Who is a Support Worker?
A support worker is a term used to describe someone who is employed to provide disability support services. This term is often interchanged with carer or support staff.
You may receive support from a support worker inside or outside of the home.
Depending on your support needs, one support worker may be appropriate. This is described as a 1:1 ratio of support.
Some people may require more than one support worker to complete a specific task (i.e. showering routine involving the use of a mobile shower commode and ceiling hoist). This scenario is a 2:1 ratio of support.
In some cases, sharing support in a group with others may be appropriate (i.e. social activity in the community).
When there is one support worker supporting two or more participants, the support ratio may be 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, etc.
Sometimes, there can be two support workers in a group setting. The ratio of support is 2:2, 2:3, 2:4, 2:5 etc.
Am I ready for a Support Worker?
Finding a suitable support worker might feel like a challenging undertaking. Especially if you’ve never received assistance from someone other than your family, the prospect of welcoming a new person into your home can be quite overpowering.
In fact, some individuals might perceive this as an intrusion, which is a completely valid and justifiable sentiment.
Establishing a foundation of trust with your support worker is crucial for cultivating a sense of security in their presence.
To establish this sense of trust, it holds significant importance to locate the support worker who aligns best with your needs.
How can a support worker help me?
Before embarking on your search for a support worker, take some time to contemplate your daily activities and the obstacles you face in your day-to-day life. Prompt yourself with these three inquiries:
- What are my day-to-day activities – what makes up my daily life and what is important to me?
- What difficulties do I have across my usual activities – what do I struggle with or need help with?
- Are the challenges I experience related to my disability? Find the link between difficulties and your condition/s recognized by the NDIS.
Engaging with a Support Worker
When you collaborate with a support worker, it’s crucial to obtain a clear Service Agreement and a thorough understanding of the services you’ll receive.
The NDIA recommends having a written service agreement so participants and providers are clear about what each party has agreed to. Further your understanding by reviewing your Rights and Responsibilities as an NDIS Participant.
What can I expect from a Support Worker?
A support worker is hired to cater to your specific requirements. The following are the general expectations that all support workers should adhere to:
- Punctuality: Arrive promptly for shifts and fulfill the entire duration of the shift.
- Effective Communication: Interact openly and respectfully with you and those in your circle.
- Non-Judgmental Attitude: Display understanding towards your needs without passing judgment.
- Collaboration with Therapists: Be willing to liaise with your therapists and carry out home programs, such as a Home Exercise Program prescribed by an Exercise Physiologist.
- Calm and Effective Under Pressure: Maintain composure in high-pressure situations and respond appropriately.
- Adequate Training: Receive appropriate training aligned with your specific support needs. If manual handling support is required, ensure that the support worker provider has trained their staff to use the necessary equipment to ensure both their safety and yours.
If you feel your ndis disability support worker is not meeting your needs, have a discussion with the support worker directly or contact their employer.
You are within your right to cease services with any NDIS services you engage with. Refer to the service agreement signed with the provider for details on ending the service agreement.
This will allow you to explore alternative options that better align with your needs.
How do I access Support Work in my NDIS Plan?
In your NDIS plan, you may have a Core Support budget.
Core Support funding includes support to help you with:
- your everyday living activities
- your current disability-related needs
- to help you work towards your longer-term goals
You can use this Core Support funding to access an ndis disability support worker for your needs in the home and in the community, low-cost products related to your disability, and transport.
Understanding Core Supports
There are four support categories within Core Supports:
- Assistance with Daily Life
- Consumables
- Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation
- Transport
Conclusion
Finding the right support worker is a crucial step in ensuring your needs are met and your well-being is prioritized. By considering your daily activities, establishing clear expectations, and fostering effective communication, you can build a trusting relationship with your support worker.