If you or someone you love is living with a disability, you know being a support worker is no easy feat. From assisting with daily tasks to facilitating community engagement and providing emotional support, disability workers play key roles in participants’ development and quality of life.
But what exactly do NDIS disability support workers do, and how do their duties make a positive difference in the lives of participants and their loved ones? In this article, we’ll discuss the responsibilities of disability support workers and provide insights into the duties they may offer on a day-to-day basis.
What is a Disability Support Worker?
A disability support worker is a qualified professional who helps individuals with disabilities manage their daily activities and be more independent. They offer care and encouragement, assisting with things like personal care, getting around, or taking part in community activities. Their role is to support the well-being and development of the people and communities they work with.
What Are Their Duties?
A disability support worker's duties vary from client to client and usually depend on an individual’s disability support needs and NDIS plan. In general, however, support workers assist with:
Personal care
Hygiene needs
Community engagement and social needs
Emotional support
Personal Care
Disability coordinators assist clients with a range of personal care and support tasks, including:
Household chores, such as laundry, dishes, cooking, vacuuming, and mopping
Daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, taking medication, and eating and drinking
Mobility support, such as operating hoists, aiding wheelchair and walker use, and helping clients sit, stand, walk, or lie down
General tasks, including helping with paperwork, shopping, and attending appointments
Hygiene Needs
Sometimes, individuals with disabilities need a bit of assistance with hygiene tasks. Disability support workers can help with:
Showering/bathing
Using the toilet
Shaving
Teeth cleaning
Hair brushing
Skincare
Grooming
Menstruation care
Community Engagement and Social Needs
Engaging in the community and fulfilling social needs are important for quality of life. Disability support workers foster community engagement by:
Accompanying clients to community events and activities
Assisting with transportation to appointments, outings and other errands
Facilitating participation in hobbies and interests to promote enrichment
Encouraging the development of friendships and social networks
Emotional Support
NDIS disability coordinators offer more than physical supports for their clients. They are also there to lean on when participants need emotional support and comfort. These duties might look like:
A listening ear to combat feelings of loneliness or helplessness
Comfort and reassurance during trying times
Verbal encouragement and motivation to achieve goals or engage in activities
Facilitating discussions or access to mental health professionals or services
Care Up: Compassionate Companions Making a Difference
The roles of a disability support worker vary from day to day, but the impacts they have on their clients are certain. From assisting with household chores to helping NDIS participants retain their independence and engage with their communities, disability workers provide essential services that aim to enrich their clients' lives.
If you or a loved one are looking for a qualified and compassionate support coordinator in Sydney, reach out to the Care Up team. As registered NDIS providers, we offer dignified disability support services to eligible participants of all ages and support needs. Contact us for more information.
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