As someone who helps people with disabilities, it's hard to say what their roles and responsibilities are. This is because they are tied to someone else's daily life and their own. "What to expect from your disability support worker" will depend on how well they do those daily tasks without getting irritated and how well they get along with the people they work with. Disability support workers are trained professionals whose job is to help their clients make life easier so that they can do as many things on their own as possible. One of a disability support worker's jobs is to help disabled and elderly people with daily tasks. Some of these are helping with personal cleanliness, getting around, shopping, cooking, housework, and planning social events. In this blog, we will discuss the roles and responsibilities of an NDIS support worker.
The top roles of NDIS support workers
NDIS support workers are essential for ensuring people get the help they need. The work they do can improve someone's quality of life. Disability support workers for the NDIS may help clients with this.
1. Daily activities
Support workers often help with housework to ensure participants' living spaces are safe and cosy. These jobs include laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and general housekeeping. By taking care of these tasks, support workers improve the health and quality of life of the people they work with.
2. Overseeing timely medication
A lot of people who use the NDIS need to take medicine to help with their illness. Support workers for the NDIS check on these volunteers to make sure they get the medicine they need. If you get sick out of the blue and need medicine right away, the support worker will call medical services for help. They will also make sure you are taking the right medicines.
Tips: Read Tips for planning and preparing a loved one for respite care home.
3. Making personalised support plans
Because every case is different, NDIS help doesn't work the same way for everyone. So, it is the NDIS support worker's job to talk to the participant about how to coordinate their help. The NDIS support worker will listen to your requests to make a support plan at the meetings for the organisation of support. Each person's goals and wants, and these plans must meet requests. The support worker must also make sure that all of the client's needs are met and that the money given covers all the services that are needed. Check out what NDIS plan management is here.
4. Social activities and community participation
Support workers for the NDIS are very important for helping people become part of their communities and make friends. They make it easier for people to get to social and recreational activities, go with them to events or meetings, and help them connect with local community groups. Support workers help people build important relationships and live fuller lives by helping them make new friends.
5. Emotional support
An important part of an NDIS support worker's job is to offer emotional help. They listen, care, and understand the people participating, which is good for their mental health. People who work as support workers also speak up for people and make sure their rights are respected. Some of the things they do are help people talk to each other, make decisions, and say what they want and need.
6. Transport service
A support worker must always be able to get NDIS users where they need to go. The support worker has to make sure the client is driven safely, whether they are going on a trip or to a medical visit. Being able to find cars that are accessible by wheelchair, have better air conditioning, and have enough room for the client is important. If you list these travel services as needs, the NDIS support plan should cover them. Check out how Accessibility in public spaces can break barriers for NDIS participants.
7. Reporting and keeping records
Documentation and reporting that are correct are very important parts of an NDIS support worker's job. They keep track of their interactions with participants, write down what's going on, and let the right people know about any changes or worries. This knowledge helps with planning for the future and making decisions about care continuity.
8. Getting along with family and other people
Helpers from the NDIS will make sure that families of people with disabilities are a part of the programme. They might give them information about the programme and how they can help their family members. The worker might also talk to teachers at the places where their clients go to school. By doing this, NDIS members can be sure that they can reach their educational goals in a good setting. Getting these people involved makes sure that everyone does their part to make sure that events can go from one place and time to another without any problems.
What makes a good disability support worker?
Disability support workers must not only take disability support classes to get a certificate or licence, but they must also have these qualities to be successful in their job:
1. Patience
Working with older people and disabled people isn't always easy because they think in different ways than most people. You have to be patient to learn how to deal with these differences in a way that helps them reach their goals.
2. Organisation skills
In this line of work, there will be paperwork. Every day, you might have a lot of different things that need to be done on time. That's why you need to keep everything in order.
3. Empathy
Disability support workers also help their clients feel better emotionally. Because many disabled people don't make much or any money, they help their clients learn how to manage their time and money. They might work with the family of a client to help them understand their wants and goals so they can help them in the best way possible.
4. Communication skills
There will be a range of needs among the people you work with. This means you should pay close attention when people talk. The way you talk to your clients should also be clear so that they know what you want them to do.
Conclusion
Lastly, NDIS support workers do a lot more than what is required of them. They get to know the participants well and often become trusted friends and supporters. Support workers help people with disabilities deal with problems, become more resilient, and live a full life by listening, encouraging, and showing genuine care. What’s more fulfilling than having an NDIS provider with support workers that are experts?
Care Assure is a registered NDIS provider with professional support workers who take your needs first. Our focus, empathy, and dedication give our participants the tools they need to live independent, worthwhile lives even when they face problems. We ensure to follow the NDIS's rules to help make society more open and fair so that everyone has the same chance to succeed. If you need support workers to care for your loved ones, Care Assure is the right place to go. Your satisfaction is our main concern.
Frequently asked questions
How do NDIS Support Workers communicate with participants and their families?
Effective communication involves active listening, clear articulation, and the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the participant's needs.
How does an NDIS Support Worker handle challenging behaviours?
Support Workers should undergo training in behaviour management strategies and work closely with behavioural specialists to address and manage challenging behaviours.
Can NDIS support workers administer medications?
Our Support Workers adhere to strict guidelines that prioritise participant safety. While they do not typically administer medications, they excel in providing medication prompts and ensuring compliance with prescribed regimens under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
How do support workers promote community inclusion and social participation?
Community inclusion is a key focus at NDIS, therefore, Care Assure ensures it’s part of our goals. Our support workers actively engage participants in community activities, leverage local resources, and establish connections, promoting a sense of belonging and social integration.
How does Care Assure differentiate itself in the provision of NDIS support services?
Care Assure distinguishes itself through a commitment to personalised, high-quality care. Our Support Workers are not just caregivers; they are dedicated partners in each participant's journey, providing assurance and peace of mind through compassionate and reliable support services.
