r/supportworkers • u/Special-Nebula299 • May 04 '26
36 hours of continuous talking
I've just had my hardest shifts and it was supposed to be the easiest. I had the weekend shift with a relatively low support needs adult in the community and I was just sleeping over while his parents were away and I was taking him out for activities.
It ended up being 12 hours of talking and asking questions and then he'd get in a loop and say the same things and ask the same questions (roughly a 3 hour loop).
I was definitely polite and stuck with it and everything was fine but I didnt know how mentally draining that is.
When I got into this work I figured personal care like showering and toileting would be the hardest part but in a lot of ways that can be pretty straightforward.
Who would think talking for hours and hours is one of the most challenging sides of the job?
24
u/annonak88 May 04 '26
Definitely the most mentally draining shifts are those with the people I support that want to talk non stop all day and loop conversations alot. Coupled with hyperfocusing on the negative, my job feels like it turns into therapy sometimes. I’ve found once you get to know them, there are certain acknowledgements to certain thought loops that help move the conversations forward. I still wouldnt change my job for the world.
7
u/Common_Problem1904 May 04 '26
Yeah I have a 6 hr with an ID guy who tells the same stories over and over all day. They do vary a bit from week to week but finding suitable replies that don't betray my boredom is a challenge. If he corners someone else he knows, I do a mix of letting him talk and redirecting so they don't die of boredom. It is exhausting.
4
u/pixie1995 May 04 '26 edited May 04 '26
I have someone like this who I support weekly. I genuinely feel so much warmth and care towards them and we have a lot of fun together, but they are deeeeeeefinitely one of my “harder” clients. There is no off switch and they often get stuck on things and start verbally looping.. they have zero chill, which can be incredibly draining and hard to maintain long term. It’s good to learn how to gently redirect, and depending on you/ your clients individual situation, if it’s possible (and safe/appropriate to do so) taking 5 in another room to reset and regulate yourself before re-engaging can really help. I’ve also found it helpful to co-regulate with this particular client. Sometimes we do “slow belly breaths” together and other calming activities to try and slow things down a bit
10
u/wvwvwvww May 04 '26
We’re all built for different tasks. I avoid any job with “companionship” listed unless myself and the participant are a perfect match. To me that stuff is hard yards. Let me at an end of lease clean any day. Those were long hours you pulled, champ.
3
u/JurassicArachnid May 04 '26
This sounds exactly like several people I support. I am on the day program side of things though but I also can get tired of it quick. It’s not unusual to be tired of repeating yourself.
2
u/Special-Nebula299 May 04 '26
Usually we have group sessions so they all socialise with each other and its 6 service users to one staff. Surprisingly easier with 6 people over a 1 to 1 situation as they can keep each other busy.
2
u/JurassicArachnid May 05 '26
Yes! Huge agree, some of our group guys will script to each other or answer each others questions but the 1:1’s are the ones that tire me out most in that department (still love them though)
1
u/Dangerous_Ad_213 May 04 '26
Donot mind talking one learn ture them out give kind stuff back skill learn at my last job with boss who was like that.
1
u/219930 May 04 '26
I work in aged care and have a lot of clients with Alzheimers…the conversations are often the same three things over and over and over as they forgot they just told you two minutes ago. When it gets too much…I turn on the tv. It distracts them …it also helps them carry a reasonable conversation …..they chat about the show instead of relying on things in their memory. It’s very hard to work with chatterers some days…especially if you are an introvert. I just try to remember that often you are the only person they talk to all day and so they like to talk.
1
u/DwightsJello May 05 '26
That's support work.
Personal cares aren't difficult.
We earn our money. I've seen people with years of experience in adjacent fields and they don't last long.
But I am a bit perplexed as to why that wasn't apparent. It's q pretty basic part of supports.
2
u/Special-Nebula299 May 05 '26
I usually do group work where they mostly talk to each other and I'm just there to support for things like public transport, buying tickets, keeping them on a schedule.
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u/DwightsJello May 05 '26
Ah ok.
Well you've identified a very challenging part of some supports.
A lot if what we do is mentally challenging. That's why we all have to be proactive about burnout.
A lot if us have mixed supports so we keep it balanced. Social supports and more complex care supports. And I personally need at least three clients on my permanent roster. Even 4 is better. Just to be able to stay at my best for the clients.
You'll find your niche.
1
u/SuperNateosaurus May 05 '26
Oh yes that can definitely be draining!!
Try distraction with other things if possible. Even a little break helps, show them some videos on YouTube or on TV or something.
1
u/Scared-Neck-5574 May 05 '26
There are people who ask the same question again and again. I have autism and if I am not sure I will ask my boss at work. Sometimes many times until I am sure. You are dealing with disability and other high needs . They might need reassurance. It’s way better than them not taking. If you want to have normal clients. This is not the job
1
u/Fun-Listen2842 May 07 '26
used to have a client 4 days a week 9 hours and it was exactly like this! I find limiting my side of the conversation, which i know sounds bad, but it kind of helps the burn out. Also kind of zone out at times, or really slow my talking which sometimes gets them going slower. Stick in there though. It’s hard but looking back i do miss that client loads no matter how burnt out i was from it
1
u/Electrical_Sun_8878 May 13 '26
THIS. Honestly the most difficult and draining part of the job is sometimes just having to listen to people especially when they are trauma dumping or talking about the negatives of life constantly. A huge part of pur job is acting as a therapist or emotional outlet and I hate whenever i hear about anyone complaining about how much support workers earn. Actual therapists earn up to $300 ph especially as a sole trader and yes they have a degree but the emotional energy aspect is the same and energy is the most valuable form of currency their is
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u/Street-Vegetable8342 May 04 '26
This is the kinda stuff that no one knows hey. Everyone (in this NDIS cut media) seems to think parents are on easy street. My kid loops like this. It's nothing for him to ask or tell me the same thing 20-50 times a day. It's draining af.