Working With Your Support Worker
A Guide to Effective Communication and Setting Expectations
As we age, the need for assistance at home becomes more apparent. In-home support workers are often brought in to provide support, not only with daily living activities but also to help maintain the comfort and independence of elderly individuals. Whether it’s help with personal care, meal preparation, or medication management, a support worker can make a world of difference. But for the support worker to be most effective, it's important that both the support worker and the client (or their family) work together well.
Working well with an in-home support worker requires a blend of clear expectations, good communication, and mutual respect. Establishing a positive relationship from the beginning can lead to better care, increased comfort, and a smoother overall experience. In this blog, we will cover how to communicate effectively with your support worker, set reasonable expectations, and make the most out of this partnership.
1. Setting Clear Expectations from the Start
The foundation of a successful support worker-client relationship begins with clear expectations. Both the support worker and the person receiving care should be on the same page about what services will be provided, how often they will be delivered, and the standard of care expected.
Understand the Scope of Care
Start by reviewing the tasks that your support worker will assist with. This can include:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Companionship and social engagement
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to appointments or events
While support workers are skilled professionals, the care they provide will depend on the agreement made in advance. Be clear about what you want help with, and make sure the support worker has the necessary training to perform these tasks. You might also want to ask if there are specific tasks your support worker is unable to do, like lifting or administering specific medical treatments.
Discuss Availability and Flexibility
It’s important to talk about how often you need the support worker’s help and what their schedule will look like. Make sure you agree on the days and times the support worker will come and how long each visit will last. Flexibility is key in this relationship, especially if your needs change over time, so both parties should be open to adjusting schedules if necessary.
2. Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of a successful caregiving relationship is communication. Effective communication helps ensure that your needs are met, and it builds trust and respect between the support worker and client.
Be Open and Honest About Your Needs
One of the first things you should do when working with a new support worker is to be open and honest about your expectations, preferences, and needs. Do you like to shower at a certain time of day? Are you particular about the way your meals are prepared? Maybe you have a favourite TV show you enjoy watching, and you’d love your support worker to help you engage with that. Your support worker can’t meet your needs if they don’t know what they are, so make sure to communicate clearly.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. If you’re unsure about a medication schedule, care plan, or how to handle an issue with the support worker, ask for clarification. Whether it’s about the services provided or an aspect of the support worker’s background, open communication helps prevent misunderstandings.
Set a Regular Check-In Schedule
Having regular check-ins with your support worker can help ensure that things are going smoothly. These check-ins can be a simple conversation about how things are going, whether you’re comfortable with the level of care, and if there are any adjustments needed. If your support worker is being managed by an agency, be sure to involve the agency in these discussions as well.
Keep a Care Log
A care log is an excellent tool for tracking your daily activities and care progress. This log can be used to jot down any special needs, medication schedules, or activities that need attention. It’s also a great way to communicate things like which days you need extra help or when you’ll be away, allowing your support worker to plan accordingly.
3. Be Respectful of Your Support worker’s Role
While you’re working together with your support worker to ensure that your needs are met, it’s important to maintain a respectful relationship. Recognise that your support worker is a professional and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Appreciate Their Efforts
Acknowledge the hard work your support worker is doing. A simple thank-you can go a long way in building a positive and respectful relationship. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so showing appreciation for the support worker’s work can help boost their morale and make them feel valued.
Be Mindful of Boundaries
In-home support workers are there to provide professional services. While they may form a friendly bond with their clients over time, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries. Avoid expecting them to perform tasks that are outside their job description or personal preferences. For example, while some support workers may be happy to engage in deep conversations or even take on household chores outside their duty, others may prefer to keep things strictly professional.
Respect Their Time Off
Just as you need time for rest and relaxation, so does your support worker. If your support worker works long shifts, respect their personal time. Avoid unnecessary phone calls or messages during their off hours unless it’s an emergency.
4. Be Clear About Your Preferences
Every individual has specific preferences, particularly when it comes to personal care. Be sure to clearly communicate your preferences with your support worker so they can meet your needs in a way that feels comfortable to you.
Personal Care Preferences
Perhaps you prefer to be assisted in a certain way with grooming, showering, or dressing. Maybe you have preferences about the temperature of the water or the products used for your personal care. Communicate these details up front so your support worker can adjust to your personal preferences.
Meal Preferences
Food is another area where communication is key. If you have specific dietary needs, dislikes, or preferences, be sure to share these with your support worker. Would you like to stick to traditional recipes, or are you open to trying something new? If you follow a special diet, like low-sodium or diabetic-friendly, make sure your support worker is aware and prepared to accommodate your needs.
Schedules and Routine
If you have specific times of day when you prefer to do certain activities—such as exercising, taking a walk, or watching a favourite program—let your support worker know. This can help them create a routine that works for you, giving you the independence and structure you need to stay active and engaged.
5. Addressing Issues and Problems
Even the most well-prepared caregiving arrangements may have moments of tension or misunderstanding. Addressing problems quickly and with patience will help maintain a healthy relationship.
Speak Up Early
If something isn’t working or if you’re uncomfortable with an aspect of the care being provided, it’s important to speak up early. Whether it’s a disagreement about scheduling, preferences, or anything else, raising the issue allows you both to find a solution together before it becomes a bigger problem.
Provide Constructive Feedback
Feedback should always be respectful, specific, and constructive. Instead of simply saying, “I don’t like how you’re doing this,” explain what you would prefer and why. Similarly, if your support worker does something particularly well, let them know. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce good practices and boost morale.
Involve a Family Member or Agency If Needed
If issues persist or the care provided isn’t meeting your needs, involve a family member or contact the caregiving agency for further assistance. Having a third party can sometimes help mediate any concerns or find solutions that work for both sides.
6. The Bottom Line: Collaboration and Respect
Working with an in-home support worker is a collaborative process. It requires trust, open communication, and mutual respect. By setting clear expectations from the start, communicating regularly, and being respectful of your support worker’s role, you can build a relationship that fosters quality care and a sense of comfort and independence. Ultimately, both the support worker and the client benefit from a partnership where both feel valued, supported, and heard.
Remember, caregiving is not just about getting tasks done; it’s about enhancing the quality of life. By working together with your support worker, you can ensure that your daily needs are met while fostering an environment of care, trust, and companionship.
