Support Workers

There are several ways an NDIS disability support worker with formal qualifications can benefit someone with a disability. This includes:

• Promoting independence – a support worker can assist with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, and bathing, making it easier for someone with a disability to take care of themselves and live in the community.
• Boosting confidence – support workers can encourage their clients and make a positive difference in their lives. They listen, talk, and spend time with people, which can help them feel happier and more connected to others.
• Skills development – support workers can help people with disability learn and practice new skills, such as communication and socialisation skills, learning how to budget, catch public transport, do the grocery shopping, or take part in their favourite hobbies.
• Social engagement – support workers help individuals participate in social activities and interact with others. This can lead to new friendships, improved communication skills, and a greater sense of belonging within the community.
• Personalised care – under the NDIS, support workers provide individualised support that is tailored to the person’s unique NDIS care plans and set goals, helping them achieve a life that is meaningful to them.
• Empowerment – support workers stand up for the human rights of people with disability. They help people access resources, services, and opportunities so they can thrive in life and overcome the barriers they may face in society.
• Practical assistance – a personal care worker can help with tasks such as household chores, managing appointments, and managing medication. This helps people navigate daily life more easily and access the services they need.
• Better wellbeing – a mental health support worker can help people with mental health conditions by providing day-to-day support, guidance, encouragement and practical assistance with daily living.

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a government program in Australia that provides support and assistance to people with disability. It provides funding to help participants access the services they need to achieve their goals and participate in their communities. This includes things like therapy, equipment, home modifications, personal care, and assistance with daily activities. It also includes funding for a support worker that can assist with a person’s daily needs.

Home Caring provides quality NDIS supports for people with disability. We’ll work with you to create a support plan that meets your needs, and deliver services that make a positive impact on your life. For more information, please get in touch with our customer services team.

The NDIS provides funding for people with disability to hire a support worker that can help them engage with community activities, live independently and reach their personal goals. To access a disability worker through the NDIS, here are the steps that you need to take:

• First, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS. To qualify, you need to be under 65 years old at the time of your application, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate fully in everyday activities. You can check your eligibility using the online checklist on the NDIS website.
• NDIS Application: Complete an application for the NDIS, either online or over the phone. You’ll need to providing information about your disability, functional limitations, and the supports you currently receive. You can also have someone submit an application on your behalf.
• After submitting your application, an NDIS representative will contact you to schedule an assessment. This helps determine your eligibility for the NDIS and the level of support you may require.
• If you are eligible, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting with an NDIS planner. This is to develop your NDIS plan, which outlines your goals and the support you need. You can discuss your preference for a support worker during this meeting. Afterwards, your NDIS plan will be reviewed and approved. It will detail the funding allocated for your support needs, including funding for a support worker.
• Once you have your approved NDIS plan, you can start the process of finding a support worker. You can choose your own disability care worker who is self-employed, or engage a service provider to help you find a suitable match.
• Once you’ve found a support worker who best meets your needs, you can negotiate terms, such as hours of support, tasks, and rates. Make sure they have relevant qualifications, experience, and a willingness to support you based on your NDIS plan.

The amount you may have to pay for a community support worker depends on whether you are eligible for funding through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). If you are eligible, the NDIS provides funding to cover the cost of a support worker, based on your individual plan and the level of support you require. Keep in mind that the NDIA sets price limits for NDIS worker rates, to ensure reasonable and fair pricing. They can serve as a reference point when you discuss pricing with a support worker you are thinking of hiring.

It’s also possible to hire a private support worker or personal care assistant, if you don’t have access to NDIS funding. If you are hiring private carers, you can choose and negotiate terms with the individual support worker directly. This includes negotiating the hourly rate, working hours, specific tasks, and any additional requirements. This can give you more flexibility and control over the hiring process and the type of support you receive.

So you’ve just been approved for NDIS funding, and you’re looking for community support workers who can provide disability assistance. How do you find the person who is right for you? Here are some questions you can ask when interviewing caregivers or contacting a support worker agency, to help guide your decision making.

• What qualifications and certifications do you have relevant to disability support?
• How many years of experience do you have in providing disability support?
• Have you worked with someone with similar needs or conditions as mine before?
• What specific skills or areas of expertise do you have that are relevant to my needs?
• Are you trained in specific techniques or interventions that may benefit me?
• Are you comfortable and knowledgeable about any assistive devices or technology I rely on?
• What are your available working hours and days?
• Are you open to occasional schedule changes or additional hours if needed?
• How much notice do you require for schedule adjustments or time off?
• What types of support and services can you provide?
• Are you comfortable assisting with personal care, household tasks, or transportation?
• Are there any limitations or restrictions on the types of tasks you can perform?
• How do you approach building a positive working relationship with your clients?
• How do you handle communication and collaboration with the client and their family?
• Can you provide references from other clients or families you have worked with?
• How do you maintain professional boundaries and ensure client confidentiality?
• What is your approach to respecting my privacy and personal preferences?
• How do you ensure that the support you provide is tailored to my specific needs and goals?
• Can you describe your approach to person-centred care and promoting my independence?
• How do you involve me in decision-making and goal-setting processes?
• How do you handle transitions or handovers when another support worker is required to step in?
• Are you open to collaborating with other professionals involved in my care, such as therapists or doctors?

Support workers and aged care workers both provide care, but they focus on different groups of vulnerable people in the community.

A support worker is a community care worker who provides support to people with disability of varying ages. They help their clients live more independently and participate fully in their communities. Often, they assist with tasks such as personal care, household chores, transportation, and accessing community activities.

An aged care support worker is specifically focused on providing care and support to elderly people who need help with daily activities. Aged care workers help older adults maintain their quality of life and independence as much as possible. They often assist with tasks like personal hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, and emotional support.

Yes, if you aren’t happy with the care support worker you have, you can change to someone else. Under the NDIS, you have the right to find a different personal support worker who better meets your needs. Here are some things to consider when changing support workers:

• Try to have an open and honest conversation with your current support worker to discuss your concerns or reasons for wanting to make a change.
• Contact the NDIS and request a plan review. During the review, you can discuss your dissatisfaction with your current support worker and explain why you would like to change. The NDIS will consider your request and assess whether a change is appropriate.
• While the NDIS plan review is underway, you can start searching for a new support worker. You have the freedom to choose a support worker who you feel is a better fit for you.
• Once you have found a new support worker, inform the NDIS about your decision and provide them with the necessary details. This ensures that the NDIS is aware of the change and can update your plan accordingly.

An NDIS support worker can help you with your mental health, as part of caring for your wellbeing. They can be there to listen to you, understand your feelings, and help you deal with challenging situations or stress. They can also assist with daily activities like planning meals, doing household tasks, and taking care of yourself.

A social support worker can also help you with social engagement. They can accompany you to social events, encourage you to participate in community activities, and help you connect with others. They can teach you practical skills to manage your mental health, such as relaxation techniques, ways to cope with stress, and problem-solving strategies. If you are receiving therapy or counselling for your mental health, support workers can work together with your therapist to put into practice the strategies and goals discussed in your treatment plan.

It’s important to note that while a support worker may have training in mental health care, they may not be a professional mental health worker, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. But they can work alongside these professionals and be a valuable part of your support network. If you require specialised mental health interventions, it may be helpful to include funding for services like psychology, professional counselling services, or psychiatric support in your NDIS plan.