What to look for in a carer or support worker

Choosing your own independent support worker is a great way to make sure you receive the support that’s just right for you. But it can also be a daunting task, especially with so much choice out there. How do you know if someone will provide you with good quality care? What questions should you ask in your first meeting? What qualities should you consider when you are deciding between different candidates?

Here are 10 qualities to lookfor when choosing a carer, health professional or support worker for yourself or a loved one.

• They treat you as a person, not a task

  It goes without saying that a support worker should see you as more than a task to be completed. Rather than simply going through the motions, choose someone who takes the time to chat to you and get to know you. They should be able to empathise with you, treat you with kindness, and genuinely enjoy your company.

• They have experience

  While being new to the caring industry isn’t a deal-breaker, it helps if your carer has some experience supporting people who are in a similar situation to you. A good way to find out what kind of experience a prospective carer has is to ask them about previous clients they’ve had, and the kinds of things they’ve done to support them with daily living.

• You trust them

  Having someone in your home to perform domestic or personal jobs requires a significant amount of vulnerability. It’s important to choose someone who is trustworthy and safe – who you and your family not only feel comfortable with, but can trust with your home security and personal safety.

• They are qualified

  Make sure you check any relevant qualifications that your support worker should have, especially if you require nursing, personal care or allied health services. At Support Network, we require all of our carers to have a Working With Children check (if they work with kids) and a police check. You can find out what qualifications are needed for different services here

• You get along with them

  You’ll be spending a lot of time with your support worker, depending on how many hours a week you require care. It’s important to choose someone you can get along with. After all, your support partnership will benefit in the long-run if you enjoy each other’s company! If you are more comfortable speaking a language other than English, consider finding a carer who can speak the same language as you.

• They live locally

  Hiring a local support worker has many benefits: it’s convenient for both parties, they know your community services well, and they can be more flexible to your needs when it comes to last minute changes. Support Network allows you to search for a carer or support worker based on their postcode or suburb. Find out more or register to find a carer in your area today.

• They can handle the unexpected

  Things can go wrong, even with thebest support worker and care plan. Choose someone who is flexible, competent and adept at dealing with problems. To get an idea of how they handle the unexpected, ask questions such as “what would you do if your client had a fall?” or “my child has meltdowns sometimes. What would you do if they had one while you are out of the house?”

• They listen well

  A support worker should respect your choices and opinions. To do this, they need to be a very good listener. Before hiring someone, consider if they take feedback onboard, listen to your requests, and keep the lines of communication open. You won’t be able to receive great care if you feel like you are being constantly ignored or misunderstood.

• They are patient

  Working with someone with diminished capabilities requires plenty of patience and compassion. Choose a carer who is calm, pleasant and patient, even when things take longer than usual or the client may take some time to communicate their needs. Anger or irritability are warning signs that a carer isn’table to provide optimal care.

• They are committed to providing an excellent service

  There’s a big difference betweenjust finishing a task and going theextra mile to ensure someone is being well cared for. Sometimes it’s the little things that show how committed a support worker is to your wellbeing. Choose someone who is passionate about their job and makes the effort to deliver excellent care.

To search for an independent support worker in Australia or post your own job ad, register for free with Support Network.