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The Roles of Home Support Worker (Domestic Assistant)
The service of a Home Support Worker (Domestic Assistant) is the most popular service in ACG. In Victoria, Australia, the duties and limitations of a home support worker are governed by various regulations and guidelines set by Australian government agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and WorkSafe Victoria. Also, individual employers or care providers have their own guidelines.
Limitations of Home Support Workers' Duties?
1. Medical or Clinical Care:
- Cannot administer any medication.
- Cannot provide nursing care, such as wound management, injections, and/or catheters.
2. Financial or Legal Tasks:
- Cannot manage the client's finances, including paying bills and/or handling money.
- Cannot Perform medical procedures.
- Cannot engage in legal matters, such as signing contracts and/or making legal decisions on behalf of the client.
3. Heavy Lifting and/or Hazardous Work:
- Cannot perform heavy lifting tasks (e.g., moving heavy furniture).
- Cannot engage in high-risk tasks, such as cleaning windows at a high level and/or using dangerous chemicals without proper safety measures.
4. Driving :
-Home support workers may not be allowed to drive clients with personal assistance unless they have appropriate certificates.
5. Tasks Beyond Their Training and Certification:
-Cannot provide specialised care that requires formal qualifications, such as mental health support and/or complex aged care.
What They Can Do?
*Light cleaning such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.(However, Deep cleaning requires a professionalcleaning company to handle).
*Laundry and ironing
*Changing bed linens and making beds.
*Meal preparation and light cooking.
*Grocery shopping and running errands.
*Taking out the garbage.
Additional Regulations in Victoria:
WorkSafe Victoria enforces regulations to ensure the safety of Home support workers. Home support workers must follow safe work practices and avoid tasks that could cause injury.
Do you know that this service will account for the largest portion of home care funding in the coming year?
As governments continue to expand home care package funding, Allied Health services are expected to take a more prominent role. These packages, are designed to support individuals with varying levels of care needs, now more frequently include allied health as part of their core offerings. This reflects a broader understanding that healthcare is not limited to medical treatment but includes preventative care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle support.
The inclusion of allied health in home care packages allows for more personalised, holistic care plans that address not only physical needs but also cognitive and emotional health needs. For instance, occupational therapists can help seniors rearrange their living spaces in order to prevent falls, while physiotherapists assist with mobility issues, ensuring clients can stay independent for longer.
With the integration of allied health services into home care funding, the future of aged care is shifting towards a more balanced, wellness-oriented approach. This trend will likely result in better health outcomes for older adults, reduced hospital admissions, and a more sustainable healthcare system overall. The recognition of allied health’s importance in these packages signals a new era in home-based care, where maintaining independence and quality of life are the top priorities.
*Contact us to arrange immediately professional therapy services*
