COVID-19 - For information regarding COVID-19 please click here
Portrait of happy female Support Worker and senior woman walking together at home.

A Day in the Life of a Support Worker

A Support Worker provides services that enable their clients to look after their health and wellbeing, live independently and reach their goals. 

This covers all areas of life, from disability support to socialising to getting to appointments and more. Invaluable, Support Workers empower people to make the most of life at home and in the community.

Today, we chat with Sally, one of our dedicated Support Workers at Flexi Support. Sally is qualified and experienced in nursing and care. In her role, she loves sharing her positivity and enthusiasm with clients.

Q: What’s a typical work day like for you?

Actually, it depends! There are different clients that I may see on any given day. Many daytime shifts start at 7am or earlier, so as a Support Worker, often my responsibility is bringing breakfast and assisting clients during mealtimes.

In addition, I might also be required to help clients prepare for their day. Personal care tasks that can include dressing, grooming, and going to the bathroom. I also support clients with cleaning their house and providing respite care. Although I don’t drive, I can still take clients out to social activities such as movies and bowling.

Q: What made you want to become a Support Worker?

I studied Bachelor of Nursing at RMIT and went to different hospitals and facilities to complete my placements. During my placements, honestly, I felt really good when I could try my best to look after patients and clients.

Q: How do you get to know a client?

Step by step. In my experience, I found that many clients find it hard to communicate during the first three support shifts. To help get to know each other, I usually introduce myself, where I come from and how long I have been doing the job.

Q: What do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding is collaboration. Teamwork is always important when assisting clients. Support Workers can share the same goals and dedication as the clients they are assisting.

Q: Can you describe a memorable client experience?

Recently, I was going through a really tough time. One of my clients asked what happened to me, and I shared my personal experience with her. Although she didn’t know me well, she shared her own story with me too. I learned she’d been through many difficulties to survive in her life. She told me everything will be fine and everyone can get through this. Our conversation stuck with me and I really appreciate her words and her attitude towards life.

Q: What do you like about working with Flexi Support?

Understanding. An understanding team is important because it fosters good communication, which is vital in our line of work. I find that Flexi Support are good at supporting their Support Workers. For example, they arrange for carers the most convenient shifts depending on the distance.

Q: What advice would you give to other Support Workers starting out?

I have been a Support Worker since 2018 and my advice would be: to excel in your work, you need to look after your own health and wellbeing too. Looking back on previous years, I had a busy time because I had to balance my life, study and work in a busy environment.

Needless to say, everybody would be tired and burnt-out if they worked in a busy environment every day! Instead, schedule 1-2 weeks to go on holidays and take a breather. When you come back, you get refreshed and energised.

If you find it rewarding to be involved in providing support to people in the community, join the Flexi Support team today.


Contributor bio:

Sally Wang
Flexi Support Support Worker

Sally is a positive and enthusiastic Support Worker who loves teamwork and collaboration. She’s been working with Flexi Support since 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Nursing from RMIT.