“They Just Want Company”: The Often Overlooked Value of Social Support
When we think of disability support, we often picture help with cooking, cleaning, personal care, transport, or attending appointments. But there’s another kind of support that matters just as much—companionship.
For many people with disability, having someone to talk to, share space with, or simply sit beside is just as valuable as ticking tasks off a list. And yet, this kind of social support is often seen as “less important” or “not billable enough.”
It’s time to recognise that connection is not a luxury—it’s a human need.
What Is Social Support?
Social support in a disability context might look like:
Going for a walk and chatting about the person’s interests
Sitting together and watching a movie
Playing a board game or helping someone learn to use their iPad
Joining them for coffee at their favourite café
Just being present on a tough day
These moments aren’t “wasted time”—they’re relationship-building. They’re connection. And for many people, they reduce loneliness, boost mood, and support mental wellbeing.
Why It’s So Often Undervalued
In a world that values productivity, social time can be misunderstood. Some people may ask:
“Are they just hanging out with clients?”
“Is this really support work?”
“Why are we paying someone to sit and have tea?”
But when social support is offered respectfully, it is support. It builds trust. It encourages communication. It reduces isolation. And for clients who experience anxiety, trauma, or difficulty engaging in other tasks, this may be the most important type of support they receive.
Quality of Life Isn’t Measured in Tasks
Support should not just be about independence—it should be about belonging, connection, and choice. If someone wants company during lunch or a shared laugh on a walk, that’s valid.
Support workers who provide this type of care bring enormous value to people’s lives, even when there’s no checklist involved.
Supporting the Whole Person
Whether someone is non-verbal, uses AAC, lives alone, or just wants to talk about their favourite show—social connection matters. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and included—not just supported functionally, but emotionally. Because nobody wants to feel like a list of tasks. We all want to feel like a person.