The first few weeks with a new independent aged care support worker may feel a little uncertain, even if you’ve been receiving care for a while. This is a normal feeling because a good support worker relationship can take time to build. Open, honest communication can help make that process feel easier.
This practical guide offers communication tips with an independent support worker to help you build a positive relationship. It may also be helpful for representatives who want to support clear communication between their loved one and their independent support worker.
How can I make the most of my first conversation with an independent support worker?
Meeting your new aged care independent support worker, whether it’s a meet and greet or your first support session, gives you a chance to lay the foundation for a positive working relationship.
At this meeting, you may like to discuss your preferences, routines and likes and dislikes. These may include:
- How you like tasks done
- What times work best
- Any health or mobility considerations
- Any personal or health goals
- How you prefer to communicate day to day.
We suggest aiming to be as clear as possible. While you may feel hesitant to ask for things to be done a certain way or differently, being specific about your needs and routines can help your independent support worker understand what works best for you.
While you don’t need to have all the details worked out at this first meeting, writing down a few key things beforehand may make the first conversation feel easier.
How can I keep aged care communication open and ongoing?
Good communication in aged care can start with understanding what a support worker can and can’t do and continue with regular conversations about how your support is going.
A quick check-in at the end of a session can give you both a chance to talk about what’s working well and whether anything could work better next time. Making this a regular habit can help to build trust, address small concerns early and keep your working relationship on track.
If you're a representative managing care remotely, you can use the Mable platform to stay connected with your loved one’s independent support workers. You can view support notes after sessions, keep track of upcoming sessions and communicate with independent support workers.
How do I give my independent support worker feedback?
As you spend time working with your independent support worker, you may find some things don’t work the way you’d like them to.
While it may feel uncomfortable to give feedback, it’s often better to do so early and avoid letting small frustrations build up. A simple, honest conversation early is often easier than a bigger conversation later.
You may also find it reassuring to remember your independent support worker is a professional who will appreciate clear and respectful feedback.
When raising a concern, you could try to use ‘I’ language as it can help keep feedback constructive. For example, ‘I feel more confident when we talk through what we’re going to do before we start’ or ‘I feel a little rushed when we’re getting ready. Could we allow a little more time?’
Most concerns are easily resolved with a gentle conversation. However, if you can’t resolve a concern with your independent support worker, Mable's support team is available to help.
How do I communicate that my support needs have changed?
A change in your health, a new goal or a shift in living circumstances may mean the support that worked for you six months ago now needs to be adjusted.
Your independent support worker is a partner in your care and someone you can be open with as your needs change. They will understand this may happen over time and can work with you to adapt your support.
Raising changes in your health, mobility or daily routine early may help your independent support worker respond to what you need now, before a small concern becomes more difficult to manage.
On Mable, you can also adjust your support hours or arrangements as your needs change.
Stay connected with your support worker
A good support relationship is built on honest, open communication and you may find it gets easier with practice. These tips can help make those conversations feel more comfortable over time.
Explore independent support worker profiles on Mable to find someone in your area who fits your support needs.
