What is the difference between a support worker or ... - Mencap

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What is the difference between a support worker or carer?

Cakes2695 profile image
9 Replies

Has anyone got a job description this is in a supported living setting

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Cakes2695 profile image
Cakes2695
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9 Replies
Jofisher profile image
Jofisher

Hi I didn’t really think there was that much difference if any, but I suppose if you break it down a support worker maybe supporting the person to do things for themselves more and the other one is more hands on care but in my mind I can’t see a difference but maybe I’m being thick.

Cakes2695 profile image
Cakes2695

Thought so my daughter needs more of the care , what she really needs is her care plan being read

CheecheeJ profile image
CheecheeJ

My job description is support worker. I support learning disabilities in the community and in supported tenancies. I dont think there's any difference.

Cakes2695 profile image
Cakes2695 in reply to CheecheeJ

Thank you for reply , ok so you would follow the care plan provided from families sent to care provider eg managers of the site . If it clearly states full support with eg teeth , personal care help/support to manage everyday things food /diet.

49Twister profile image
49Twister in reply to Cakes2695

Hi I’ve got a copy of a job description for the support staff that are supposed to support my son. I’m having the same problem as you that no one actually bothers to look at the support plan so everything is a waste of time. He might as well live on his own for the amount of support he actually gets considering the contribution he pays towards his support. I have to constantly tell them, so It’s actually much harder work him living there. If someone can advise me how to post the picture I have taken of the support plan I will post it. Have covered the name of Company that support him.

CheecheeJ profile image
CheecheeJ in reply to Cakes2695

Yes I would absolutely follow the care plan provided. It is clear instruction on how to care for the person in the best possible way. Do you ever get an explanation on why they don't follow the care plan? What a horrible situation to be in.

Cakes2695 profile image
Cakes2695

Yes all to often this is going on it's really inconsistent care that's being provided. Staff are over stretched which causes issues but in some cases you have to wonder why they took the job with no experience or training being provided. Not everyone can get to grips with someone who has severe learning disabilities ADHD /Mental Health & Autism . Main culprit is adult social care not pushing for better standards for all. They are definitely asleep at the wheel. I have made a nuisance of myself highlighting issues but i'm not going to stop! when you know something is wrong you have to call it out even if it puts the placement at risk !!

49Twister profile image
49Twister

Basically a support worker is paid to “care” for someone and a carer is generally someone who isn’t paid to care for someone eg (you and I) !!!

Mybestfriends profile image
Mybestfriends

Carer is usually the Relative & paid or unpaid does whatever is needed, like us Mum's, I was made Appointed Carer with Power of Attorney, when Social care worker came out to do Assessment, my Now 32yr old Son was living at home & going into Supported Accommodation for help & to learn how to live independently. They help him achieve the necessary Skills to live independently.

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