Aged care support at home: Your first 90 days with Mable

Key takeaways

• Your first few weeks on Mable may involve setting up your profile and exploring independent support workers who are the right fit for you.
• Many independent support workers on Mable offer a free meet and greet, so you can meet more than one before deciding who is right for you.
• Early support sessions are a chance to establish your routine, communicate your preferences and make small adjustments where needed.
• As you settle into using aged care support at home, Mable’s platform tools can make managing your support feel easier.
• Once you feel more familiar with using Mable, you may choose to build a care team of independent support workers to support different parts of your routine.

If you’re new to aged care support through Mable, it’s natural to feel a little unsure about the process. You might wonder ‘Will I be able to find an independent support worker I like?’ or ‘Will I be able to easily manage my support on the platform?’

This guide is here to support you through your first 90 days of managing your aged care support through Mable. It gives you a picture of what starting with aged care support may look like. It also provides suggestions about finding a support worker, your first support sessions and settling into your support routine.

How to get started and set up on Mable

Your first week with Mable may involve setting up your profile and starting your search for a support worker.

You have the option of filling out your profile with things that may help a support worker understand your support needs. This might include:

• What types of support you want to receive
• Your interests and hobbies
• What languages you speak.

You can start searching for a support worker by browsing support worker profiles in your area or creating a job. Creating a job gives you a chance to tell workers a little about yourself and what you need.

If at any stage you feel a little unsure about the process, Mable's support team is available to help by phone or live chat.

How to find an independent support worker

As you browse support worker profiles or receive enquiries about your posted job, you may like to arrange a meet and greet session with one or more of them. Remember, there’s no obligation to commit to a support worker after a meet and greet.

Many support workers on Mable offer this free initial meeting as it gives you the chance to:

• Talk about the types of support you need
• Discuss when you’d like this support
• Talk about how you like your day to run and any routines that are important to you
• Share any communication, cultural or language preferences you have
• Ask questions
• Get a feel for their support style.

If a family member or representative helps you manage your aged care support, you might also like them to join the meet and greet or help you think about the questions you want to ask.

It’s quite common for people to meet with 2 or 3 support workers before they find someone who feels right for them. Having choice is important when you’re inviting someone into your home, especially if you need personal care support.

Once you’ve found a support worker you like, they’ll send you a service agreement to review and accept. It covers the type of support you’ll receive, the hourly rate you’ve agreed on, and when you'll receive support.

How to navigate your first support sessions

You may feel a little tentative during the first few support sessions with your support worker and that’s completely normal. It can help to do some preparation beforehand, such as understanding what a support worker can and can’t do.

Good communication early on can help build trust and help you feel more at ease. If something isn’t working for you, you may like to talk with your support worker about adjusting the support. Making a small adjustment early on is often easier than letting something go on for weeks.

As the weeks continue and you find a rhythm with your independent support worker, you may start to feel a sense of relief. Alongside the practical support, you may find you come to value the companionship and consistency of seeing the same person each week.

Getting settled into your home care routine

By the second month of support, you may feel more familiar with your support worker and using the Mable platform.

You know what to expect from your support sessions, have built a good working relationship with your support worker and may be starting to notice the difference that regular support makes.

Tasks that once felt hard may feel easier to manage, or you may have more energy for the things you enjoy. You may also notice a difference in your mood or feel less alone.

By this stage, you may be feeling more comfortable with Mable’s platform tools, such as:

• Reviewing your support sessions
• Approving support hours
• Messaging your support worker if plans need to change.

The second month of support may also be a good time to think about whether your support arrangement still suits you. You might consider whether the days, times and types of support are working well or whether there’s anything you’d like to discuss changing with your support worker.

Looking ahead with confidence

After 90 days on Mable, you may have shifted from feeling uncertain to feeling much more settled. You may have a support worker you trust, a routine that works for you and support that makes life feel easier.

If you have Support at Home funding, you may also have a clearer sense of how to best use it to support your needs.

Now that you’re more comfortable with your aged care support, you may like to explore the benefits of building a care team. This might mean adding a second or third support worker for a different type of support. You can consider:

• Some extra help around the house or maintaining your garden
• Establishing an exercise routine with help from an occupation therapist
• Connecting with a support worker who can join you for activities you enjoy or community events.

Taking the next step with Mable

Your first 90 days with Mable are all about getting comfortable with finding and managing your aged care support at home, as well as building trusting support relationships that work for you.

You can take the process at a pace that feels right for you. If you need help at any stage, the Mable team is available by phone or live chat.

With more than 23,000 verified independent support workers across Australia, all with different skills and experience, you can find the right fit for your needs. Start your support worker search today, or get in touch with the Mable team for more help.