Have you been thinking of becoming a support worker? It is a varied yet fulfilling career option where no two days are the same. It offers a variety that adds spice to life!
Here is a glimpse of Ali’s typical day as a dedicated disability support worker at VictorCare who connects with clients of all ages. The routine is filled with moments of care, compassion, and connection.
Disability Support Worker Day Life
Starting At 7:00 AM – Empathy and Companionship
- Making An Autistic Child Get Ready For School
As Ali arrives early morning, the smiles on the faces of the people he supports, and hearing joy in their greetings is simply delightful. Helping a 10-year-old with Autism Prepare for School with a calm and friendly attitude is extremely rewarding. The child’s eagerness to prepare for the day ignites a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Getting him dressed, preparing their favorite breakfast, and organizing school materials expresses excitement about the routine activities. Offering his client the freedom to choose their activities encourages engagement and companionship.
- Taking A Fun Car Ride With Learning and Language Practice
Ali makes the car ride enjoyable by singing poems together. This practice enhances the client’s speech practice through repetition and rhythm. Moreover, positive reinforcements and clear reminders like “Wash Your Hands before eating,” “Face towards people when talking,” “No hitting,” and “No hair pulling” boost social engagement and community participation.
Mid-Morning Visit: Supporting a Stroke Survivor with Mobility and Daily Errands
Paying an early visit to a stroke survivor requires a lot of effort and patience. The routine could involve getting them out of bed, dressing up, and helping them with a nutritious breakfast.
- Be Helpful
Assist them with medication and ensure they take it on time. Engage in their favorite activities, or take a walk in the park using mobility aids– ensuring comfortable transport. Your companionship and emotional support can certainly make a difference, promoting quick recovery.
- Physical Activities and Assistance With Daily Errands
Regaining mobility after a stroke is a significant goal during the rehab efforts. However, improved mobility can be challenging and complex, requiring a composite approach. Practice speed therapies to regain control of the oral muscles and improve feeding skills. Help them with adaptive equipment and ADLs to make feeding more accessible. Physical exercises help improve functional mobility and address incontinence. However, consistency and commitment are the key!
- Gym, Therapy, and Shopping: Promoting Independence and Routine
By engaging in daily self-care chores and consistently practicing therapeutic exercises, clients can relearn how to live independently after a stroke – fostering a sense of empowerment. Over time, therapy, gym sessions, and compassion can help them perform daily activities. This improvement not only boosts their quality of life but also positively impacts physical recovery and social interactions, enabling them to get back to doing routine tasks they enjoy most.
- Tech Assistance: Ali’s IT Skills as a Valuable Resource
As an IT expert, Ali assists clients with various tasks on their laptops or Smartphones. This includes running errands like ordering medication, grocery shopping, preparing favorite meals, and paying utility bills online – helping clients maintain their independence.
Afternoon Session: A 13-Year-Old’s After-School Activities and Skill-Building
- School Pickup and Building Social Skills Through Outings
As Ali heads over to another client’s home to assist his teenage client after school, he focuses on multiple activities that help in skill building such as library visits, bushwalks, badminton, and basketball.
- Learning Life Skills: Grocery Shopping and Public Transportation Practice
Engage them in activities designed to build their practical and social skills. For instance, Ali accompanies his clients at grocery shopping and assists them with item selection, budgeting, and planning meals. Moreover, traveling via train or bus helps navigate through public transportation. Such activities promote confidence and enhance social learning and interactions.
End of Day Reflection and Unique Challenges
- Occasional Challenges and How Ali Handles Them
Ali perhaps often faces unexpected challenges in the form of behavioral issues – however, manages them with understanding and patience. Physical and even emotional reliance may cause the client to show tantrums, as they are frustrated with their condition.
Accompanying clients with routine chores like preparing dinner, taking medication, assisting with bathing, and helping them settle in for the night offers great emotional support – making them feel secure and truly cared for.
As the day comes to a close, Ali takes this time out to recharge and review client notes and essential documentation, ensuring all vitals are detailed accurately.
Final Thoughts – Disability Support Services
Being a support worker requires compassion, empathy, resilience, and patience. Each day brings new prospects and experiences that make a meaningful impact on someone’s life. A day filled with meaningful interactions, care, support, and skill-building not only helps make a difference in an individual’s life but also boosts personal growth and satisfaction.
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