“Meet and Greets” are a crucial part of the Careseekers process, providing an opportunity for disability support and aged care seekers and care and support workers to get to know each other and see if they’re a good fit.
We highly recommend always having a Meet and Greet before making any commitments. It’s a chance to ensure the client’s needs align with the care and support worker’s abilities and preferences. This helps avoid wasted time, risks, and potential complaints later on.
To make the most of the Meet and Greet, it’s essential to be well-prepared.
Find a safe and comfortable meeting place and think of some questions to ask the client (or their family, Support Coordinator, or support organiser) to understand their needs better.
Careseekers’ secure message feature allows care and support workers to communicate with clients and keep records of conversations. This helps identify any deal breakers beforehand and makes the process smoother.
Before meeting face-to-face, it’s a good idea to have a chat or video call to get to know each other better. Discuss support needs, schedules, and any preferences. The goal is to see if both parties feel comfortable with the match.
Some sample questions to start the conversation include:
- What specific support and services are you seeking?
- Do you have fixed or flexible timing needs for your schedule?
- What goals are you working towards in your NDIS plan?
- How can I best meet your needs as a care and support worker?
- What would a typical day or support booking look like for you?
When it comes to discussing rates, it’s best to understand the care and support needs first and then consider the service hours and flexibility. Flexibility on rates might be appreciated when offering more hours of support.
For the Meet and Greet, suggest a public space like a coffee shop or park. If the client prefers to meet at their home and it’s not comfortable for the care and support worker, they can suggest an alternative nearby spot that works for both.
Before heading to the Meet and Greet, Support Workers should have all necessary documents and qualifications ready. Clients may want to review them to ensure professionalism and credibility.
Making a good first impression is essential, just like any job interview. Punctuality, appropriate attire, and professionalism go a long way.
There’s no one-size-fits-all set of questions for Meet and Greets. Each client is unique. It’s an opportunity to learn about interests, hobbies, and what brought them to seek care or support. Care and support workers can also share their story and explain why they might be the right fit.
Building trust and having an open and honest conversation during the Meet and Greet sets the stage for a successful partnership. Both parties should feel comfortable before proceeding.
In summary, Meet and Greets are valuable for building connections and ensuring a positive care and support experience. By being prepared and friendly, care and support workers can make the most out of these meetings and establish a strong foundation for their client/worker relationship.
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