In the Australian NDIS industry, ‘support workers’ and ‘carers’ are two terms that are used interchangeably. Most often, people confuse their roles and hire the wrong provider based on their needs. Even though both support workers and carers are essential for empowering participants and enhancing their quality of life, they differ in approach and context.
Let’s unravel the difference between a disability support worker in Perth and a carer in the NDIS context. Read on for more information:
Who is a Carer?
A carer is usually a friend, family member, or neighbour who offers unpaid care and support to an individual with a mental health condition, chronic illness, disability, or age-related requirements. According to Carers Australia, carers provide emotional and social support as well as personal care, frequently motivated by a deep personal bond with the person they look after.
Primary Focus or Duties
Maintaining the person’s well-being and making sure they are comfortable and safe are the key objectives of a carer. The duties of a caretaker can differ substantially based on the particular requirements of the person they are supporting. Nonetheless, a few typical duties could be:
- Organising appointments and prescriptions
- Helping with everyday life tasks includes dressing, toileting, showering, moving about, and preparing meals.
- Providing social and emotional assistance
- Assisting with errands and household tasks
Although caretakers are excellent at providing close, 24-hour assistance, their job can be emotionally and physically taxing. Respite services are frequently offered by government programs, such as the NDIS, to lessen the strain on carers.
The Relationship With Participants
A bond of love, loyalty, or friendship characterises the informal and emotional relationship between a carer and the care recipient. One characteristic that distinguishes the roles of carers is this personal connection. However, carers typically don’t get paid or receive formal training, and instead of following a set plan, their support is reactive and flexible, changing to meet needs as they arise.
Who is a Support Worker?
In contrast, a support worker is a paid professional hired to offer help in keeping with the objectives and plans specified in a person’s NDIS plan. Support workers provide structured, goal-oriented assistance within a formal framework that is regulated by NDIS principles and standards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
In addition to offering immediate disability support services in Perth, support workers are educated to assist participants in gaining skills and increasing their level of independence. Their duties frequently consist of:
- Helping with everyday living activities and personal care
- Assisting individuals in obtaining social, educational, career, or community opportunities
- Putting therapeutic programs or behaviour support into practice
- Assisting in the development of skills like cooking and budgeting
- Encouraging engagement and social integration
Key Differences
Here are some key differences between the two professionals, explained in brief:
| Features | Carers | Support Workers |
| Relationship with participants | Informal, more of a personal connection | Formal and professional, strictly adhering to the NDIS standards |
| Compensation | Usually unpaid. Sometimes paid when hiring external help | Paid |
| Primary Focus | Comfort, well-being, and urgent need | Long-term growth, self-reliance, and achieving objectives |
| Training | No training needed | Professional training and certification required |
| Responsibilities | Usually includes basic caring responsibilities. Focuses on emotional support. | Professional, focusing on the overall independence of participants. Tailoring plans to cater to specific skills and activities. |
| Flexibility | High adaptability to shifting demands | Less adaptable and frequently linked to set shifts |
Final Takeaway
While a disability support worker in Perth is a qualified, paid professional who focuses on empowerment, independence, and accomplishing participant goals under established NDIS frameworks, the carer is typically an unpaid, personal supporter who offers a flexible, sympathetic role frequently motivated by familial ties. Both play crucial roles in the Australian disability support system, each of which enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities in a unique and complementary way.
If you are looking for qualified disability support services in Perth from the right professionals, reach out to Being Human Support Services. We’re adept at tailoring services to cater to specific medical needs and personal goals. Visit our website at http://beinghumansupportservices.com/ to explore our disability care services.
