shows, early departures, or schedule problems

Poor Care Quality

Inadequate care, not following care plans, or lack of skills

Communication Problems

Language barriers, poor communication, or unprofessional behavior

Safety Violations

Not following safety protocols, hygiene issues, or unsafe practices

Documentation Issues

Missing care logs, inaccurate records, or poor documentation

How to Report Concerns

Reporting Methods

Phone (Urgent)

1800 REPORT (1800 737 678)

Available 24/7 for urgent concerns. Immediate response for safety issues.

Live Chat

Available through the CarerNest app and website

Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm. Secure and confidential.

Email

[email protected]

For non-urgent matters. Response within 4 hours during business hours.

Online Form

Secure online reporting form on our website

Detailed form for comprehensive reporting. Anonymous option available.

What Information to Include

Basic Details

  • • Your name and contact information
  • • Client name (if reporting on behalf of someone)
  • • Carer name or ID number
  • • Date and time of incident
  • • Location where incident occurred

Incident Description

  • • Detailed description of what happened
  • • Who was involved or witnessed the incident
  • • Any immediate actions taken
  • • Impact on the client's wellbeing
  • • Any ongoing concerns or risks

Supporting Evidence

  • • Photos of injuries or damage (if safe to take)
  • • Screenshots of inappropriate messages
  • • Medical reports or documentation
  • • Names of witnesses
  • • Any relevant correspondence

Previous Incidents

  • • Any previous concerns with this carer
  • • Pattern of behavior or recurring issues
  • • Previous reports made to CarerNest
  • • Actions taken in response to previous reports

What Happens After You Report

1

Immediate Response

We acknowledge your report within 1 hour and assess the urgency level.

  • • Urgent safety concerns: Immediate action within 2 hours
  • • Serious quality issues: Response within 24 hours
  • • General concerns: Response within 48 hours
2

Investigation

Our quality team conducts a thorough investigation of your concerns.

  • • Interview all relevant parties
  • • Review care logs and documentation
  • • Conduct site visits if necessary
  • • Gather additional evidence
  • • Consult with external experts if needed
3

Immediate Safety Measures

If safety risks are identified, we take immediate protective action.

  • • Suspend carer pending investigation (if necessary)
  • • Arrange alternative care coverage
  • • Implement additional monitoring
  • • Coordinate with emergency services if required
  • • Notify relevant authorities as mandated
4

Resolution & Follow-up

We implement appropriate corrective actions and monitor outcomes.

  • • Disciplinary action for carers (if warranted)
  • • Additional training or support
  • • Policy or procedure updates
  • • Ongoing monitoring and check-ins
  • • Regular follow-up with you
5

Final Report

You receive a comprehensive report on our findings and actions taken.

  • • Summary of investigation findings
  • • Actions taken to address concerns
  • • Preventive measures implemented
  • • Timeline for any ongoing actions
  • • Information about appeal process

Your Rights & Protections

Reporting Rights

Right to Report

You have the right to report any concerns without fear of retaliation

Confidentiality

Your identity and report details are kept strictly confidential

Anonymous Reporting

You can choose to report concerns anonymously if preferred

Right to Information

You have the right to be informed about the progress and outcome

Protection Measures

No Retaliation

Zero tolerance for any form of retaliation against reporters

Support Services

Access to counseling and support services during the process

Continued Care

Your care services continue uninterrupted during investigations

Legal Support

Access to legal advice and support if criminal matters are involved

External Reporting Options

You also have the right to report concerns to external authorities and organizations:

Government Agencies

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

1800 951 822

For aged care service complaints

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

1800 035 544

For NDIS-related concerns

State Health Department

Varies by state

For health service complaints

Support Organizations

Elder Abuse Helpline

1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)

24/7 support for elder abuse

Lifeline

13 11 14

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention

Disability Advocacy Services

1800 818 338

Advocacy for people with disabilities

Tips for Effective Reporting

Before Reporting

Document Everything

  • • Write down dates, times, and details immediately
  • • Take photos if safe and appropriate
  • • Keep copies of all relevant documents
  • • Note names of witnesses

Ensure Safety First

  • • Remove yourself from immediate danger
  • • Call emergency services if needed
  • • Seek medical attention for injuries
  • • Inform trusted family or friends

During Reporting

Be Specific and Factual

  • • Stick to facts, avoid assumptions
  • • Provide specific examples and details
  • • Use direct quotes when possible
  • • Explain the impact on wellbeing

Ask Questions

  • • What happens next in the process?
  • • When will you receive updates?
  • • Who is your main contact person?
  • • What support is available to you?

Important Reminders

Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right, it's important to speak up. Your concerns are valid and deserve to be heard.

No Concern is Too Small: Even minor issues can escalate if not addressed. We'd rather investigate a concern that turns out to be minor than miss something serious.

You're Not Alone: Our support team is here to help you through the reporting process and ensure you feel safe and supported.

Mandatory Reporting: Some concerns may require us to report to external authorities as required by law. We will inform you if this is necessary.

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