Choose the Best Support Worker for You

For those who experience disability, finding the right support worker in Australia can make a huge difference in their quality of life. 

If you have Core supports funding within your NDIS plan, then you likely have the option to have a support worker for reasonable and necessary supports. A support worker can ensure you gain access to the best services and consumables for you while supporting you emotionally and physically. 

You’ll likely spend a significant amount of time with your support worker, so ensuring they’re likeable and understand your needs is essential. 

Support workers can help you with:

• Household tasks including cooking and cleaning
• Personal care including showering, eating, and dressing 
• Moving around your home 
• Access to transport 
• Learning new skills and participating in your community 

1. Review their background 

A support worker will be in your home and likely helping with highly personal tasks. That’s why it’s critical to review a support worker’s background and ensure they’re qualified and reliable. 

Some things to ask for include: 

• References –– ask to speak to at least two people who they’ve previously worked for. 
• Qualifications –– your support worker should have training in support work or care and basic first aid training. 
• Police clearances –– it’s also important to request a police check and approval to work with children, if appropriate. 

Asking for these things will also give you the peace of mind that you can trust the person who’s in your home. 

2. Chat to your support worker 

Before choosing a support worker, we recommend speaking to a few different people first. A support worker will likely come into your home, meet your family, and help you with personal tasks. It’s essential then, that you feel comfortable with this person and that you trust them to help you meet your goals. 

Along with professionalism, it’s important that your support worker is personable and friendly and that you both get on well. Have a relaxed chat with them first to ensure you’re the right fit for each other. 

3. Ask for recommendations 

Before diving in and choosing someone, it can be helpful to ask around your network for recommendations. You can also see whether a person has been reviewed before to help increase peace of mind. 

At myAutonomy we work with a number of support workers, and we’re happy to provide recommendations for support workers in Australia to suit your needs. 

4. Ensure your schedules match

It’s important to consider the supports you’ll need and whether your support worker will be able to fulfil those needs. If, for example, you require someone to help you shower, cook and clean, and more, then it’s important to ensure your support worker has a flexible schedule and the ability to help you with those tasks –– or at least can organise that those tasks are completed each day. 

Before choosing a support worker, ask about their schedule and availability to ensure there are no surprises down the line. 

5. Create a service agreement 

Before agreeing to partner with a support worker, it’s essential to create a Service Agreement. A Service Agreement ensures that the expectations for both parties are agreed upon before you begin working together. 

The agreement will also outline the different aspects of support, the associated costs, and ways to terminate the contract if needed. A Service Agreement can protect you and ensure that if your needs aren’t being met, you can change support workers. 

While it can seem daunting to choose the right support worker for you, following these steps will help ensure you get the right fit. 

At myAutonomy, we’re here to help you on your journey. Have a question? We’re on hand to offer assistance. Contact us on 1300 60 33 89 or at [email protected]