Starting with a new support worker may make you feel a little nervous or uncertain, but it’s okay to take things slowly. It’s important to give yourself time to build a trusting relationship through honesty and open communication.
That’s why the first 30 days with a new support worker are so important. This guide shares simple tips to help you build a strong client-support worker relationship during those early weeks.
Setting expectations early
Your first session with a new support worker is an important step in building your relationship. It gives you the chance to talk about your likes, dislikes, routines and any boundaries you’d like them to respect. An example might be asking them to knock before entering a private space, like your bedroom.
This helps set clear expectations from the start, something that can lead to a stronger, more supportive and happier relationship.
Before this first session, you might like to think about what “good support” looks like to you. Do you prefer a support worker who takes the lead and notices what needs doing? Or do you feel more comfortable with someone who asks first, explains each step and does things your way?
During this session, you can also agree on practical details, such as:
- What days and times support will happen
- How you’ll communicate between sessions
- What to do if plans need to change.
A lot of this information should already be in your service agreement. If you’re ever unsure about these things, you can refer back to it.
If you’re a representative or family member of an older person with a new support worker, sharing extra information, such as their routines or personality traits, can make a big difference to how quickly they adjust.
Remember, you (or your representative) don’t need to think of everything on your own. Many support workers have experience in asking the right questions so they can understand what’s needed and provide the right support for you.
Communication that builds connection
Open and honest communication is an important part of building trust with a support worker. Knowing how to communicate with your support worker in a way that feels clear and comfortable can help you raise concerns early and build trust over time.
As you get to know each other, it can help to talk about what’s working well and what you’d like done differently. Giving feedback early can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones. It might be as simple as saying, “I liked how you helped me with that” or “Next time, could we try it this way?”
You can give feedback in a way that feels comfortable to you. It might be in person, over the phone, through a message on the Mable platform, or with the help of a family member or representative.
It can also help if your support worker feels comfortable asking questions and checking in with you regularly.
The support notes by your support workers are useful too. They are a shared record of each session, making it easier to keep track of what has been done, what has changed and any feedback or follow-up needed.
Getting comfortable in the first few weeks
It can take time to settle into a new routine and build trust, so it’s good to be patient as you get to know each other.
Start with familiar tasks before introducing new goals or activities, such as help with meals, light housework or getting ready for the day. This gives both you and your support worker a chance to find a comfortable way of working together.
As you spend more time together, you may notice signs the relationship is working well and that you’re both communicating clearly, for example:
- Your support worker remembers your likes and dislikes
- They change the way of doing something based on your feedback
- They follow through on what they’ve agreed to do.
However, if something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to raise it with your support worker. If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, you can also ask a family member or trusted representative to support you.
Signs trust isn't developing
Sometimes, even with good communication and time to adjust, the relationship might not feel like the right fit. This can happen in any aged care support worker relationship. Here are some signs it may not be working well:
- You often feel uncomfortable around your support worker
- You often feel like your needs aren’t being met
- You keep repeating the same things
- You don’t feel listened to when you raise concerns
- Communication feels one-sided
- Your support worker is often late or inconsistent
- You feel anxious before visits.
If these things keep happening and a conversation with your support worker isn’t working, you have other options. You can reach out to the Mable team to talk about your concerns. If needed, they can help you find a new support worker that better matches your needs and preferences. You can also speak with your registered provider.
Remember, it’s okay to take your time finding the right match. It’s important to find a support worker who helps you feel comfortable, understood and well supported each day.
Finding the right fit today
Your first 30 days with a new support worker are an exciting chance to get to know each other and work out what feels right. Building trust with them happens one support session at a time, and will grow with open communication and shared understanding.
Ready to take that first step? Get started today with finding the right support worker in Australia and start building a relationship that works for you.