Want to know more?
What is Personal Support?
Our highly trained Personal Support Workers specialise in providing professional care and assistance to people with physical disabilities in their homes, at work and in the community. They recognise the importance of preserving a person’s dignity and independence while offering the necessary support to simply go about their day.
We can help you with:
- Personal care: Showering, dressing, personal grooming, dental hygiene, skin checks, bowel therapy, prescribed exercise programs and assistance with taking medication.
- Light domestic duties: Laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, and tidying.
- Getting out and about: Assistance with community access activities including shopping, health and medical appointments, attending concerts and sporting events, as well as support when travelling on holiday.
Choose The Right Service For You
If you need extra support or a helping hand, our Personal Support services are here to assist you. Our dedicated team of Personal Support Workers are committed to supporting you in your daily life. Whether you require assistance with tasks such as getting in and out of bed, personal grooming and dental hygiene, maintaining a clean household, participating in community activities, or anything else, our goal is to make your life easier.
Whether you need support regularly or for specific tasks, our services are flexible and tailored to your individual requirements. Our Personal Support Workers are trained to provide the assistance you require while respecting your preferences and decisions.
Our Service Areas and Expertise
We provide services in Queensland and Western Australia to anyone over the age of 18 with spinal cord damage or other physical disabilities, including neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. Our team understands the unique challenges you may face and we are committed to providing friendly and professional care that promotes your health, wellness, independence, and quality of life.
Why Choose Spinal Life?
We take great pride in our highly skilled and compassionate team, who undergo extensive training to specialise in providing care and support for people with spinal cord damage or other physical disabilities. We conduct a rigorous selection process that ensures all our staff align with Spinal Life’s mission ‘to enable people to live an accessible, equitable and empowered life.’
You also will have a dedicated Client Service Officer who will help manage your individual support plan, your roster and any questions that you have along the way.
In addition to core training, we offer extended competencies where our Personal Support Workers receive further specialised training from Spinal Life’s nursing team. This additional training equips them with the expertise to provide specialised care in areas such as:
- Catheter flushing
- Stoma support
- PEG feeding
- Bowel irrigation
- Ventilation assistance
We understand the unique needs and challenges associated with these procedures, and we ensure our dedicated team is fully prepared to provide professional, high-quality support.
Funding and Booking Services
We work with most funding types including NDIS, NIIS, NIISQ, TIO, private funding such as insurance or WorkCover, and self-funded individuals. If you’re unsure if we can work with your funding body, just get in touch with our friendly team by calling 1300 774 625 or by completing an online contact form.
Support for Veterans
We are proud to support our veterans through the Veterans Home Care (VHC) program. Veterans, war widows, and widowers are eligible to receive support and assistance at home. This may include assistance with light domestic duties such as laundry, meal preparation, cleaning and tidying, as well as community access and personal care.
Personal Support and Home Care Services FAQs
We want learning about personal care services to be simple and accessible for everyone. Here, you’ll find all the answers you need about personal support care. We’ve gathered answers to help you make informed decisions.
How do I know if my loved one needs personal support and home care services?
It’s not easy to spot when a loved one needs personal support. But, it’s crucial for their well-being. Subtle changes in their daily functioning and behaviour can show a need for help.
For example, your loved one may need help if they have trouble performing everyday tasks. This includes things like bathing, dressing, grooming, or meal preparation. Also, clear home hazards might mean they have trouble keeping their environment safe. This can be things like clutter, trip hazards, or unattended spills.
Be mindful of changes in mood or behaviour. This includes signs of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Sudden changes in mood or behaviour can also be due to poor health or mobility.
Significant changes in weight or appetite may occur. This means your loved one is having difficulty preparing meals or grocery shopping. Lastly, memory problems or confusion could point to mental decline or early-onset dementia.
Why should I choose personal support and home care services?
Personal support services allow your loved ones to stay in familiar surroundings. This can offer several advantages, such as keeping control of their day-to-day life. This promotes a sense of dignity and self-worth.
Moreover, personal support allows caregivers to provide tailored help. Personal support also allows loved ones to stay home, enhancing comfort and well-being.
Another upside of personal support is that family members are a part of the care process. Best of all, care at home can be more affordable than other options, while still providing the same support.
The choice depends on your loved one’s unique circumstances, preferences, and care needs. It’s best to explore and discuss options with your loved one and other family members. This way, you can make an informed decision that best meets your loved one’s needs and wishes.
Who can benefit from personal support and home care services?
Personal support and home care services helps anyone struggling with daily activities, personal care, and independent living. It helps people with a disability overcome barriers to independent living. This encourages them to take part more in their communities. It can help with recovery after surgery or illness.
Personal support is especially beneficial to those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Personal Support Workers can help with medication management, meal prep, exercise, and general self-care.
Finally, personal support offers respite care for family members who serve as caregivers. Family caregivers may experience physical, emotional, and financial strain over time. This allows them to take breaks while ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need.
With one-on-one help, personal support pushes clients to be independent and maintain dignity. Above all else, they enjoy a higher quality of life.
What qualifications should I look for when hiring personal support workers?
It’s important to go with certified caregivers or those who have relevant training. Additionally, consider their previous experience working with similar clients. Experienced caregivers are often better equipped to expect and provide compassionate care.
Another best practice is to learn about other’s experiences working with the caregiver. For example, you can ask for references from previous clients or employers. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into the caregiver’s reputation.
Lastly, consider a caregiver’s personality, communication style, and compatibility. Bonding with individuals is necessary for trust-building, understanding clients’ needs and coordinating care. Focus on caregivers who have compatibility with your loved one’s preferences. Caregivers who bond with individuals are essential for a successful care relationship.
By considering these factors, you can select qualified and compassionate caregivers. That way, your loved ones receive the help they need to live in a safe, comfortable, and independent home. At Spinal Life Australia, our Personal Support Workers undergo extensive training to specialise in personal support care. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you.
What is an NDIS plan?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative. It’s designed to provide support and services to individuals living with a disability. It helps them achieve goals, enhance independence, and take part in their communities.
An NDIS plan is a personalised document outlining the support and funding for the client. It takes into account their specific needs, goals, and circumstances.
How can NDIS help me with personal support care?
NDIS funding can help you access a range of support and services for individual needs. First, funding can cover the cost of personal support workers to help with day-to-day tasks. This includes such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and household chores.
Funding may also allow workers to support and escort individuals outside of the home. This can include social events, recreational activities and community outings. This enables people to connect with others and pursue their interests and goals.
Funding covers the cost of therapy services. This includes services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behaviour support. These services help individuals improve their physical, cognitive, communication, and social skills. Long-term, they enhance their well-being and independence.
Another way NDIS funding can help you is by providing respite care. Family members can take a break while their loved ones receive the care and support they need.
NDIS funding may be available to buy or hire assistive technology. This includes mobility aids, communication devices, home modifications, and sensory equipment.
