As a support worker there’s no such thing as a typical day because every person you will be
supporting is an individual. They all have different needs and like to do different things, so no
two days are the same which makes it more exciting. Everyone that you will be seeing has a
care plan stating what will need to be done for the day and their needs. Your days will be
filled with compassion, responsibility and dedication and you will be entrusted with the well-
being and care of the elderly community.
Day to day
6 AM – the morning start
The day begins early. Home care support workers will review their schedule for the day.
Today you will have a full roster, and each client will have different needs and routines. You
will need to prepare your supplies for the days such as personal protective equipment.
7 AM – Arrival at the first client’s home
You arrive at the home of Mr Smith, an elderly male with mobility issues that will need
personal care and companionship services for the day. This would involve assistance with
bathing, dressing and ensuring Mr Smith takes his medication for the day. Your gentle
demeanour and attention to detail will be needed in this service to make Mr Smith’s daily
ritual comfortable.
8:30 AM – Breakfast and Companionship
After personal care, you will need to prepare Mr Smith some breakfast. You will have a chat to
Mr Smith about various topics such as the news and listening to Mr Smith discussing topics
and subjects he would like to talk about. For many clients this social interaction is just as
important than the physical care that they receive.
12pm – Lunch and transition
Once you take some time to de-brief your last service and write your progress notes, you will
then plan for the services that you have for the afternoon. You will find that you will have
multiple services throughout the day with client’s that have different care plan’s and needs.
You will need to meet every client and service with diligence and empathy.
3:00 PM – Emergency response and Crisis management
Occasionally, the day included unexpected changes. Today, you attend a service with a
client who has had a minor fall. You quickly assess the situation and check for injuries and
ensure that they receive appropriate medical attention if need be. Your training and
experience will enable you to handle situations calmly and effectively.
5:00 PM – Wrapping up the day and documenting
You have seen all your clients for the day and the day winds down. You ensure all your
progress notes are accurate and completed for the day and you can see that there is nothing
to be done further.
6:00pm – End of day
You may conclude your day with a mixture of feelings of fulfilment and exhaustion. Being a
support worker is a demanding role both physically and emotionally however the rewards are
significant. Knowing that you have made a positive difference in all your client’s life leaves a
sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Home care support workers play a vital role in the healthcare system. Their days are
filled with challenges, but their dedication and compassion ensure that the people’s needs
and the human connection that enriches their lives. Through their tireless efforts, they help
foster dignity and quality of life for those who need it most.