Disability support exists to assist disabled people to live productive and happy lives in their own homes. It also empowers those individuals to participate fully in their communities. There has been much media attention on the subject over the past decade, and increasing resources and employment opportunities have been created to ensure a level of equity in healthcare provision and community engagement. The employment opportunities created through an increasing focus on disability support have created numerous employment positions that specialise in caring for people suffering from age related illnesses, mental illness, learning disabilities, sensory issues or incapacitating physical illness.

The New Zealand Government, in recognition of the importance of disability support, has allocated specific funding for those requiring such care to access the specialised healthcare that they require, when and where they require it. Individual requirements for care will vary, with some requiring hospitalisation where access to medical equipment is required. However, the sector understands the importance of individuals receiving care in the comfort of their own homes. Assisting those who require disability support to remain as independent as possible is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

The role of a disability support worker involves various tasks including routine cleaning, vacuuming and dusting, household laundry, bed changing, light meal preparation, shopping and outings through to infant and child care. A client’s personal care can involve assistance with getting up and going to bed, showering or bathing, dressing, shaving and hair care. Some client’s will have more complex and higher level healthcare tasks than others.

All clients requiring disability support have individualised support plans which are tailored to their specific needs. Employment as a disability support homecare assistant allows for both personal and professional rewards, with the advantage of flexible assignments in terms of both location and workload. Working in disability support does not require the candidate to have previous care giving experience. However, one must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and a caring, compassionate attitude. Possessing trustworthy and honest aptitudes with a clear command of the English language are also desired traits for those employed in disability support.

As a home carer who provides disability support, the role allows candidates to enjoy the rewards of meeting and interacting with people while working. The role involves assisting and supporting people in their own homes on a regular basis, or while they recover from an illness or accident. Both forms of care aim to foster independence, recovery, and confidence in the patient’s overall wellbeing and/or path to recovery.