What does a Support Worker do? Understanding the role of Caregivers.
Support workers are essentially paid carers who play a valuable role in providing care and assistance to those in need, such as anyone living with a disability or chronic health condition who struggles with daily tasks; those recovering from an injury or illness who may benefit from a helping hand; or even un-paid carers looking for respite care to take a break from their caring duties.
But what exactly does a support worker do and what are their responsibilities?
The answer to that question can be tricky because the responsibilities of a support worker can be as varied as the people they work with and their specific needs. And a good support worker tailors their approach to each person they work with. That being said, there are some everyday tasks support workers will engage in. These typically include:
Assisting with daily living skills such as personal care (bathing, dressing, and grooming), meal preparation, and medication management. At West Coast Ability, we like to take this one step further and help develop these skills while promoting greater independence in the long term.
Providing companionship and emotional support. Support workers end up spending a lot of time with the individuals they care for, and it’s not uncommon to find support workers and the people they help develop a friendship. A good support worker can provide a valuable source of support and companionship. They may engage in conversation, play games, or be there to provide a listening ear. At West Coast Ability, we also encourage those we help to engage in community and social events and assist you in employment or volunteering positions if that’s something you’d like to do.
Assisting with transportation to appointments and social events. This can include helping you get to necessary appointments (like therapy sessions and doctor visits). Support workers can also help get you to community activities and social gatherings.
Coordinating with healthcare professionals and family members to ensure the best possible care. In many cases, support workers have a great responsibility to be the link between healthcare providers and the individuals they care for. Whether that’s translating medical jargon into plain speak or facilitating communication between the person they’re helping and their family. Most importantly, support workers will assist the individual their caring for in making supported decisions.
Helping individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Support workers are there to care for a person and help them develop their independence to navigate the world when help isn’t on hand.
At West Coast Ability, our support workers have ample experience providing care and assistance to needy individuals. They have all the qualities of a good support worker and are committed to ensuring that the individuals they care for receive the best care and support.
If you or a loved one needs some support, please get in touch with us today.