- Rainy days can disrupt routines — especially for older Australians and people living with disability
- Creative activities like cooking, drawing and scrapbooking build connection and confidence
- Virtual travel lets customers explore the world from their living room
- Music therapy-style activities support cognitive engagement and mood
- Getting outside is still an option — companion cards can help with ticketed venues
Support workers are often expected to juggle competing priorities with near-superhuman efficiency — but the weather is the one variable no one can manage.
For many older Australians and people living with disability, a sudden change in plans due to rain can be more than an inconvenience — it can be genuinely unsettling.
This is particularly noticeable when routines are closely tied to a sense of stability and control.
But while the rain can disrupt your usual routines, it also offers those in Support Work an opportunity to shift focus — opening the door to build new skills, strengthen relationships, and support wellbeing in new and creative ways.
01
Creative pursuits
Inclement weather provides a great time for Support Workers to help their customers tap into their creative side.
Cooking can require few ingredients and can easily be adapted to take into account differing levels of experience, skill and dietary requirements. A great way to bring people together, putting on an apron and raiding the pantry or fridge is also a unique way to broaden your connection through the sharing of family recipes — or to reminisce over a favourite childhood treat.
Drawing, painting or scrapbooking is another great way of turning everyday activities into shared experiences, while at the same time helping to build your customer's confidence. Requiring little in the way of resources — just some paper and paint or pencils — and easily adapted for nearly any age or ability level, you can either let your creative juices flow freely or follow online videos that offer step-by-step tips on more advanced illustrations.
02
Virtual travel
You don't have to leave home to see the world.
Technology is increasingly playing a role in indoor entertainment, allowing you and your customer to take virtual museum tours, climb the Eiffel Tower or even experience the Serengeti without stepping foot out of their living room.
If you'd prefer to tailor the experience to your customer's individual interests, you may like to livestream zoo cameras for those who love animals, listen to the inspiring stories of everyday Australians via a TED Talk, or ponder historical events by watching a walking tour around the great pyramids of Egypt.
03
Wired for sound
Music has the ability to lighten your mood in an instant.
When the rainy-day blues hit, consider making your own concert utilising instruments or other items you have around the house. Alternatively, if banging on pots and pans isn't your thing, you can always exercise your vocal chords by putting on the radio or making your own personalised playlist and singing karaoke-style to your favourite tunes.
For older customers in particular, music therapy-style activities can stimulate cognitive engagement, while younger people may enjoy dancing or rhythm games that keep energy levels high indoors.
04
Getting out of the house
Wet weather does not mean you are confined to the four walls of your customer's home — and getting outside can be a great way to foster their skills development while supporting their wellbeing.
Consider a trip to the cinema, the shopping centre for a bit of retail therapy, or for those who prefer a little more action, the nearest leisure centre to utilise the facilities.
And if your customer really enjoys the rain, don't hesitate to embrace it — throw on a rain jacket and head outside for a refreshing walk to take in the scenery.
Remember: where possible, ensure you have your customer's companion card to access free entry as a Support Worker — many ticketed venues offer complimentary or subsidised companion entry.
Our in-home Support Workers are trained to be adaptable. Want a flexible career that makes a genuine difference?
Apply now with Just Better Care-(1).jpg?width=962&height=630&ext=.jpg)
