The importance of Establishing Appropriate Boundaries with Support Workers
Finding the appropriate Support Workers can be tricky - but Gem Support Coordination have some tips and prompts to ensure your relationship with your Support Workers is a professional, comfortable and respectable one.
When you are in the process of finding a Support Worker that ticks all the boxes (see Facebook post here), you need to attend a ‘Meet & Greet’ to ensure your shortlisted contenders are a good fit.
Clients can sometimes feel vulnerable when opening up their home and disclosing medical information to potential Support Workers. It is encouraged to have a loved one with you to take note of the various points of discussion and any concerns they may have on behalf of the client and their home. If a client requires more support for such meetings, a Support Coordinator can be present for these initial meetings to facilitate a productive and relevant discussion around a clients needs, preferences and most importantly - their boundaries.
As human beings, our dignity is a precious commodity we wish to keep. To avoid any miscommunication, these boundaries need to be clearly stipulated prior to the Support Worker coming on board to assist. A clear, concise and stipulated list of activities and requirements - along with any verbal/physical boundaries each client needs to make the most of their NDIS funding - needs to be included in the Service Agreement drawn up to commence the Support Worker’s role.
If you’re still unsure what it is you need from your Support Worker, engage any other allied health professionals such as your General Practitioner, specialists, Occupational Therapist (OT), Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist, Counsellor - the holistic team of professionals you have engaged to facilitate your healthcare, and to stipulate any other concerns they may have.
Lastly, ensuring there are alternatives and fail safes on board to navigate continuity of care with your Support Workers is something else to consider when hiring support.
If you would like more information, please contact Meagan@gemsc.com.au to learn more.