Annie in wonderland

This is a big topic, and honestly, there are so many layers to it that I think it deserves a series. So let’s start at the beginning. Imagine you’re a support worker trying to educate people on the realities of your job—not the glossy, feel-good stories we often see online, but the actual, day-to-day challenges. You post a video about violence in the workplace, highlighting that no one goes to work expecting to be assaulted. This isn’t just about the support worker; these incidents also affect other clients and their families. In this case, the setting was a day center environment, which meant that everyone there was impacted. When support workers are pulled away from small groups to manage these incidents, lower-support-needs clients can end up unfairly left behind. Support work is meant to be about skill-building, and if someone is experiencing frequent meltdowns, we have to ask: should they even be in a day center environment until they can regulate their emotions more effectively? ...

Real Advice from Experienced Support Workers The following advice comes directly from experienced support workers. These are real insights, shared to help new workers navigate the challenges of the job. Support work is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own unique pressures. Learning from those who have been in the field can make all the difference. Document everything —it protects you. Don’t assume a client knows how to do something—always check and support them as needed. If you go off script (e.g., making decisions that aren’t yours to make), the responsibility falls on you, not management. Label everything if you want it to come home. Avoid wearing your best clothes to work—they will get stained. There will be a lot of paperwork, so staying organized is key. Keeping on top of everything is challenging, but it’s an important part of the role. Listen to experienced staff , but don’t be afraid to bring fresh ideas to the table. You don’t “own” shifts or cli...

 This is my current deep dive, and I look forward to finding an answer. A young person in my life asked an innocent question, and it sent me on a profound path, resharpening my research skills. The question was: if a community nurse comes into a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home and trains the staff to perform a medical task, say injections or simple wound care, and the client is harmed by a support worker carrying out that task, who is to blame? This seemingly simple question raises a host of ethical and practical issues: Was the training adequate? Were the staff paying attention during training? Was the nurse qualified to train others, or were they a registered nurse rather than a nurse educator? Were there enough resources, like time and hygiene, to safely perform the task? What role do the overall cleanliness of the house and the behaviour of other residents play in this? But then the bigger questions arise: Where does one go to report harm? Whose code of ethics applies? ...

  Any Support Workers Reading List This started out as a bit of a joke, but as I started talking about it, I realised it’s surely needed for people new to support work who need resources to develop their skills. The most important document to read is the person’s case notes and plan. People often say not to share your plan; I get the reasoning behind not sharing fiscal details, but how can support workers be effective if they don’t know your goals? How can they truly support someone? It’s also crucial to read the instructions for any assistive technology the person uses. Don’t just assume you know how to use it. This equipment can be expensive, and you may be responsible for the replacement cost if you break it. Other essential resources to review include: The NDIS Code of Ethics The NDIS Onboarding Modules The person’s medication routine Any positive behaviour support plan's  Any meal time management needs If a client has a social media presence ( like I do  please read ...

  Ok, I have to level with you this is one of two pieces of content I have had pushback about, one I won’t mention but I learnt my lesson around consent with it, but now I am focusing on back to basics around disability and support workers. However, people have taken it the wrong way and once content is on the web it takes a life of its own.   But what I am saying is that anyone in the care space who works with vulnerable people, needs to be aware of what that person needs and their loved one’s needs and you need to realise you’re doing a job, and can’t rock into a shift, late and have your smoke and then read the notes, you need to be on time to do hand over or for a shift, as well, do they need you to be a coach, or do they need you to lower your energy it seems to be something that people say I am there hype person but is that the energy they need? Support is a therapeutic collaborative relationship and if people don’t get it then we really need you to think about...

 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...

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 ...

  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...

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...