The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aged care support sectors are both vital industries that are reliant on their workforce. Currently, many Support Workers are facing the risk of burnout, but software may be the solution.
Recent studies have found that Support Workers and carers, the backbone of disability and aged care support services, are facing issues with burnout, exhaustion, and high levels of stress.
This is a huge concern, as research has shown that higher levels of engagement are tied to client quality of care. It’s also in the best interest of every party involved, including the Provider, Support Worker, and Participant, to have high morale and satisfaction.
Tackling an issue like burnout is challenging, but it doesn’t need to be impossible. The most common sources of disengagement and burnout tend to come from irregular working hours, stressful conditions, and poor management.
Aged care and NDIS software can improve employee engagement by leveraging technology to streamline workflow, taking stress off Support Workers so they can focus on their services. Software can also improve communication, reduce human error in scheduling, and automate administrative tasks. Because it can automate and streamline tasks, the resources that would be spent on them can be reallocated elsewhere.
Common Issues Support Workers Face
Support work in the NDIS and aged care sector is rewarding, but it’s also an incredibly demanding profession. Here are some common issues they face in the role:
Irregular hours
Due to the nature of the sectors, Support Workers and carers often face irregular work hours. These can include working evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Schedules and rostering are highly unpredictable in this role, which can make it hard to maintain a work-life balance.
Shortage of resources
The NDIS and aged care sectors are currently facing a shortage of resources while demands keep rising. This has resulted in pressure on employees, including Support Workers and carers, and can hinder their ability to provide effective care.
High workload
Support workers and carers are known for having a high workload, especially if they’re managing multiple clients or difficult cases. This is an issue because it can lead to long working hours and limited breaks.
Personal development
Particularly with the NDIS, as the scheme is new, there’s currently a lack of training and opportunities for personal development. Depending on the State and organisation, qualifications are also not a requirement.
Low retention rates
Low retention rates in the industry are also becoming an increasing concern. This leads to Support Workers having to cover and take on more shifts, which can potentially lead to burnout. It also impacts client satisfaction, as they don’t get to build trust and rapport with a consistent carer.
Safety concerns
Support Workers also have to face safety concerns daily in their field, especially if they’re working with high-risk clients. That’s why it’s important they can easily access and update client notes and information. These safety concerns can also add to the stress of the profession.
These common issues, among others like low pay, manually performing administrative tasks, and unpredictable work, can lead to lower engagement.
How Software Improves Support Workers’ Engagement
The use of specialised software in the aged care and NDIS sectors can result in an efficient work environment, reduce Support Workers’ heavy workload, and increase engagement.
Streamlined administrative tasks
Along with supporting and caring for clients, Support Workers and carers are required to do many administrative tasks, such as case notes, reporting, and other documentation. Specialised software can help automate and streamline these processes, reducing the workload and allowing employees to focus on client care.
Improved communication
Most specialised software, such as CareMaster, allows for improved communication channels between all parties. This can make coordination between Providers, Support Workers, Participants, and their families easier and less stressful.
Accessible Participant information
A common issue Support Workers may face is the difficulty of accessing participant information, notes, and preferences. The use of software can make it easier to quickly access all vital information on the go, especially if it’s accessible from a mobile app or browser.
Real-time updates
A major benefit of using software is real-time alerts and notifications. Support Workers can easily be notified about any changes in their schedules or Participants’ needs, ensuring they’re always up-to-date and reducing stress.
Schedule management
The software significantly minimises the risk of human error in rostering. High-quality software ensures transparency, offering all stakeholders a clear overview of upcoming schedules, past work, and all essential information needed for effective support.
Performance tracking
Most NDIS and aged care software can track performance metrics, which is important for personal development and identifying areas for improvement.
Reducing the amount of stress and workload on Support Workers through automation and software helps improve their engagement. The time and resources spent on manual tasks and administration are reduced, allowing for better work-life balance, focus on client care, increasing job satisfaction and overall cost savings.
The Benefits of Improving Support Worker Engagement
In any industry, improving employee engagement results in better outcomes, and this is also true for aged care and disability support. Engaged workers are more attentive, passionate, and committed to their clients.
When Support Workers feel satisfied and valued in their role through engagement, this leads to better job satisfaction. It also reduces staff turnover rates and increases retention, which has been an ongoing problem in the sector.
Research shows that engaged workers are also more motivated and efficient, increasing productivity. So, if you want to put your organisation on the path to success, improving engagement is key.
Statistics show that engaged employees are also less likely to take unscheduled time off, ensuring consistent client care. High engagement levels are also paramount for fostering a positive work environment.
Improving Support Worker engagement is essential for reducing burnout and fatigue, and it’s also a strong strategy for Providers and the organisation as a whole. The goal of every aged care and NDIS business should be to have a sustainable and effective workplace.
Book A Free Demo To Experience CareMaster’s End-To-End Software
See the impact end-to-end software can have for your aged care or NDIS disability support organisation and book a free demo experience with CareMaster today. Our cloud-based software platform empowers Providers and Support Workers in all roles.
Our software also features integration with a Support Worker App, which is a game-changer for care delivery. It allows Support Workers to easily access participant information on the go, communicate in real-time, and connect seamlessly with the CareMaster administration Provider software.
Our CareMaster software caters to aged care and NDIS businesses of every size and stage of growth—our platform can grow and scale to meet your needs. We offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to improve patient care and automate administrative tasks.
