Supporting daily living and independence: how our disability support workers make a difference
Living independently means different things to different people. We understand that for many people living with a disability, it’s about choice and control over daily routines, continuing to be part of community life and having the confidence to pursue personal goals. With the right support in place, daily living can feel easier, more manageable, and more fulfilling.
At estara, our disability support workers are alongside people every day offering support that is practical, consistent and person-centred. With more than 30 new support workers recently joining our team, we’re ready to meet growing demand across South Australia and continue delivering the high-quality, respectful support we are known for.
The role of a disability support worker
Disability support workers do much more than assist with daily tasks – they help people build skills, routines and confidence, always working in partnership with the individual. Every person’s needs, goals and preferences are unique, which is why our approach is always tailored and flexible.
Support might include:
Assistance at home with tasks like cooking, cleaning or personal care
Support out and about — whether it’s getting to appointments, shopping or connecting with local activities
Emotional support, conversation, and companionship
Encouragement and help to access education, employment, or training
It’s a relationship built on trust, respect and consistency — helping people feel safe and supported while pursuing greater independence in their home.
The Impact You’ll Have
Living independently can be challenging for many reasons. It’s not just about personal circumstances, but also about broader systemic and environmental barriers. Some of the things that can get in the way include:
● Limited access to safe housing or reliable transport
● Challenges with completing household or personal care tasks
● Fewer opportunities meaningful work or study
● Social isolation or limited access to inclusive community spaces
● Difficulty managing appointments, medications, or daily routines
● Stress when navigating systems like the NDIS
Our disability support workers understand these challenges and offer hands-on support to work through them with compassion, patience and practical know-how. They also work as part of a broader multi-disciplinary team often made up of support coordinators and specialised practitioners like Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Physios, who can organise to get the right support for you.
What does daily living support look like?
Support with daily living is different for everyone. That’s why our support workers, working with our support coordinators, always start with a conversation — listening to what matters to the person, and tailoring support to their lifestyle, goals, and preferences. Here are some common ways our support workers assist people to live at home independently:
● Personal care: help with things like bathing, dressing, grooming, and preparing meals.
● Transport: getting to appointments, shops, or social events safely and confidently
● Household routines: support with cooking, cleaning, and medication reminders
● Work or study: encouragement and guidance to access work, education or training
● Emotional well-being: providing connection and reassurance.
Example:
Jordan, who lives with a spinal cord injury, starts each morning with support from a disability support worker. They help with his morning routine (breakfast, getting dressed and showering) and provide transport to his part-time job. They support him to continue to work by supporting his accessibility needs and doing daily check-ins.
The difference a support worker can make
Working with a disability support worker can open up possibilities by helping to reduce overwhelm and bring more time, energy and enjoyment back to everyday life. Here’s how the support can help:
● Practical, reliable assistance to live independently at home that is tailored to you.
● Support to manage daily tasks safely and confidently
● Greater access to education, employment, and community life
● A more structures, stable and less stressful daily rhythm
● More opportunities for connection and social interaction
● Peace of mind for families and carers
Ready to take the next step?
Living independently starts with the right support. At estara, you matter and we’re here to work with you – not just to get you through the day but to help make your life more empowered, connected and ultimately, yours. We’re also local to you and service the Adelaide metropolitan region, South East and Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Riverland.
Whether you're looking for daily living support or just want to explore your options, we’d love to talk. Get in touch today to see how our disability support workers can help you take the next step toward greater independence.