Difference between a Carer and Support Worker

At first glance, the role of a support worker vs a carer might seem synonymous, but in the context of the services we provide to our participants living with disabilities, health issues or other challenges, there is an important distinction between the two.

Care involves assisting with daily tasks and maintaining well-being for those unable to do so themselves. Support empowers independence, providing tools, resources and training to help individuals perform tasks independently, building strength and autonomy in their daily lives.

At Maple Community Services we ensure that the distinctions between carer and support worker are clear to our team, our clients, and their families. This clarity allows us to go above and beyond the duty of simply caring for our participants. By clearly defining the roles of our support workers, we can tailor our approaches to meet individual needs more accurately and compassionately and provide support coordination services that will offer them more opportunities for growth and independence.

What is the difference between carer and support worker?

• The terms “care” and “support” are often used interchangeably but recognising the distinct, yet subtle differences between them is crucial when delivering services to our clients. Understanding these vital nuances enhances the effectiveness of our services, as well as promoting inclusivity in our society, workplaces, homes and communities. 

  The term “care” refers to assisting someone by performing daily tasks and activities that they are unable to do themselves, ensuring their well-being and health are maintained. In contrast, “support” focuses on empowering someone to become more independent in their daily lives. This involves providing the tools, resources and training they need to perform tasks on their own, cultivating strength and confidence towards achieving autonomy.

  Focusing on support rather than care allows us to design our services to encourage greater independence and enhance the quality of life for our clients.

What is the role of a carer?

As a carer, your role primarily involves attending to an individual’s health and well-being. This includes medical care, personal hygiene, and other activities that ensure the person you’re caring for is able to maintain their physical and mental health as much as possible. 

Caring for someone can include tasks such as administering medication, wound care, bathing, dressing, feeding, and managing medical equipment. It is generally a hands-on role and may require specialised training or certification. 

Care is typically provided to people who have significant dependencies due to illness, disability or ageing. It ensures that their essential needs are met in a safe and effective way. As a carer, a nurse or a caregiver, you likely have more of a directive role, making decisions about what is best for the receiver’s health and safety.

What is the role of a support worker?

On the other hand, a Support Worker’s focus is to empower individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. It involves assisting the receiver in achieving their goals, developing skills, and participating in their communities.

Similar to a carer, support workers help their clients with daily activities, however, support is often designed to help clients gain the skills and confidence they need to perform tasks on their own, encouraging greater self-sufficiency. This could simply involve supervision, or providing resources or tools to make the task easier. 

The role of a support worker also extends to facilitating social interaction, providing emotional support, assisting with educational and employment pursuits, and promoting overall quality of life. Support workers often work collaboratively with their clients and their families, respecting their preferences and involving them in decision-making processes.

Carer vs Support Worker example

Let’s take an example of how a carer would assist someone with meal preparation versus how a Support Worker would approach the situation.

Carers approach:

• A carer recognises that a client has limited ability to prepare meals due to a physical or cognitive limitation.
• A carer takes a hands-on approach, preparing the meal for the client. This could include planning the menu, gathering ingredients, cooking the food and serving the meal.
• A carer ensures that the meal meets the client’s dietary needs and preferences, focusing on providing nutrition and safety.
• The client may have minimal involvement in the meal preparation, primarily receiving the end result – a prepared meal.

Support Workers approach:

• A support worker assesses the client’s abilities and identifies areas where the client can participate in meal preparation.
• A support worker encourages the client to take an active role in meal preparation. They might guide the client through each step, offering assistance and support as needed.
  • They will collaborate with the client to plan the menu considering the preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Assist the client in making a shopping list and accompany them to the store.
  • Support the client in cooking, providing instructions and helping with tasks that might be challenging for the client, while encouraging independence in tasks the client can manage.
• A support worker uses the opportunity to teach and develop the client’s cooking skills, focusing on building confidence.
• A support worker provides feedback and makes adjustments to the level of support based on the client’s progress and comfort level.
• The client is actively involved in the entire process, from planning to cooking, enhancing their skills and independence.

What are the differences between a carer and support worker?

As you can see, while the roles of a carer and support worker may overlap, they serve distinct functions essential to the well-being of people living with disabilities, health concerns or other challenges. A carer primarily focuses on providing direct assistance with daily tasks and personal care to ensure the health and safety of a client or a loved one. 

In contrast, a support worker emphasises empowering clients to achieve greater independence by offering guidance, resources and skill-building opportunities. Understanding these differences allows for more tailored and effective care support, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

Find out more about our core supports at Maple Community Services.