Carer Connections Edition 6 by Afford

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 6

CHRISTMAS PARTY CELEBRATIONS ROCK AT AFFORD During December, many client Christmas parties have been held for clients across all states. They have all been wonderful celebrations of the fantastic year that Afford clients, families, carers and staff have shared and a lovely opportunity to get together before the end of the year. The Christmas parties for NSW Day Program clients, ADE supported employees and SLES trainees were held at the CUBE at Campbelltown’s Catholic Club. In total, over 800 clients, supported employees and SLES trainees from across Sydney attended the two events to reminisce about the year that’s gone, talk about achievements and set their goals for the year ahead. Christmas parties featured big blow up Santa and reindeer decorations, balloon makers, face painters and a DJ to keep the music pumping for all to get their groove going on the dance floor. The hips were shaking at the ADE and SLES event with an Elvis impersonator, while Day Program clients enjoyed a singa-long with Santa and Mrs Claus. A delicious three course meal was served for all with scrumptious slow cooked beef cheeks and roast chicken with vegetables on the menu. Queenslanders enjoyed their very first Christmas party at the Diggers Service Club in Logan. Santa came along with his guitar and Mrs Claus for a sing-a-long with clients, a DJ provided awesome music for dancing, and along with a balloon maker and face painter, clients could also take a photo with friends in the photo booth to take home a memento of the festivities. Our Victorian staff and clients held two Christmas get togethers, with the first held at Melbourne’s Werribee Zoo. It was a great opportunity for staff and clients to get to know each other better in a fun and engaging environment. Everyone observed animals roaming around the grounds on a safari ride and then came together for lunch, to talk about the exciting times ahead in 2019. Continued on page 3

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 6

Carer PROFILE MANAR JARADAT Who are you caring for? My son, Jareer Jabeer. How long have you been a part of the Afford Community? 2 years. How has Afford helped you as a carer? They have supported me physically and emotionally. If you had a whole day all to yourself, what would you do? I would do extra hours of work, visit friends and have a night out with my husband. What is one tip you can give others transitioning to the NDIS? Be prepared with all documents that you need.

Tips For A Fuss Free Festive Season The festive season is a time to be happy and merry, so planning ahead will ensure your holidays with your loved one with disability run smoothly and are enjoyable for everyone. 1. Create a Meal Plan Cooking healthly and nutritious meals during this busy time of year can be easy if you plan ahead. Pre-blanche vegetables and freeze them, make a big batch of pasta sauce and portion it to freeze or make a few trays of pasta bake, or grate cheese to place in zip-lock bags to freeze for later. Once you’ve prepared your food, make a meal planner for a few weeks so you don’t have to stress over what you’ll be eating at the last minute. 2. DIY Festive Inspiration Depending on whether it is hot, cold or rainy outside, we always need something to do indoors. Browse the many ideas on the Internet and Pintrest to find great decoration ideas, festive recipes and more to keep you occupied at home. 3. Make the Most of the Holidays There are loads of attractions for people with disability to enjoy, you just need to kow where to find them. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane list a variety of attractions suited for people with limited mobility as well as sensory challenges. We’ve included web links below for you to find some activities that will entertain you and your loved one throughout the holidays. • Sydney: https://bit.ly/2czqnaS • Melbourne: https://bit.ly/2RXG7cI • Brisbane: https://bit.ly/2Ith0J4 4. Create Safe Places Christmas and New Year celebrations can be overwhelming for some people living with disability. When you know that you’re going to be in a noisy environment, especially when celebrating with family and friends, remember to create a safe place or area where your loved one can have some time to themselves to relax away from constant sensory stimulations.

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 6 CHRISTMAS PARTY CELEBRATIONS ROCK AT AFFORD (CONTINUED) The second Melbourne Christmas party was held at Sophia Frankston Waterfront Restaurant. The event featured a balloon maker, plenty of food, a spectacular view of Port Phillip Bay and great company! Our Narellan, Narellan Vale and Glen Alpine Group Home residents also celebrated the festive spirit during their Christmas parties at their homes. Residents, Afford staff and friends shared meals together, chatted, laughed and reminisced about good times in their homes as part of the Afford Lifestyle! At Afford, we love to celebrate and we are so privileged to be able to stage all of these Christmas parties for our clients’ enjoyment. We care about providing support for clients to achieve what they want out of work, home and in life. Christmas celebrations, such as these, are fun, but also support the development of friendships, confidence and, importantly, happiness.

Enjoying the Afford Lifestyle - Welcome Home! Our Group Homes offer life changing supports for work, home and life, and are places where your loved one can feel safe. Our qualified Lifestyle Assistants are there to support residents to get out and about in the community, learn new skills and get involved in the activities they enjoy on their own terms – that’s the Afford Lifestyle. If you and your loved one may be moving to a different area or state, or considering shared independent living options, contact Kirstin Healey at Afford on 0435 960 517 to find out what vacanies are available across NSW, VIC and QLD. Afford Group Homes are also available for viewing on afford.com.au or at gonest.com.au/provider/afford/properties or housinghub.org.au.

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 6

upcoming carers events and activities

UPCOMING CARER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES EVENT VIC VIC Carers Online Workshop

DETAILS

CONTACT

Register online - complete the workshop Register via anytime. https://bit.ly/2A81UHH Carers Victoria will deliver a two hour workshop to carers aged 50 and over who want to get online safely and confidently.

NSW NSW Circle of Security for fathers and male carers of children with disability

Date – Tuesday 12th February 2019 7:00PM - 9:00PM Circle of Security is an evidence-based course which supports and strengthens parent-child relationships.

QLD QLD Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Carers Support Group

Date – Friday 4th January 2019 11:00AM - 2:00PM Connect with others who understand the impact that caring has on our life.

Contact Carers QLD 07 4725 8853 kprier@carersqld.com.au

Afford Respite Continues Over Holiday Period Everyone needs a break, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period. Afford will continue to offer our Respite services at Lakemba and St Marys over the holidays. For more information or to book, contact Afford on 1300 233 673.

seven tips for a calm christmas 1. Pick a date 2. Shop online 3. Manage expectations 4. Keep the routine going 5. Manage visitors 6. Accept imperfection 7. Remember what Christmas is about

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au