At Living My Way, we believe that you are the expert in your own life. That means you deserve to have a Support Worker who is most suited to your needs. Someone who respects your choices, supports your independence, and makes everyday life a little easier and even more enjoyable.
But how do you go about choosing the right Support Worker? The good news is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The ideal Support Worker for you is the one who fits your needs, your goals and your lifestyle. And we’re here to support you to make that choice.
First, what does a Support Worker do?
A Support Worker is someone who assists you with different areas of daily living, whether that’s getting out and about, helping with personal care, supporting you with learning or social activities, or simply being a steady presence by your side.
But they’re more than just a helping hand. A great Support Worker builds a respectful, trusting and professional relationship with you. They listen to you, and they help empower you to live life your way.
So how do you know who might be a good match? Let’s explore the qualities that can help you decide.
What to look for in your ideal Support Worker
Here are some of the important things to think about when choosing your Support Worker:
1. Communication style
Do you prefer someone who’s chatty and energetic? Or calm and quiet? Maybe you like lots of feedback, or maybe you appreciate people who get things done with minimal conversation. Your communication preferences matter – and so do theirs.
It’s also worth thinking about how your Support Worker takes instructions from you. Are they good at listening? Do they ask questions when something isn’t clear? Good communication is a two-way street.
2. Shared interests
Support doesn’t have to be boring! If you enjoy sport, art, music, or gaming, it can be great to find a Support Worker who may also share that passion. Having common interests can help your time together feel natural, fun and more enjoyable.
Plus, shared hobbies can be a great way to build rapport and keep things positive.
3. Language and culture
If English isn’t your first language, or if your cultural background is an important part of who you are, choosing someone who understands this can make a big difference. You might want a Support Worker who speaks your language, shares your traditions, or just understands what’s important to you and your family.
4. Skills and experience
Depending on your needs, you might want a Support Worker with specific skills. This may include experience with personal care, knowledge of mental health supports, or confidence in using assistive technology.
Think about the types of support you may need now and in the future. Are you working toward independence with transport? Building up to live on your own? Learning new skills? Think about what Support Worker will most suit your journey.
5. Reliability and flexibility
Trust is built on consistency. Your ideal Support Worker should be reliable and show up when they say they will. But flexibility can also be important, especially if your schedule sometimes changes, or if you want to be spontaneous now and then.
6. Respect and boundaries
A great Support Worker respects your choices, your space, and your goals. They support you without taking over. They understand the importance of privacy and maintain professional boundaries, while still being warm and approachable.
A checklist to help you decide
Here’s a simple checklist to help you think about what matters most to you when choosing a Support Worker:
- Do I feel comfortable around this person?
- Do they listen and communicate in a way that works for me?
- Do they respect my independence and choices?
- Do we have shared interests or common ground?
- Do they understand or respect my culture, language, or values?
- Do they have the skills or experience I need?
- Are they reliable and professional?
- Can they support me to work toward my goals?
- Do they make me feel safe and included?
You don’t have to tick every box, but the more you can say “yes” to, the more confident you may feel in your choice.
You have the power to choose
One of the best parts of Living My Way’s Employ Your Own Support Worker service is that it puts you in charge.
You choose who supports you, when they work, and how that support looks day-to-day, while we are here to help you every step of the way, from recruitment and setup to payroll and ongoing support.
Want to know more?
If you’re ready to explore the Employ Your Own Support Worker option, or just want to have a chat about what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help you find the right support.
Please reach out to the Living My Way team today and take the next step toward living life your way.
You can call us on (02) 8525 4000, email us via operations@lmwl.org.au or complete our online enquiry form.
