CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 22 - April 2020
NEW ALLIED HEALTH SERVICE SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH COVID-19 Whether you are an existing Affordian or receiving services from another disability organisation, Afford is committed to giving you the support you need throughout these challenging times, to live the life you want under the NDIS. That’s why Afford has launched Afford TeleCare a new, contact-free and virtual method of delivering disability supports to individuals across Australia who need continued access to essential care from allied health professionals for overall health and mental wellbeing. Afford TeleCare connects individuals to professionals in psychology, occupational therapy and speech pathology via a virtual platform. In doing this, we can continue providing our essential services, as well as brand new unique programs developed especially for TeleCare. These include: • Paediatrics Program • Social Skills TeleCare • Literacy • Interaction box • Emotional Regulation • Sensory Modulation • Social Engagement Afford’s dedicated staff can step in to ‘fill the gaps’ and continue to deliver supports to individuals living with disability during COVID-19. This could be in the form of one-to-one supports, in-home care, Day Program services or Allied Health professional supports. Now more than ever, clients need these essential services… and we are here to provide it. For more information contact: Afford Telecare telecare@afford.com.au or call 1300 379 308 Or visit www.afford.com.au
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 22
Zlike us on facebookZ share your thoughts and ask other carers for advice Did you know Afford has a Facebook page dedicated to our carers? It’s your go-to for connecting with other carers in the Afford community. Head over and give our page a like! www.facebook.com/AffordCarers
ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT AVAILABLE NOW We have begun to adopt new routines to meet the everchanging environment, so Afford is now delivering supports a little differently too! We have increased one-to-one supports to give you personalised and uninterrupted care during these exceptional circumstances. Now more than ever, our clients need to be supported to continue to strive for their goals and live their life to the fullest. Our staff are here to provide these services to any of our clients who have opted for one-to-one support rather than traditional group supports in Day Program. Olivia is a client at Afford’s Jamisontown Day Program who recently opted for one-to-one support. An Afford Lifestyle Assistant now visits Olivia at home, she can continue to explore her interests and learn new skills. Olivia is supported to get involved in activities that make her happy throughout the day. For Olivia, social engagement is important, Afford is supporting her to build her confidence in interacting with others. Afford staff have adapted supports to cater to Olivia’s goals of social skills development, by changing her support staff each week so that she can engage with different people. Olivia’s mother has commented that she is really pleased to see Olivia helping to get morning and afternoon tea ready with staff. Her independence and confidence has grown, thanks to continued support delivered by Jamisonton staff in a way that suits her needs. One-to-one supports are being offered across Afford services. Find out more about how you can continue to receive individualised support through one-to-one care by contacting Afford on: 1300 233 673.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 22
CARER GATEWAY: HERE FOR YOU During this difficult time, we understand you may need some additional support. Carer Gateway is an Australian Government Initiative, where you can call the service to get connected with a network of carer service providers. We encourage you to reach out to this service where providers will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and supports to help. Carer Gateway provides a number of options for you to access: • