What to Do When Your NDIS Support Worker Changes
A familiar support worker can become an integral part of an NDIS participant’s daily life. Over a matter of time, they begin to know your likes, dislikes, communication needs, routines, and goals. Therefore, any change in the support worker can be unfelt at times.
Whether a switch is on the participant’s end or the support worker’s end, having proper communication and assistance during the transition can make a world of a difference. With adequate support, a participant can continue to be empowered and respected in their decision-making throughout the process.
Why Can a Change in Support Worker Feel Difficult?
Disability support is subjective and can be based on personal preference. This can include activities as personal routines, home duties, excursions in the community or learning new skills.
It is possible that a participant may feel more at ease with assistance provided by a specific individual. This can be due to the manner of communication or developed routines regarding shopping, excursions, chores, appointments or other activities.
A substitute worker may have a different approach, which does not necessarily mean that they will not be effective for the participant. It simply means that there may need to be a period of adjustment for both the participant and support worker.
Start with Clear Communication
One of the critical aspects in providing care is communicating expectations.
Parties involved including participants and their families can communicate several key preferences including:
The best mode of communication
- Routines
- Various types of activities that the participant will enjoy
- What the participant does not want to do
- What the participant wants help doing
- Any safety concerns
- Community events or appointments
- Participants’ likes or dislikes
A good support plan should be personalized and not based on a one-size-fits-all approach for participants.
Bliss Disability Care Services acknowledges that their approach to support people living with disabilities is to develop unique support plans for each participant based on their needs and preferences.
Give the New Support Worker Time to Understand Your Routine
The first few shifts with a new support worker may be a bit strange. After all, it takes time to build a rapport.
Rather than holding out for a perfect worker, use the early time to discuss expectations and give advice
For instance, if you have a preferred way of doing things in the morning, explain to them why you do it that way. Or, if there are specific items you want to do by yourself, remind them.
That way, you can help them know what their job is and what they shouldn’t interfere with.
Keep the Participant Involved
A change in support worker should not be considered as a reason for making decisions on behalf of the participant.
When appropriate, participants should be consulted to ensure their preferences in terms of activities, routines, methods of communication and type of help they wish to receive are respected.
The NDIS promotes the importance of participant’s choice and control as a key feature of the scheme, which makes their preferences a significant factor in arranging their supports.
Focus on Consistency, Not Just Familiarity
Having the same support worker may help, but consistency also comes through with having clear information and understanding of procedures.
Having different support workers who work with a participant may require the following information:
- Regular schedules
- Important procedures
- Preferences
- Communication and notification requirements
- Relevant instructions or guidance
- Goals being worked on
- Activities and any commitments within the participant’s community
Effective communication between the participant, their family or carers, and the provider can help bring about a more consistent support experience.
When Should You Raise Concerns?
Not every aspect of differences between the workers can be considered a problem. People tend to have different personalities and approaches to work.
Nevertheless, the participants must be at ease bringing up any issues regarding the lack of service or respect to their needs, dignity, or boundaries.
It is critical to have a dialogue with the provider to establish an appropriate course of action.
A good disability support provider will heed the participants’ complaints and address their specific needs.
Finding the Right Support Approach
At Bliss Disability Care Services, we offer a range of supports that are personable, involving services such as assistance with personal activities, home duties, community and social participation, everyday living and life-skills building, support-coordination and supported independent living.
The right support relationship should empower the participant, ensuring that they feel heard and respected as well as able to accomplish their goals.
A new support worker does not need to mean a new beginning where everything has to be re-established. With the right communication and expectations set, a new support worker can evolve into a great opportunity for both parties involved.
If you are looking into services for disability support or need help arranging changing support needs, talking to an experienced NDIS provider would be a good first step.
FAQs
Discuss your routines, preferences, communication style and support requirements with the new worker and provider.
There is no fixed timeframe. It can take several shifts or longer depending on the participant, the type of support and the existing routine.
Yes. Explaining your preferred routines, communication style and boundaries can help establish a more comfortable support relationship.
Raise your concerns with the provider as early as possible. Clear communication can help identify the issue and determine an appropriate solution.
Consistent communication, routines and understanding of participant preferences can make support more predictable and comfortable while helping participants work towards their goals.
