My Client Has A Spinal Cord Injury - What Kind Of Support Services Will I Be Providing?

Disability support workers from Careseekers, may have clients who live with spinal cord injury. In this blog, we will look at some of the services a client living with SCI might require.

When providing support services to a client living with spinal cord injury, it is crucial to adopt a person-centred approach that prioritises the individual's goals and preferences. The right support worker can empower their client to live as independently as possible and improve their overall quality of life.

Here are some ways in which you might be asked to provide support services:

Personal Care: Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. For individuals with spinal cord injuries, these tasks may require specialised techniques and equipment.

Mobility Assistance: Mobility can be a significant challenge for people with spinal cord injuries. Help with transferring in and out of wheelchairs, using mobility aids, and getting in and out of vehicles may be required.

Physical Therapy Exercises: Support workers may be asked to assist with prescribed physical therapy exercises to help maintain and improve muscle strength, range of motion, and overall physical function.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists work with people living with spinal cord injuries to develop strategies and techniques for performing daily tasks and activities. Support workers may help implement these strategies in the person's home environment.

Transportation: Support workers may be asked to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries with transportation needs, such as getting to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or participating in social activities.

Social Support: Living with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging. Support workers can provide social support and companionship, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and depression.

Community Engagement: Encouraging and assisting clients with spinal cord injuries to participate in community activities and social events can promote a sense of belonging and well-being.

It's essential for disability support workers to be knowledgeable about the specific needs and challenges associated with spinal cord injuries and be sensitive to their client's individual preferences and goals.

Communication and collaboration with your client, their family members and healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians, are also crucial to provide comprehensive and coordinated support to individuals with spinal cord injuries. Support services should be individualized, taking into account the person's unique needs and goals for independence and quality of life.

To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers

To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To make a referral, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/referrals