Tools and Strategies

Autonomy and self-determination are both essential concepts in the health and wellbeing sector.

In the wellbeing sector, these terms are both important to be mindful of because they empower individuals to take control of their own health and make decisions that are in line with their own values and beliefs. This could then lead to better outcomes and greater satisfaction with the system.

However, it is important to note that autonomy and self-determination must protect individuals from harm because providers must always act in the best interests of their clients.

Generally speaking, developing autonomy and self-determination requires intentional effort and practice to achieve.

Using certain tools available can help individuals take ownership of their lives and achieve greater independence and fulfilment in themselves.

Certain developmental tools would work better for some people than they would work for others. Knowing various tools can help you gauge which ones will work best in particular situations.

Applying strategies can increase your sense of autonomy and self-determination. It can also help you to take control of your life in a positive and fulfilling way.

Applying these approaches can help individuals gain greater control over their own lives, while giving opportunities to make independent decisions based on their own values and goals.

Goal-setting

Setting specific, achievable goals can help individuals take control of their lives and feel a sense of purpose.

Self-reflection

Reflecting on one's strengths and weaknesses, values, and priorities can help individuals make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions.

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help individuals stay grounded in the present moment, improve self-awareness, and reduce stress.

Decision-making skills

Learning how to make informed decisions, weighing the pros and cons, and understanding the consequences of one's actions can help individuals take charge of their lives.

Assertiveness training

Developing assertiveness skills can help individuals communicate their needs and boundaries effectively, which can lead to greater autonomy and self-determination.

Time management

Learning how to manage time effectively can help individuals prioritize their goals and responsibilities, leading to a greater sense of control over their lives.

Support systems

Developing a network of supportive relationships, such as friends, family, or mentors, can provide encouragement, guidance, and motivation.

Mentoring as a community support worker

Mentoring means imparting your skills and knowledge to another person. A mentor guides, motivates, encourages, informs, and gives feedback to the person they are supporting. They do this by:

• demonstrating the best way to perform tasks
• providing information and sharing their knowledge
• supporting community connections
• investigating the tangata‘s goals and ensuring they support their autonomy
• exploring and valuing the person’s life story
• asking questions and taking the time to listen to the answers
• providing opportunities for self-determination, allowing participants to make decisions about their own care.
• listening to a tangata’s views about the services they want and need

A good mentor:

• is trustworthy
• acts professionally and responsibly
• encourages the client in all their endeavours
• displays a positive attitude
• sees the big picture and the other person’s point of view
• respects the dignity of each person
• is interested in helping the tangata to achieve their goals
• celebrates every success

Mentoring and goals

When mentoring, a support worker should always be mindful of the client’s goals. Mentoring is a way of demonstrating ways of achieving those goals. This may include breaking down a complex task or a long-term goal into small, achievable steps. The mastery of each step should be a cause for celebration. The mentor needs to be a cheerleader, motivating the tangata to try the activities being demonstrated.

You may need to encourage the tangata to attempt things they find difficult or are reluctant to try. Be patient and encourage them to try. However, it is important to be flexible and recognise when a new strategy is needed. Keep talking to your client and review their plans and goals. As goals change, your approach to mentoring will also change.

The mentoring provided must be in accordance with the tangata’s personal plan and within the boundaries of the support worker’s role.

Facilitation as a community support worker

Facilitation involves helping a person and making it possible for them to achieve their goals. The tangata’s personal plan will outline the tasks and activities that they need help with. Facilitation may be:

• physical
• social
• emotional
• health-related

As with mentoring, facilitation is very goal-oriented. A facilitator needs to identify a goal and determine what help the tangata needs to allow them to achieve that goal. As a facilitator, you will need to follow the tangata’s care plan and take note of progress towards goals. Person-centred feedback should be provided on how the tangata is progressing.

A facilitator can suggest ways to achieve goals, but self-determination is fostered by encouraging the tangata to make decisions about which tasks they want to attempt. Once tasks have been identified, the support worker will facilitate the client to perform that task. The support worker needs to provide encouragement and keep the tangata focused and on track. The idea is not to perform tasks for the tangata. Rather, it is to help them perform the tasks, improving their autonomy and fostering hope for further achievements.

A facilitator will help people identify any barriers to goal achievement and assist them with working out how to overcome them. In some cases, this may mean a re-evaluation of goals or the timeframe to achieve the goals.

A facilitator may have to liaise with the tangata’s whānau and other members of the team who are supporting the tangata. This will ensure that the entire support network can help with the facilitation as appropriate. A good facilitator:

• actively listens to their client, repeating what has been said to demonstrate understanding
• works as a member of a team, sharing all important information
• notes and celebrates all progress
• is people-focused, positive, and encouraging

Hope

Hope is a powerful tool in care work. When a person feels hopeful about the future, they are more likely to engage in facilitated activities and attempt to do things for themselves. Hope must be tempered with realism, as there will be limits to what each tangata can achieve. A support worker can foster hope by encouraging their client to identify realistic goals and then help them to achieve those goals. Focusing on small steps towards a larger goal is one way of encouraging hope, with each small success reinforcing the tangata’s ability to achieve their goals.

Building relationships is crucial in this sector, as it enables healthcare professionals to work collaboratively and provide high-quality care to their clients in need.