A day in the life of a support worker

Throughout my day I would normally visit five or six people. They are adults with a learning disability but some people may have health or medical issues, such as epilepsy, Aspergers, and mental health needs. Each individual is unique and has their personal support plan which I follow. The type of support could include personal care, general support, supporting a person with housework, ironing, developing their cooking skills, prompting someone or administering medication, budgeting and banking. Shopping, socialising, accessing the community, and travel training and giving emotional support – the list is endless.

I support people with these tasks, give them the confidence of being in control, making choices and becoming more independent.

We have lots of fun too, chats and gossips over coffee or lunch, trips out for the day, or weekends away or a week or two on holidays, lots of activities such as bowling, swimming, social clubs, events, cinema again another endless list and great times are always had.

I am also a keyworker to two people: supporting the person more closely, helping them with their health appointments and making sure they are all up to date, assisting with benefits and even employment, discovering and developing new skills and aiming to support someone to achieve their goals and dreams.

At the end of my day I feel satisfied – that the people I support are on their way to achieving or having achieved a new skill or found a new interest. I go home happy; feeling that I have made a difference to someone’s life.

Gail Kilnan

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