Qualifications and background checks are the baseline — every support worker should have both. But the difference between a support arrangement that works and one that doesn't usually comes down to fit, not credentials alone.
Personality fit matters more than it sounds
A support worker will be in your home, your routines, sometimes your most private moments. Someone whose energy, humour and pace suit yours makes support feel natural rather than like an intrusion.
Reliability and communication
Do they turn up on time, and let you know early if something changes? Small things like this build trust quickly — or erode it quickly if they're inconsistent.
Relevant experience for your specific needs
A worker experienced in mobility support isn't automatically the right fit for someone who mainly needs help with social outings, or vice versa. Ask providers how they match based on your actual support needs, not just general availability.
It's okay to ask for a change
Even with good intentions, not every match works. A good provider will take a mismatch seriously and look for a better fit, rather than treating a request for change as a problem.
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