How a Support Worker can support your best life
How well do you know the role of a Support Worker and how they can support you to live well, enjoy favourite experiences or help you tick off your daily to-do list?
What is a Support Worker?
As the title suggests, a Support Worker is someone who provides support and companionship to an older person.
The type of support varies depending on a customer’s individual needs, abilities, and goals.
Commonly, Support Workers help with tasks around the home such as personal care, light cleaning or helping to prepare meals.
Outside of the home Support Workers may accompany you on social outings, appointments, shopping or picking up medications.
The role of a Support Worker can be much more than what is commonly listed. Tailored to your interests, the activities can be endless and can exist beyond the day-to-day norm.
We’ve put together a list of 20 ideas to inspire you!
- Meal preparation
- Bake your favourite treat
- Play board games
- Watch a movie
- Keep in touch with a loved one
- Get creative
- Learn something new or teach your Support Worker a skill
- Get to know each other
- Treat yourself to a shopping spree
- Have a coffee at your favourite café
- Stroll through the Botanic Gardens
- Find a book at your local Library
- Enjoy lunch at a picturesque winery
- Tour the South Australian Museum
- Attend a new exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia
- Feel the sand between your toes at the beach
- Explore the Adelaide Central Market
- Find a hidden gem at a local op shop or antique store
- Indulge at Haigh’s Chocolate Factory
- Get up close to nature and wildlife
In-home activities to do with your Support Worker
Meal preparation
Have you been wanting to try a new meal or need some help getting prepped for the week ahead? Cook up a storm with your Support Worker, share tips and tricks in the kitchen, or even swap favourite recipes.
Bake your favourite treat
Baking is a great hobby and it’s even better shared with someone. From treasured family recipes to the handy mixes found at your local supermarket, mix up your favourite treat to pair with your next tea or coffee.
Play board games
Show your competitive streak and challenge your Support Worker to your favourite board game or cards. Who will win?
Watch a movie
Break out the popcorn or your favourite treat and relax watching a movie or television show.
Keep in touch with a loved one
Your Support Worker can help you keep in touch with loved ones by assisting in writing letters or virtually connecting you using a device of your choosing.
Get creative
Spend time relaxing while doing arts and craft – drawing, painting a work of art, creating a collage, or knitting. Let your inner creativity lead you.
Learn something new or teach your Support Worker a skill
Get the support and motivation you need to learn something new or teach your Support Worker a skill you specialise in.
Get to know each other
Share stories, fun facts and quirky traits with your Support Worker. Write down questions you would like to ask and spend the time getting to know each other.
Local activities to do with your Support Worker
Treat yourself to a shopping spree
From Rundle Mall to Westfield Shopping Centres or your local shopping strip, your Support Worker can help you pick out the perfect outfit or gift!
Have a coffee at your favourite café
Adelaide is brimming with cafés, there’s sure to be one nearby. Enjoy a coffee or treat yourself to a delicious brunch option with great company.
Stroll through the Botanic Gardens
From Adelaide Botanic Garden to Mount Lofty and Wittunga there’s so much beauty to see. Stroll at you own leisure or choose from the many events held all year round, see what’s on here.
Find a book at your local library
Ready for your next read? Your Support Worker can take you to the library and help pick out your next book – try talking about favourite authors, you might share the same!
Enjoy lunch at a picturesque winery
With so many beautiful wineries here in South Australia head towards the vines, take in the views and enjoy a delicious meal with a wine to match.
Tour the South Australian Museum
With five floors of wonders ready to be discovered a visit to the South Australian Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon or morning!
Attend a new exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Housing stunning art collections take a guided or self-guided tour or choose to admire one of the current exhibitions.
Feel the sand between your toes at the beach
South Australia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches! From metropolitan favourites Glenelg, Brighton, and Henley or further south to Port Noarlunga and Moana. Enjoy beautiful coastlines and if you’re hungry stop in for a lunch of fish and chips.
Explore the Adelaide Central Market
With over 70 traders the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Fill your fridge with local produce or dine at one of the many eateries.
Find a hidden gem at a local op shop or antique store
Delve into racks and boxes to find your next treasure. You might even have some of your own items that you want to donate and trade in.
Indulge at Haigh’s Chocolate Factory
Who doesn’t love chocolate? A tour of Haigh’s Chocolate Factory will give you behind the scenes access to their team of confectioners hand finishing delicious chocolates, plus enjoy tastings along the way.
Get up close to nature and wildlife
From zoos to Wildlife Conservation Parks, your Support Worker can accompany you as you explore SA’s great parks.
Looking for a Support Worker but not sure where to start?
We can help!
Support Workers can be accessed using your Home Care Package (HCP) or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Find information on funding options and how to access Support Worker services on our website, or call 1300 22 44 77 and our friendly team will assist you.
