I also provide lot of social support: taking them for trips out of the house, helping them interact with the community around them, taking them out if they want to go shopping, lunch or to the movies – whatever they want to do that day.
Why did you decide to be a support worker?
I’ve been working in the caring industry since April, 2019. Before that, I was studying a nursing degree at university. I realised it wasn’t for me at this stage of my life, so I decided to change careers. I floated around for a while, doing odd jobs. Then my sister showed me a job in the disability sector, and we started talking about what it would be like. I looked into it, and realised that even though I wasn’t studying to be a nurse, I still wanted to help people.
That was almost a year ago. I’m now working with Home Caring Campbelltown and I haven’t looked back once. I’m currently doing a certificate in disability care, and working my way up towards gaining more experience, qualifications and handling more responsibility. I fell in love with this job – it makes it easy to keep going when you have a job you really love!
What do you love about being a carer?
I really love being able to help them, knowing that, at the end of the day, I’ve made a difference to their lives. For example, one of my younger clients has high needs. I see him 5 days a week and every morning, he always has the biggest smile on his face as he’s so happy to see me. No matter how I’m feeling, he’ll be smiling and laughing. Moments like these are rewarding because they remind me why I do my job – it’s for the clients.
I also love getting to know people. If I’ve finished all the jobs I’m allocated, sometimes I’ll just sit with my client ask them how their weekend went: about their hobbies, what they’re interested in, what they have been doing. Sometimes I may be the only face they see in a day, and it’s nice for them to have someone to talk to. I feel privileged that they’ve allowed me to be a part of their life journey.
What have you learnt during your time as a support worker?
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is realising that everyone communicates differently. Although I knew this before starting my job, I had to open my eyes to the fact that there are many different types of communication, and not everyone communicates with talking. I had to learn how each client is comfortable with communicating, so I can provide the best care possible.
What do you think makes a good support worker?
Some people think support workers just go into a client’s home and do certain tasks. But it’s not just a job – they are a human being, a person with feelings and thoughts. You can’t overlook that. It’s not just ‘get in, get out’, but taking the time to get to know who they are. A good support worker always listens, as the client knows themselves and the care they need better than we ever will.
The first client who I started working with loves animals, mainly dogs. Every time I go to her house, she asks about my dogs and wants to know how they’re going. She has the biggest smile on her face when we’re talking about them. That is amazing to see!
Thanks for sharing Jessica; we appreciate your passion for the job!
Want to find out how Home Caring’s high quality support workers can help you live independently at home? Please get in touch for a FREE consultation.
