Paid Supports
Introduction
Some people may need additional paid support to live in their own home to meet their needs. This is sometimes called “formal” support. No matter what support is needed, it’s important to have a network or web of support that is flexible and assists a person to create, live and thrive in their own home. Paid support might be practical in nature, for example, assistance with household tasks and personal care but it also has an important role in assisting people to sustain relationships with family, friends and neighbours. Paid support can also assist people to connect, contribute and take up valued roles in their community in which relationships can flourish. It’s important that paid support meets the person’s needs, is flexible, creative and helps the person to grow and develop.
Key Points
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People do better when paid supports are uniquely tailored to their needs or a specific role, s
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Roles Based Recruitment can open the choice and quality of supports. For example, if a person wants to learn to cook, then employing an excellent cook.
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Ordinary community services could also be engaged. For example, a gardening, laundry or ironing service or getting one’s hair washed at a hairdresser. This can also increase connections.
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Paid support should be developmental in nature and aim for the person to grow and develop their independence and nurture their own sense of home and neighbourhood.
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Paid support should be chosen and directed by the person (with support if necessary).
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Support workers are clear about their role and recognise that they’re not a “carer” or a person in control but they can pave the way for other people to be involved in the person’s life. For example, inviting family and friends over for dinner, doing jobs for neighbours, joining a local club or workplace.
Watch Videos
Distortions of Home
by Janet Klees (Produced by Belonging Matters)
When services get involved with creating homes for a large number of people, Rules and regulations over hospitality and welcoming, house essentially owned, controlled and decisions are made by service. Home is personal so should be one person at a time.
Click on the Video to watch ->
Read
What makes a good support worker
by Alison Ouellette
Through her son David’s story from childhood to eventually living in his own home, Alison Ouellette gives a family perspective on what makes a good support worker – somewhat different she claims than what most agencies would consider!
What makes a good support person?
by Dean Richards
Dean Richards shares some of his personal experiences in regard to support workers and makes some good suggestions for support workers in regard to helpful day to day interactions which assist him to be seen as a valued employee, family member and member of society.
Click Here to Read - "What makes a good support person?"
Uncovering gold: strategies for finding the right supporters
by Janet Klees
Janet Klees and other how to recruit, orient and teach a team of people who have come to see their role as enabling and assisting people to put their best foot forward. She also discusses some of the fundamental roles and skills that supporters have in ensuring people to connect in meaningful ways to their neighbours, friends, communities and seize the day!
Click Here to Read - "Uncovering gold: strategies for finding the right supporters"
Reflections on being a paid support worker - ten things I'd like to share!
by Deb Rouget
After over 30 years of working along-side people with a disability and families, Deb Rouget reflects on what make a good support worker.