Introduction: Why Support Workers Matter
Behind every person living with a disability is a network of care — family, carers, professionals, and, importantly, support workers. These workers often serve as the bridge between everyday challenges and independence, providing practical help and encouragement where it’s needed most.
For families and carers, understanding what a support worker does can help set clear expectations. For students studying in this field, it gives valuable insight into the profession they are preparing for. And for participants, it ensures that their supports are used in the way they’re meant to — for their growth, wellbeing, and dignity.
At Victor Care, we’ve seen firsthand how support workers change lives. However, to truly value their role, it’s essential to understand what they do, what they don’t do, and why their work is important.
What Does a Support Worker Do?
A disability support worker provides both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Their goal is to help participants live as independently and confidently as possible.
🔹 Everyday Assistance
- Personal care: bathing, grooming, dressing.
- Meal preparation: planning, cooking, or assisting with food safety.
- Domestic assistance: light cleaning, laundry, and keeping the home safe.
- Gardening tasks: watering, mowing, or outdoor support.
- Transport: getting participants to appointments, shopping, or social activities.
🔹 Emotional Support
Support workers also provide companionship — someone to talk to, laugh with, or share a moment. This helps reduce isolation and builds trust.
🔹 Community Participation
They encourage participants to connect with their community through social activities, volunteering, sports, or outings.
💡 In short: support workers don’t just “do tasks” — they help people live better lives.
The Role of Support Workers in the NDIS Framework
Within the NDIS, support workers are considered part of core supports and sometimes capacity-building supports.
They can assist with:
- Daily living tasks (meal prep, cleaning, self-care).
- One-on-one support (emotional and practical).
- Community access (transport and participation in recreational activities).
However, it’s important to note that support workers are not “general helpers”. They are professionals providing services directly linked to the participant’s NDIS goals.
Benefits for Families and Carers
For families and carers, support workers can feel like an extra set of hands — but their role goes deeper than that.
🔹 Relief for Carers
When a support worker is present, carers get much-needed rest, reducing burnout and improving their own wellbeing.
🔹 Guidance and Collaboration
Support workers can show families practical ways to encourage independence at home. For example, a worker may support a participant in preparing a sandwich, while the parent observes and learns how to replicate the same support later.
Respecting the Boundaries of Support Work
Sometimes, families may unintentionally ask support workers to do tasks that fall outside their role — such as cooking for the whole household or caring for siblings.
According to NDIS guidelines, this is unfair to both the support worker and the participant. Support workers are funded to assist the participant only, not for their family members.
Why is this important?
- ✅ It ensures the participant receives the full benefit of their funding.
- ✅ It protects the professional role of the support worker.
- ✅ It prevents misuse of NDIS services.
💡 Example: A support worker can help a participant with cooking, but they are not responsible for preparing meals for the entire family.
Families should respect these boundaries, communicate openly, and work with providers like Victor Care to ensure the participant’s needs remain at the centre.
What Students Need to Know About Becoming a Support Worker
For students entering the disability field, understanding the profession is essential.
🔹 Skills Required
- Empathy and patience.
- Communication and listening skills.
- Organisational ability.
- Adaptability to different needs and personalities.
🔹 Training Pathways
- Cert III/IV or higher studies in disability support or individual support.
- Additional training, such as first aid, medication administration, and manual handling.
- Practical placements where students learn alongside experienced support workers.
🔹 The Reality of the Role
- It’s not always easy — support work can be emotionally demanding.
- But it is rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.
- Students should prepare for both the challenges and the joys of the role.
At Victor Care, we value professional growth and encourage workers to continue learning throughout their careers.
🌟 Case Examples: How Support Workers Make a Difference
Stories bring the role to life. Here are some simple examples (names changed for privacy):
- Building routines: A participant with autism learned to manage their morning schedule — brushing teeth, dressing, and packing a bag — with the help of consistent one-on-one support.
- Reducing isolation: A participant with anxiety began attending a weekly art class with support. Over time, they started making friends and building confidence.
- Therapeutic gardening: A participant with depression found joy and structure in gardening activities, supported by a worker who encouraged outdoor routines.
Each example shows how support workers create growth and independence, not just “care”.
The Victor Care Approach to Support Work
At Victor Care, our mission is to empower participants while easing the load for families and carers.
Our services include:
- One-on-one support
- Community access and transport
- Domestic assistance and cleaning
- Meal preparation
- Gardening services and mowing
- Self-care and personal care
- Respite services
What makes us different?
- Personalised care plans — every participant has unique goals.
- Compassionate staff — trained, professional, and respectful.
- Strong collaboration — we work with families, carers, and allied health teams.
A Compassionate Reminder for Families, Carers and Students
Support work is a partnership. Families, carers, students, and professionals each have a role to play in empowering participants.
- Families: trust and respect the support worker’s role.
- Carers: use support services to recharge and stay well.
- Students: approach the role with dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn.
Together, we can ensure participants live with independence, dignity, and opportunity.
Call to Action: Learn More with Victor Care
Whether you are a family seeking the right support, a carer in need of respite, or a student preparing for your career, Victor Care is here to help.
👉 Contact us today to learn more about our NDIS services and how we can support your journey.
