Whether you're newly in need of care or having been hiring aged care or disability support workers for some time – it can be difficult to find the right person for your needs. It's especially frustrating when you have to switch carers or have a different person turn up each time you require support.
At Like Family, we aim to match our Members with the right support worker based on their needs and interests. That way, you're more likely to see the same person every time!
Here are five benefits of having a regular support worker you can rely on.
1. Ability to build a friendship over time
Naturally, there are companionship benefits to having a regular carer. If you are feeling vulnerable or lonely, you may be more comfortable seeing a familiar face each time you need care.
Over time, you'll build a strong connection based on trust and mutual understanding. This in turn will give you the confidence to try new things and visit new places.
There's a reason we're called Like Family — many of our Members say their support worker feels like an extension of their own family!
2. Practical health and safety reasons
From a practical point of view, working with a dedicated, consistent carer over time means there is no need to repeat specific instructions to a new person every time you need care. This could be regarding anything from relevant medications and medical history, allergies and dietary requirements, fears and routines through to key contacts, hobbies, passions and aspirations.
Plus, it can be draining and time-consuming to educate a new carer every time you need one!
3. Reduces anxiety and risk
Being socially isolated due to age, illness or disability can greatly impact one’s emotional and cognitive health. This means it can be an anxious period of time constantly meeting new people who will be responsible for you or your loved one’s health and wellbeing. The last thing you would want is to finally find someone you trust only to never see them again and start the process from scratch.
Once you have found a carer you can trust, this regular social contact can increase confidence, boost a person’s sense of independence and promote social interaction out and about amongst the community.
4. Care can be tailored to meet your specific needs
Everyone is unique in how and why they need care. A dedicated, regular support worker understands the history of your loved one and knows their likes/dislikes. They will be familiar with you or your loved one’s unique mental and physical needs and can therefore offer the best possible care and tailored support.
They will also be familiar with your loved one's goals and what strategies or tools can help them work towards those goals.
For example, a support worker who regularly works with a young autistic Member will know what environments to avoid and remember to bring noise-cancelling headphones whenever they're in public.
5. Peace of mind for family and friends
Introducing a new support worker into someone’s life can seem daunting not only for them but also the family. Knowing that your loved one is being cared for by someone you have met many times before can be a source of reassurance for primary care givers and can reduce stress for the wider family. Families can have peace of mind knowing the caregiver is trustworthy, reliable, skilled and has personal interests which are similar to their loved one who requires some extra assistance.
Find regular support with Like Family
Are you or someone you know looking for dedicated care in NSW, Victoria or Queensland? Then Like Family, an NDIS registered provider, may be the answer for you.
Our Social Carers (support workers) are fully vetted by our team, have a wide range of skills and are matched with our members based on location and interests. Sign up now to choose a Carer in your local area and see for yourself why we have achieved over 100 5-star reviews on Google.