Why go with an Independent Support Worker?

I am loving working as a support worker independently, I love going to a job I have created that is being co-created every day with my clients. We still have our routines and commitments and appointments but there is so much room for spontaneity and creativity in the manner we achieve the goals we set.

I am still part of a team, each client needs to have multiple support workers and there are friends and family members all making up the unique combination of support that is the right fit for each client. All the players in each team can actually take on the roles that suit their strengths! This not only gives the client and the team, the best of each of us but also gives each person great satisfaction and joy. Knowing they are using their own individual skills and talents and to be appreciated for them.

Hiring an independent team of support workers is not for everyone, there are many lovely clients with elderly parents or families unable to meet their needs and going independent needs a clear mind and focus to manage the team, particularly in the setup stages. However, there is much support and guidelines if you are considering it.

Before the NDIS was established, state, territory and Commonwealth governments pre-paid a lump sum amount to service providers so they could provide supports to people with disability. When the NDIS started, this changed. Under the NDIS, funding is now given to a participant so they can choose who delivers their supports and when and where.

The NDIS has great information on its website. There is support for getting your plan in place and finding the service providers you will need. There are a growing number of NDIS plan management companies in Australia to help you manage the money and budget and pay your providers. There is a lot of support to assist every person with a disability to co-create their best life.