Choosing the right person for disability care services might seem scary, and that is okay. With your NDIS funding, you can have a say in who your support worker will be. You need someone who understands what help you need, and what your personal goals are. Having someone who gets on with you and helps you feel confident and independent is really important. This article will explain what to expect from a disability support worker from NDIS registered providers.
What Does A Support Worker Do?
A support worker will help you fulfil the personal goals that are outlined in your NDIS plan. They will also help you with daily tasks like:
- Daily living - they may help with tasks like showering, eating, medication, or mobility needs
- Home tasks - they might help with cleaning or food prep in the home
- Help in the community - they might take you to or help you attend and participate in events in the community
- Friendship - they provide emotional support and conversation to help you with social skills and interaction
- Life skills - they may help you with certain life skills to help you maintain your independence
These are just some of the services that NDIS registered providers can help you with.
What Qualifications Should NDIS Service Providers Have?
NDIS carers should have experience in assisting individuals with NDIS funding. They should have the following qualifications and expertise:
- Proven experience of providing disability care services for individuals with NDIS funding
- Have evidence of passing the NDIS Worker Screening Check, which includes checks with the police and for working with children
- Passed all the NDIS training for quality, safety, and COVID-19 training
- An up-to-date first aid certificate
- A valid Australian driving licence
They should also be prepared to sign a Service Agreement with you to help confirm their understanding and commitment to helping you achieve the goals in your NDIS care plan.
What Personal Qualities Should A Support Worker Have?
Support workers should be patient, caring and understanding. They need to care about the individual they are working with, and show commitment to helping them maintain independence. They should also have good interpersonal skills and enjoy working with others. They need to be able to interact with individuals in the community, including healthcare providers and people in public situations.
What Is A Service Agreement?
A service agreement is a professional agreement between you and your support worker. It should include:
- A care plan
- Contact details of the support worker
- The total cost per hour and the overall cost for any short term support
- The cancellation policy and notice period of the support worker
- Information for handling any disputes regarding care service
This helps to protect you and your support worker with the help of a contract. It’s a great way of making sure all parties are on the same page with the care plan required.
Finding A Disability Support Worker
If you need NDIS service providers like HomeCaring, you can look in your local area, or ask for support during your NDIS planning meeting. Finding the right support for you can help ensure that you can meet your personal goals and obtain the full benefits of the NDIS care plan.