Your role

Your unique position

Personal care workers spend the most time with residents and are often the first to identify signs of distress or trauma activation.

Before care

• Introduce yourself by name
• Explain clearly what you are about to do
• Ask permission before proceeding
• Approach calmly and without rushing

During care

• Maintain dignity and privacy at all times
• Offer simple choices where possible
• Work at the person's pace
• Narrate actions as you perform them

Home environment context

Home support workers provide care in the person's own space - maintaining trust, familiarity and control is especially important here.

Promote choice and independence

• Respect established routines
• Ask how care is usually completed
• Encourage decision-making at every step
• Minimise changes to the home environment

Observe and escalate

• Monitor for increased anxiety or withdrawal
• Note distress during care episodes
• Report changes in behaviour promptly
• Document observations clearly

Assessment considerations

Clinical assessments should incorporate trauma history where known, cultural background, spiritual needs, previous healthcare experiences and family relationships.

Care planning - include

• Known triggers and sensitivities
• Preferred communication approaches
• Family involvement preferences
• Comfort-focussed interventions

During deterioration

As health declines, trauma responses may intensify due to increased vulnerability and dependence (Porges, 2011). Clinical staff should focus on:

Care planning - include

• Calm, clear communication
• Validation of feelings and experiences
• Supporting shared decision-making
• Reviewing and updating care plans regularly