Summary

At Neighbourcare, we know that consistency matters. We try to have your services carried out by the same people who get to know you. Still, things like illness, holidays, training, or emergencies mean the same person can’t always be there every time.

The good news is that having a team of support workers can actually improve your care.

If you receive home care, you may sometimes hear, “Your usual Support Worker isn’t available today.”

It can feel frustrating, even if the new Support Worker is friendly. You might have to explain things, or you may simply miss the familiar face you trust.

At Neighbourcare, we know that consistency matters. We try to have your services carried out by the same people who get to know you. Still, things like illness, holidays, training, or emergencies mean the same person can’t always be there every time.

The good news is that having a team of support workers can actually improve your care. Here are seven reasons why.

1. Your care is more reliable when it’s shared

If only one person knows your routines and preferences, what happens when they’re sick or on leave?

When your care is shared across a small team, more than one Support Worker understands how you like things done – how you like your tea, your favourite chair, the safest way to support you in and out of the shower. This means your services are less likely to be cancelled, and your support can continue even when life happens behind the scenes.

A flexible team actually makes your care more dependable.

2. Different workers bring different strengths

Every Support Worker has their own skills, experience and personality.

One may be brilliant at supporting people living with dementia. Another might be fantastic at motivating you with exercises from your physio. Someone else might be a whiz in the kitchen, helping you batch-cook your favourite meals.

When you see more than one Support Worker, you benefit from their different strengths and experiences. This can help you stay independent and safe in your own home.

3. Fresh eyes can pick up changes early

When we see someone often, it can be easy to miss small changes over time.

A Support Worker who hasn’t seen you for a little while might notice things like:

• You’re a bit more unsteady on your feet.
• You seem more tired than usual.
• There’s a new trip hazard in the home.
• Food in the fridge isn’t being used.

These fresh eyes are valuable. They help us notice small changes early and respond before they become bigger problems, such as by adjusting your services, talking with your family, or suggesting other supports.

4. More people looking out for you

Having a small team of Support Workers means more people get to know you, your story, and what’s important to you.

That can mean:

• More people are noticing if something’s not quite right.
• More people who know your preferences and routines.
• More people to connect with and chat with.

For many older people, Support Workers are an important part of their weekly social life. Meeting different people can expand your social circle and bring new conversations, humour, and interests to your day.

5. It helps you stay in control, not dependent on one person

It’s natural to become attached to a regular Support Worker, especially if you’ve known them for a long time. But this can make it harder if they move, retire, or change roles.

When you get used to having a small group of Support Workers, you stay in control of your services instead of depending on just one person. Your care plan, goals, and preferences stay at the centre, and any Support Worker can follow them.

You don’t have to start over each time. The Support Worker is following a plan designed for you.

6. It helps keep Support Workers safe and well, too

Support Workers are people, too. They can get tired, sick, injured, or need time off, just like anyone else.

Sharing care across a team helps:

• Avoid physical strain or injury from doing the same demanding tasks all the time.
• Reduce emotional burnout
• Keep workers fresher, more alert and able to provide safe, quality support.

When Support Workers are supported and not overworked, the care you receive is better too.

7. You still have a say

At Neighbourcare, you’re never “just a name on a roster”.

We do our best to:

• Build a small, consistent team around you wherever possible.
• Match you with workers who suit your needs, preferences and personality.
• Listen to your feedback on whether someone is a good fit or not.

If you’re worried about too many changes or find it hard to adjust to a new Support Worker, please talk to us. We’ll help you find a balance between consistency and flexibility.

Our goal is to help you live well with care at home, and sometimes that means introducing a new Support Worker. With good communication and planning, these changes can help you stay safe, supported, and independent for as long as possible.

For more information about Neighbourcare and our services, please call 4992 3348 or visit neighbourcare.org.au

Live your best life with care at home.
Team Neighbourcare