Building trust with you or your loved one's support workers is essential to getting the best care. But allowing people into your home requires trust. Trust that they'll perform their duties with care and respect the wishes of you or your loved one.
Establishing trust also allows support workers to feel confident sharing their ideas. Ideas may help get the best outcomes possible for you or your loved one.
But most importantly, it means you can relax. Knowing that your or your loved one's care is in the best hands possible.
Here are some suggestions for how to build trust with your support workers:
1. Take Your Time
Building trust can take time, especially when it relates to disability care. Take time to build your relationship by getting to know your support workers. So you can feel confident in their abilities.
But be mindful of controlling their tasks and activities. Make sure you don't micro-manage, particularly if you're caring for a child or partner when it's hard to let go.
2. Be Confident
If you've employed staff directly, be confident in your decisions. Establishing a thorough screening process can help. Such as undertaking background checks and establishing safeguards to protect yourself.
Giving people autonomy is a great way to show your team that you trust and support them.
3. Go With Your Gut
Trust your instincts when employing support workers. Although it's essential to be open, listen to yourself if something doesn't feel right. To build a solid relationship, you need to be comfortable with the person providing care.
4. Operate Like a Leader
Effective leaders trust their team to do their job in the workplace and you need to do the same. Here are some tips to consider -
Be transparent
Being honest with your support workers about you/your loved one's needs is essential. Even if it means having awkward or difficult conversations.
Follow through
If you make promises to your support team, follow through with them. For example, if you said you'd be happy to accommodate a shift request, then make sure you do it.
Be vulnerable
Admit if you've made a mistake or if there's something you may have done differently. We're all human. Also, be open with your feelings and let them know what's important to you.
Honestly can help your team provide better care.
Communicate effectively
Consider how you communicate with staff and if it's open, honest and effective. Ensure your team understand what you're asking and use tools that are easy for them. For example, online chat so everyone can get instant messaging.
Listen
Actively listening to your team is just as important as talking. Listening can help you to understand what they need from you. They can also provide lots of helpful insights and guidance to support loved ones.
Show your appreciation
Get to know your support workers. After all, they play an important role in your or your loved one's quality of life. Learning about them and establishing a friendly relationship can make a huge difference.
Remember the little details, like birthday's. Or ask them what they did on the weekend to help your relationship grow.
Access the Right Tools
If you're considering self-management or are already self-managing, Ability8 can help. Our easy-to-use tool means you can store everything in one secure location.
You can also -
chat directly to support workers,
organise timesheets,
schedule shifts and
organise payroll, including superannuation and ATO contributions.
Try our Staff Plan for 30 days free to see how it can help you manage your staff and NDIS disability care plan.
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