The Importance of Clear Communication with Your Support Worker

At Crushing Goals, we understand that every family is unique, with different routines, values, and needs. When a support worker becomes part of your family’s life, especially in an In Home Support setting, it’s essential that everyone is on the same page about what’s expected.

As a mother myself, I remember when my children were young, and I needed help. What I needed most at that time was someone who could give them attention while I prepared dinner, did the laundry, or simply had a shower in peace. Sometimes that meant watching cartoons together or playing on the living room floor. For me, that was real support.

But over the years, I’ve learnt that for other families, that same scene, a support worker sitting on the couch with the child, might be seen as a lack of initiative or interest.

This is not about right or wrong. It’s about communication and alignment.

 Why Aligning Expectations Matters 

The support we provide must always be in line with the goals outlined in the NDIS plan and the family’s daily reality. When there isn’t clear communication about what is expected from the support worker, frustration can build on both sides.

Sometimes, the support worker believes they are doing exactly what is needed, while the family feels like “they’re just sitting there doing nothing.”

And here’s something very important that we’d like to share gently and honestly:

Our greatest strength at Crushing Goals is the effort we put into matching families with the right support workers. We look carefully at personalities, routines, communication styles, and the goals set out in the plan.

But this matching process becomes almost impossible if the family does not communicate openly and respectfully with the worker.

Trying to guess what a family wants is exhausting and disheartening. Sadly, we’ve seen wonderful professionals walk away simply because families didn’t express what they needed – they only said “I didn’t like that person.”

What we really want to say here, with care and kindness, is this:

Families need to reflect on how they treat those who come into their home to offer help.

Our happiest and most satisfied clients are those who communicate clearly, respectfully, and openly. Unsurprisingly, these families also receive the most consistent, high-quality support, because they foster real partnerships.

 How to Communicate More Clearly with Your Support Worker 

Here are some practical tips to help ensure everyone is working together effectively:

1. Explain your priorities for the day.

   Be clear and specific: “Today I need help keeping my son entertained while I cook lunch.” "Today, I need help in the kitchen while I support my son with his emotions."

2. Describe what ‘support’ means to you.

   Support could mean playing, chatting, helping with toileting, or simply being present. Let your worker know what matters to you.

3. Share the goals in your NDIS plan.

   This helps the support worker understand the why behind everyday tasks – even the simple ones.

4. Give and ask for feedback.

   Honest conversations build stronger working relationships and help avoid misunderstandings.

5. Speak to the coordination team when needed.

   If something isn’t quite right, please reach out. We’re here to listen and to make things better.
   

 Final Thoughts 

In the busyness of everyday life, it’s not always easy to stop and have these conversations, but investing that time can completely transform the support your family receives.

At Crushing Goals, we believe that the best outcomes happen when families and support workers work together with trust, respect, and open communication. We are here to walk alongside you, offering support that truly fits your needs.