In this question and answer, we were lucky enough to sit down with Sara, our Team Leader for our Melville house. As one of our longest-serving staff members, Sara has been a member of Headway ABI since 2001, when she started as a Support Worker before her current role.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at Headway ABI?
Sara: “I’m the team leader at our Melville house, where I have the responsibility of supporting three of our male participants and staff. I oversee the general duties of the house, making sure that things are running smoothly. I also help with ADLs (activities of daily living) such as grooming, bathing,meals, chores around the house etc.”
“Additionally, I’ll help coordinate any day-to-day activities and duties with support workers . My priority is to make sure our participants are looked after and supported within their needs.”
“A big part of the job is brainstorming new ideas and trying to implement new ways to cater to our participants. We have a range of exceptional accommodation throughout the Gold Coast, with each home having its dedicated team leader.”
“Twice a week, all team leaders will jump on a Zoom call, and we’ll share our experiences. We’ll all brainstorm ideas, work through what’s worked for others, look over our current strategies, and get feedback from each other on managing behaviours and addressing on call.”
“We also have quarterly meetings with management to discuss topics on a broader scope. Headway is a collaborative space to work at; we’re all on the same page, and every staff member has access to advice whenever needed.”
Q: What’s the most important aspect of providing someone with an ABI the right type of care?
Sara: “There are so many things but making our clients feel safe and secure. We’ve put so much effort into our accommodation. A Headway house is designed to feel like a home and a space where our clients can live safely, comfortably, and freely. It’s a space of encouragement where we’re always looking to support our participants in trying new things and taking on more responsibilities for themselves.”
“When it comes down to it, I think it’s really important to make our participants feel like members of the community.” Sara continues. “It’s essential for anyone living with an ABI to feel included and valued.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for our clients to have the opportunity to engage with their friends and the general public. Being part of our “Headway family” and the local community is important.
Q: What are the types of community activities you offer to participants?
Sara: “Oh wow, there’s too many to count! We encourage exercise and movement, so we do various outdoor activities such as playing tennis at the local recreation club with swimming, bowling,golf and taking trips to the park. On the recreation side, we’ll go to karaoke, movies and outings for lunches or dinners. We also head out to watch the Titans play, which is a lot of fun.”
“We always encourage our participants to leave the house, get out and about, and try new things, but everything is at their own pace.”
“Our standards for physical therapy are also very high. We also have an amazing exercise facility at the Wings Center where our clients can exercise within a controlled space under the eye of exceptional Exercise Physiologists.”
Q: What’s drawn you to working in disability support?
Sara: “I get so much out of what I do. I love to give and get rewarded by seeing what comes out of it. I see our clients make strides every day and enjoy small victories when they work towards their goals.”
“Some of the simple things we all take for granted, such as cooking, for example. Or when they’re trying to lose weight and get healthier, I get to see the effect it has on them. It’s very emotionally gratifying, and I love it.”
Q: As one of the longest-standing members of our team, why have you stayed with Headway?
Sara: “Headway has a very special gift, and it’s our staff. Our team is truly extraordinary. We expect high standards from everyone, but we really support each other in maintaining those standards. The collaboration between management and Support Staff is so well planned and smooth.”
“I call it ‘the Headway family’ because that’s truly what we are. It is one of the best organisations on the Gold Coast, and the support we provide can’t be matched.”