Finding the right home care support

Choosing the right independent support worker

Finding the right support for home care can be challenging. When there are these many options, how do you know the person you enlist to help you or your loved one is truly qualified to meet your needs? Traditional providers have long held the reins in the sector, but with more Australians now preferring independent support workers for increased flexibility, affordable pricing, and individual choice, there is an urgent need for such workers to be properly trained.

In this guide, we’re going to go over why independent home care may be just what you’re looking for, what you’ll need to consider, and what you should do to help make an informed choice with confidence.

Why consider independent support workers?

Independent support workers provide a new alternative to care agencies. They aren’t carers employed by an agency, but work as self-employed, enabling greater personal service, direct communication, etc. Here’s what’s driving a lot of Australians to take this path:

• More control – you decide who cares for you, how you get care, when, etc
• Better relationships – develop an ongoing relationship with a carer who understands your needs
• More affordability – costs can often be lower where there are no agency fees
• Home care tailored to you – support workers provide meaningful assistance.

Key factors to consider when choosing an independent support worker

Identify your needs

Lay out exactly the kind of support that you need before you begin searching. Do you require assistance with personal care, household tasks, companionship or specialist medical care? Recognising your own needs will guide you to an appropriate pairing.

Review qualifications and experience

Not all independent carers have the same training. Find employees with appropriate education, experience in aged care and any other required accreditation. It’s also a good idea to request references from past clients.

Learn about their approach to care

Each carer has their own way of working. Some place more emphasis on companionship and emotional support, and others more on practical tasks. Talk to potential candidates and make sure they do it the way you do.

Inquire about availability and reliability

The disadvantage of hiring an independent worker is that it may be unavailable in case of personal reasons. Finding out how they deal with scheduling, emergencies and holiday cover is also important to ensure you won’t have a break in your care when you most need it.

Negotiate pricing and payment methods

Independent carers set their own rates, which can differ widely. Be transparent about your budget and their pricing model, whether that is hourly, weekly or per-service based. Also find out if they are able to work within government-funded home care packages in your area.

Make sure you can trust and you’re compatible

Since the person will be coming into your home and possibly helping with intimate tasks, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with them. A trial period can help gauge if the relationship is a fit.

Where can you get independent support workers?

A dedicated aged care matching website, or an established online marketplace, is among the platforms independent support workers list their services on. In certain communities, there are also recommendations passed by word of mouth, meaning it can be more straight-forward to find trusted carers.

Final thoughts

Selecting the best home care provider is an intensely personal decision. The fact is, when you consider independent support workers, a whole world of tailored, affordable and flexible options, catering to your individual needs, is opened up to you. Regardless of whether you need help on a daily basis, occasional assistance or some specialised care, vetting candidates carefully will ensure that you get good and reliable home care.

If you’re interested in learning more about independent home care, visit Support Network for tips and guidance on your home care journey. To read more about how to find the ideal support worker, tailored to your individual requirement visit us on our website.