If you receive home care, you might hear, “Your usual Support Worker isn’t available today.”
It can be frustrating to explain things again or miss the familiar face you trust. At Adssi, we value consistency and aim to keep your services with familiar faces. However, illness, holidays, training, or emergencies may mean your usual Support Worker is not always available.
Having a team of Support Workers can actually improve your care. Here’s why.
1. Your care is more reliable when it’s shared If only one person knows your routines, your care may be disrupted if that person is away. When a team shares your care, more Support Workers know your preferences – making your services less likely to be cancelled and your support more reliable. A flexible team makes your care more dependable.
2. Different workers bring different strengths Each Support Worker has unique skills and experience. One may be skilled in dementia care, another in motivating you with exercises, and another in helping with meal preparation. Seeing more than one Support Worker lets you benefit from their strengths and helps you stay independent and safe at home.
3. Fresh eyes can pick up changes early Seeing someone often can mean missing small changes over time. A Support Worker who hasn’t seen you recently may notice changes such as: You are more unsteady on your feet. You seem more tired. A new trip hazard at home. Unused food in the fridge.
Fresh eyes help us notice and respond to changes early, preventing bigger problems and allowing us to adjust services or suggest more support.
4. More people looking out for you A small team means more people know you and what matters to you. That means: More people notice if something isn’t right. More people know your routines. More people to connect and chat with.
Support Workers can be part of your social life. Meeting different people expands your social circle and brings new conversations and interests.
5. It helps you stay in control, not dependent on one person It’s natural to become attached to a regular Support Worker, which can make it hard if they move or change roles. With a small group, you stay in control of your services, and your care plan remains at the centre for any Support Worker to follow. You don’t have to start over each time; the Support Worker follows your plan.
6. It helps keep Support Workers safe and well, too Support Workers can get tired, sick, or need time off. Sharing care within a team helps: Avoid physical strain from doing demanding tasks repeatedly. Reduce emotional burnout. Keep workers fresh, alert, and able to provide safe, quality support.
When Support Workers aren’t overworked, your care improves too.
7. You still have a say At Adssi, you’re never just a name on a roster. We aim to: Build a consistent team around you. Match you with workers suited to your needs and personality. Listen to your feedback on whether someone is a good fit.
If you’re worried about changes or adjusting to new Support Workers, talk to us. We’ll help you find the right balance.
Our goal is to help you live your best life with care at home. With good communication and planning, changes can help you stay safe, supported, and independent.
Call 1300 578 478 or visit adssi.com.au