Support Workers: How Small Tasks Create Big Wins for Clients

  

Hey all, this is going to be a controversial post, and it ties into the overview of the podcast this year. There are some dangerous lines that you shouldn’t utter in front of management.

In support and care work, I’ve learned from talking with support workers that there is never truly “nothing to do.” So here are some suggestions for support workers in in-home care or SIL homes. I want to address something I’ve heard people say: “I’m not a cleaner,” or “I can’t do that because of an injury.” If that’s the case, it’s worth asking: is it safe for you to continue as a support worker, or should you focus on roles like community access? There are no ifs, buts, or maybes around this—personal care and cleaning are a significant part of the job, even in community access.

Many people see support work glorified on social media and only realise later that it involves much more effort, cleaning, and planning than they anticipated. When it feels like there’s “nothing to do,” that’s often because you have a well-oiled team or a well-organized home. However, being able to engage and be proactive with clients is essential.

Here’s an example from my own experience: my support workers recently moved a chest of drawers that had been sitting in the garage for nearly 18 months into my housemate’s room. She’s a full-time mobility aid user, and now her hair accessories are in the drawers instead of being scattered or hard to reach, and her walk-in closet is much more organized. This has made her space far more functional and easier for her to navigate.

As a client, I believe there is always something to do, especially in an in-home care setting. Some tasks may fall outside a support worker’s scope of practice, but that’s when collaboration with the housing team or other professionals comes into play. If cleaning can’t be done, do you need a cleaner or domestic assistance? If it’s a clinical task, do you need training or a community nurse to help?

Here’s a list of suggestions for what support workers can do when it feels like there’s nothing left:

• Cleaning the fridge
• Defrosting the freezer
• Meal prepping/planning with what you found
• Creating meal plans with allied health teams
• Moving furniture to vacuum or clean underneath
• Cleaning a client's bedding—not just changing the sheets, but washing blankets and donnas,( comforter's)  airing pillows, and vacuuming the mattress
• Wiping down touch points with disinfectant wipes, like taps, light switches, and window handles
• Cleaning a client’s wardrobe and sorting clothes with them
• Soaking backpacks and lunch boxes when needed
• Organizing or doing crafts with clients
• Mopping floors
• Wiping down mobility aids, like wheelchairs or walkers
• Ironing clothes
• Ensuring clients are organized, such as keeping their important documents or belongings in order

Some of these might already be on a checklist, but what makes a great support worker stand out is opening their eyes, seeing what needs to be done, and taking the initiative to do it without being asked.

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