What is the Role of a Companion?
Empowering your NDIS Journey.
A companion or disability support worker plays a crucial role in empowering you to achieve your NDIS goals. However, it's essential to recognise that not all support workers are the same.
We believe in helping you understand what defines a good disability support worker and what to watch out for, so you can make informed decisions when choosing a support worker or provider.
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A good support worker will:
Listen attentively to understand your wants and needs effectively.
Act in the best interest of your safety without compromising your choice and control.
Encourage and support you in your journey to achieve your goals.
Maintain a professional demeanour, respecting personal and professional boundaries.
Respect your choices, even if they may not personally agree with them.
Demonstrate a positive attitude during every shift.
Be committed to fostering your independence and enhancing your capabilities.
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Conversely, a bad support worker may breach professional boundaries and the NDIS code of conduct, jeopardising your wellbeing.
Some examples include:
Claiming to be your friend or part of your family.
Engaging in inappropriate or sexual behaviour.
Using personal funds to buy gifts for you or accepting gifts from you.
Purchasing or participating in drug or alcohol consumption with you.
Oversharing personal information about themselves.
Providing their personal phone number for communication outside of scheduled shifts.
Overstaying beyond the agreed-upon shift booking.
Doing personal favours that extend beyond the scope of their role.
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If you feel uncomfortable or encounter any problems with your support worker, you have several options to address the situation:
If you are comfortable, express your concerns directly to the support worker. For example, you could say, "Hey, I don't feel comfortable with you giving me your phone number."
If you don't feel at ease discussing the issue directly, reach out to the management of the provider employing the support worker. For instance, if the support worker is from The Companion Group, you can contact the Team Leader or Operations Manager. They can provide feedback on your behalf or arrange a replacement with a new support worker.
Inform your friends, family, and support network about the problem. They can assist you in providing feedback to the provider or filing a complaint with the NDIS directly.
Remember, it is always acceptable to express your concerns or provide feedback. Your well-being and satisfaction are paramount.
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For more information or to access relevant resources, please refer to the links below:
Our Commitment to You.
We are committed to ensuring your NDIS journey is filled with support, empowerment, and respect at every step. At The Companion Group, we take pride in upholding the highest standards of care and professionalism to meet your needs.