What 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 support worker can be a daunting process. If you have not had been supported by someone outside of your family before, inviting someone new into your home can be overwhelming.
Some people can even find it invasive. This is completely understandable and reasonable!
Developing a trusting relationship with your support worker will help you to feel safe in their care.
To build this trust, it is important to find the right support worker for you.
How can a Support Worker help me?
Before exploring support worker options, have a think about your day to day activities and what difficulties you may be experiencing across daily life by asking yourself these three questions:
- 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 recognised by the NDIS.
Is A Support Worker For Me is a helpful resource providing guidance on how to unpack these questions.
Engaging with a Support Worker
When you engage with a support worker, it is important that you are provided with a Service Agreement and a clear understanding on what the services are that you will be receiving.
Why do I need an NDIS Service Agreement is a fantastic resource that outlines why having a service agreement with each of your providers is so important.
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 employed to support your individual needs.
Below are the general expectations for all support workers to uphold:
- Arrive on time to shift and complete the full shift
- Communicates openly and respectfully to you and others in your life
- Is understanding of your needs and acts with no judgment
- Is open to speaking with your therapists and implement home programs, for example a Home Exercise Program prescribed by an Exercise Physiologist
- Is able to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately
- Is adequately trained in line with your specific support needs. If you require manual handling support, it is important to ensure the support worker provider has trained their staff to use the equipment you need to ensure their and your safety.
If you feel your 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 supports 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 support workers 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
Review the MyCareSpace Core Support: Quick Guide for further information.
Where do I find a Support Worker?
MyCareSpace offer a FREE concierge service where our Connections Team review your details and source services in your local area with capacity to support you. It’s that easy!
All you have to do is provide your details and basic information on what you are looking for. Cleaning? Gardening? Self-care assistance? Let the team know!
The Connections Team will provide you with some options to choose from to ensure you are in control of your provider choices.
If you wish to browse for options yourself, access the MyCareSpace Provider Directory. Remember to add a keyword, category filter, your suburb/postcode and the radius of service providers you wish to access from your location.
NDIS THERAPY FINDER - FREE SERVICE
LET US FIND YOU A SKILLED SUPPORT WORKER
