Annie in wonderland

 Support work can be challenging, but music can provide comfort, energy, and a sense of solidarity. Here’s a lighthearted list of songs that resonate with different aspects of care work, from medication support to meal planning. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or just want to appreciate their efforts, these tunes hit the right notes. 1. "Witch Doctor" by David Seville Theme : Medication Support This playful song reminds us of the often mystifying world of medications and treatments. The catchy “oo-ee-oo-ah-ah” can lighten the mood, making the process of helping clients with medication routines a little less clinical. 2. "Seconds from Violence" by The Exploited Theme : Positive Behavior Support (Therapeutic Support) Sometimes things can escalate quickly in care settings, especially when emotions run high. This song’s raw energy mirrors the intensity of managing challenging behaviors, reminding us of the importance of de-escalation and therapeutic support. 3.

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share that my content platforms are growing, which is fantastic. As the NDIS evolves and support work becomes more common, I’ve noticed some agencies opt not to use uniforms for privacy reasons. So, how do you present yourself professionally without a set uniform? Dress Appropriately for the Shift First and foremost, dress for the type of shift you're scheduled for. What you wear for a group day trip might be very different from a personal care shift. Keep in mind that personal care can happen at any time, so it’s essential to always be prepared. Having a change of clothes or a "go bag" in your car—or keeping one at a Supported Independent Living (SIL) facility or group home—can be a lifesaver. It’s also a good idea to have some snacks stashed away for long or unexpected shifts. Consider the Weather and Organization Culture When dressing for your shift, remember to dress for the weather. Whether it’s hot, cold, or raining, you'll want to b

### The Power of Lived Experience: Bridging the Gaps in Disability Care In my recent video [insert link to the video], I touched on the importance of lived experience and the need for diverse voices in conversations about disability. But beyond that, there's a pressing need to address the realities of government care programs like the NDIS, the perspectives of providers, and how we can all work together to ensure that person-centered care truly supports not just the individual but their entire support network. **Understanding NDIS Cutbacks: A Reality Check** With recent cutbacks to the NDIS, it's more important than ever to be realistic about what to expect from a government-funded care program. The NDIS is designed to bridge the gap between the high costs of living with a disability and what individuals can afford, but it’s not a cure-all. It’s a valuable resource, but it’s one piece of a larger puzzle. As participants and families, we need to manage expectations and understan

 Social Media Guidelines and Support Workers' Ethics: The Trend of Not Buying Things for Clients In the world of support work, ethics and boundaries are crucial. With the rise of social media, there's been an increasing trend among support workers to refrain from buying items for their clients. The reasoning behind this trend is well-founded: it aims to maintain professional boundaries, prevent any misunderstandings, and avoid the potential for dependency. However, this approach isn't without its challenges, especially when it comes to items that a support worker might be getting rid of or no longer needs. #### The Ethics Behind Not Buying Items for Clients Support workers are in a unique position where their role often blurs the line between professional and personal relationships. Buying items for a client can create an imbalance of power, where the client may feel indebted or the support worker may feel an obligation to continue providing. This can lead to complications,

## Supporting Your Support Worker as a Higher Functioning Client Navigating the relationship between support workers and clients, especially those who are higher functioning, requires a nuanced approach. Disability is not a monolith; it encompasses a range of conditions, each with its unique challenges and needs. Understanding these types of disabilities is crucial for fostering a harmonious and effective working relationship. Here’s how higher functioning clients can support their support workers, ensuring a productive and respectful collaboration. ### Understanding Disability: A Spectrum of Needs Disabilities come in various forms, and each type affects individuals differently. Here’s a brief overview of different types of disabilities: 1. **Physical Disabilities**: These affect mobility, dexterity, or physical functioning. Examples include spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. 2. **Sensory Disabilities**: These impair one or more senses. Common examples are b

In a previous post, I may have seemed harsh on support workers, but social media awareness is essential for everyone involved: clients, their families, support staff, and agencies. If we're discussing social media, let's be accountable and suggest some solutions. There aren't any easy answers, but what's worth doing often isn't easy. We need to consider what we're sacrificing. For me, it’s my phone game time—not much, as it’s a time sink, but it’s also a time to rest. I have the luxury of internet access and a lot of freedom, so I've had to learn to use it wisely. I’ve lost jobs and caused harm to family and friends, which fuels my passion for internet safety. As someone born in 1984, I grew up in an analog world and witnessed the birth of the internet. During COVID lockdowns, I became addicted to the internet. Now, I actively monitor my internet time. There are other ways to learn, communicate, and connect with others. Plenty of low-cost or even free groups

