The difference a support worker can make

Following my father's death, my mother was quite isolated living on her own. Her main activities were doing the shopping and visiting my father's grave regularly. When asked if she would like to attend the local day activity group it was always a resounding 'no'- she is not someone who ever really liked large group activities. Then, serendipitously, my mother was introduced to a new support worker, as a part of her home care package. The support worker came with an approach which focussed on what my mother could do, rather than couldn't do. The support worker began a daily routine of taking my mother to have a coffee at the local coffee shop. Over time, this has become a regular gathering of local community members, both young and old, where everyone is engaged in lively conversation and chatter. My mother’s demeanour and capacity transformed almost overnight. This informal gathering at the local cafe has translated, some six years later, to my mother still living at home with a rich social and community life and supportive neighbours.

(image: iStock.com/AlexRaths)