Introduction

This document outlines the information required, and the expectations of a Hireup Support Worker when providing support to someone with asthma.  

The provision of support can vary greatly from person to person, with different medical management strategies depending on the person’s known triggers, type of asthma and other health factors.  

The method that is most suited to the Client is to be determined by a registered health care professional, such as a treating doctor. This is to be documented in an asthma action plan and reviewed every 12 months or as otherwise stated by the treating doctor. 

Hireup Values 

Hireup’s values provide us with the direction in which we engage with our community and develop policy and process across the business. 

We recognise that asthma management is only a part of a person’s overall support needs. By upholding the value of ‘the person is the point’ we take an individualised approach to asthma management.  

Hireup acknowledges Clients and their families are experts in their individual asthma management. Central to this understanding is the principle of ‘championing choice’ and control for Clients to make informed decisions about their asthma management. Whilst Hireup is not responsible for the assessment or development of a Client’s asthma action plan, we support Clients to engage with suitable health professionals and to be involved in the planning and management of their asthma, as well as any individual training arrangements. 

Definitions

Support worker: a person that provides support to the Client, typically in a paid capacity.

Allergy: a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a substance.

Asthma: a chronic medical condition that affects the airways, which causes difficulty with breathing.

Asthma Action Plan: a document that outlines for a Client:

• Known asthma triggers
• Management for well-controlled asthma
• Management for an asthma flare-up
• Management for a severe asthma flare-up
• Asthma emergency management such as an asthma attack

Guidelines

Service Provider 

As a service provider, Hireup will: 

• Work with the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable) to determine the support they require from Hireup, and determine what documentation is required.

• Regularly review the asthma action plan to ensure the information provided is the most up to date and appropriate.
• Ensure Support Workers have access to support plans and ensure these plans are only updated by a registered and relevant health professional.
• Ensure Support Workers have the appropriate training to respond to asthma symptoms and emergencies.
• Identify areas of education and training for Support Workers.
• Provide Support Workers with access to personal hygiene guidelines. 

Support Worker

A Support Worker MAY: 

• Perform any task that is listed on the plan. If concerned or unsure, talk to the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable), and contact the Hireup support office for support.

A Support Worker MUST: 

• Complete online training modules provided by Hireup within the allocated time frame unless otherwise specified by Hireup.
• Follow the support plan as provided and raise any concerns with the Client (or their Account Manager where applicable) immediately, as well as notify Hireup.
• NOT change any part of the plan or deviate from the plan provided.
• Report any issues or concerns arising from the Client’s asthma management to the Client, (or their Account Manager where applicable) and/or their health professional immediately, followed by an incident report to Hireup once safe to do so.
• Have up to date First Aid knowledge and techniques for suspected asthma attacks and emergencies.
• Call emergency services when recommended on the plan or when the situation is beyond what the Support Worker is able to manage.
• Identify any gaps in knowledge and report these to Hireup for further advice.

Client

A Client MUST:

• Provide Hireup with an honest and accurate account of their support needs.
• Provide a support plan to Hireup that outlines their specific asthma management, completed by an appropriate, registered health professional.
• Have the plan reviewed by an appropriate, registered health professional when changes occur. At a minimum, the plan should be reviewed every 12 months unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
• Advise Hireup of any changes to support needs, requirements or the asthma action plan.
• Report any concerns regarding Support Worker’s capability in providing asthma management support to Hireup for further advice.