There’s a concerning trend on TikTok where some support workers feel it's acceptable to publicly criticize higher-functioning clients. When clients push back or express concerns, they are often labeled as entitled. While entitlement can sometimes be an issue, such public criticisms devalue the profession. Burnout is very real for support workers, but so is the concept of masking for clients. Masking involves using neurotypical social skills, which can be exhausting and harmful when clients are not believed upon de-masking. This lack of belief can be exacerbated by support workers online who mistakenly see themselves as advocates without understanding that true allyship involves amplifying the voices of those they support. It’s important to recognize that the world has become more sensitive, and criticism should be taken constructively. However, some support workers with messiah complexes glamorize the industry and create a divisive environment by publicly criticizing others who may

As a support worker, continuous learning is key to providing the best care and support for those you serve. With the abundance of online courses available, you can easily enhance your skills, stay updated on best practices, and even explore new areas of interest. Here are some excellent online learning platforms that offer free and paid courses to help you grow in your role. Khan Academy Khan Academy offers a wide range of free courses on various subjects, including health and medicine. Their user-friendly platform provides high-quality instructional videos and practice exercises to help you understand complex topics at your own pace. Visit Khan Academy : Dashboard | Khan Academy Quora While Quora is primarily a Q&A platform, it’s a great place to learn from experienced professionals in various fields. You can follow topics related to health, social care, and support work to gain insights and tips from experts. Explore Quora : Quora Reddit Reddit has numerous communities (subreddit

  Ok guys, so I owe my family a massive apology, and this post is going to be it. I see what they are saying about entitlement creeping into my life. I didn’t realize how bad my complaining had gotten. Let’s be a bit more grateful for what I have in terms of support, and appreciate that I don’t have to struggle anymore, either on my own or with family support. It’s amazing what the NDIS has done for me. Instead of complaining about onboarding new support staff, I should be thankful for what I have, which is a lot more than others. I recently visited Movie World on the Gold Coast and didn’t have to check my bank balance every time I wanted to purchase something, such as a souvenir or a bottomless drink. This was all thanks to the taxpayer-funded NDIS Respite program. In the past, respite was about giving family and support staff a break from you. Now, it’s about providing you with opportunities and experiences, which is amazing. I also want to give a shout out to the guest services for

  In the intricate dance of navigating life with invisible disabilities, there's a crucial partner often overlooked: support workers. These individuals play a vital role in providing assistance and ensuring that those with disabilities can navigate daily life with as much ease as possible. However, when support workers fail to understand the unique needs of individuals like myself, it can lead to frustration and challenges that could easily be avoided. Let's take a closer look at my own experience. Living with ADHD, epilepsy, minimal brain damage, Shojrin's syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy presents its fair share of obstacles. Yet, it's not just the disabilities themselves that pose challenges; it's the lack of understanding from those tasked with providing support. Despite my efforts to communicate my needs, some support workers have struggled to grasp the nuances of my disabilities. For instance, ADHD isn't just about being easily distracted; it encompasses

  It’s bright and early in my housing facility and this is a good thing, I have checked off what I need to do, and when the others have gone to their activities I will start recording and studying, but I am finding that I must be doing something right as people who have never experienced disability either in themselves or in a family member or a fired seem to get very offended when I am suggesting easy things that need to change in people who work as support workers as I am finding that there is I thought two groups of people but I am finding it’s three, people who needed a job and have come into support work and do the job, people who have experience of disability and got attracted to the job and people who have a real passion for helping people with a disability and want to make a difference. The first two if they are willing and able to learn the difference’s between work and a calling it’s great but for those who just consider this a job and turn up on the dot of time, I am als

In the realm of home care and support services, the presence of illness can significantly alter the dynamics of caregiving. When a person falls ill within the confines of their home, the need for assistance and support amplifies, highlighting the indispensable role of support workers in such situations. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which support workers can offer invaluable aid and comfort when illness strikes in a household. Provision of Physical Assistance: Support workers are adept at providing physical assistance to individuals who are sick. This can include helping with mobility issues, transferring the person from one place to another, or assisting with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing and dressing. Their training enables them to handle various medical equipment and aids effectively, ensuring the comfort and safety of the individual under their care. Administration of Medications: When someone falls ill at home, managing medications becomes crucial. Suppor