Share economy: Anthony O’Brien
You can use your skills to support vulnerable members of society
The introduction of sharing economy platforms has transformed the way we live and enjoy our lives. Whether it is finding a gem of a holiday home on Airbnb or jumping in an UberPool with a stranger, there’s a mushrooming array of goods and services available through sharing platforms that make our lives easier.
But it’s not only about hotel rooms and shared rides. There are also platforms such as Mable, which can be used to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people.
How does it work?
Mable is a profit-for-purpose company connecting older people or those living with a disability to independent support workers. Since launching in 2014, Mable has facilitated more than one million hours of support and has 4200 approved and active independent workers.
It enables people who require in-home or community care to find and connect directly with nurses, carers and support workers in their local area. Clients and independent workers then agree on a rate between themselves. Once a service is delivered, the client pays the agreed rate plus 5%. Independent support workers receive the agreed fee less 10%.
What can you earn?
Clients seek a range of services, from skilled nursing and overnight care to help with social outings a couple of hours a week. Rates for support workers typically range from $30-$40 an hour, depending on experience, qualifications and the type of services provided.
Because the business model is technology driven, operating costs are low, according to Peter Scutt, founder and chief executive of Mable, which was originally known as Better Caring.
“It ultimately results in clients paying lower rates and workers taking home more money compared with traditional providers,” he says.
Mable supports thousands of people who have National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding. “The platform is an efficient two-sided marketplace that helps to connect individuals with independent support workers, putting control and choice at the centre of the relationship,” says Scutt. “People then come to an agreement around rates, services and times with the independent worker of their choosing.”
Moreover, the allied care and support industry will only continue to grow as a source of employment as our population ages and the NDIS matures. By 2023, opportunities for support and personal care workers will grow by 30% and will represent a diverse set of skills and interests, including assistance around the home, with hobbies, work, study and healthcare services, says Scutt. “Over 4.7 million Australians have identified as living with disability, and when the NDIS rollout is complete in 2020 there will be approximately 465,000 people supported by individualised funding nationally.”
Getting set up
Mable has partnered with Zurich Australia to insure independent workers when providing services arranged and invoiced through the platform. This includes general liability, professional indemnity and personal accident cover.
Safety is a particularly important issue when it comes to vulnerable people. Mable says all workers must undergo a strict onboarding process, including reference and qualification checks, police checks and childcare checks if working with under18s. There is also verification of any specific requirements for nurses and those providing personal care. Given the range of support on offer, not every worker needs to have medical training – such as drivers or those helping with social outings. Independent workers must have a valid Australian business number (ABN).
Anthony O’Brien is a small business and personal finance writer with 20-plus years’ experience in the communication industry.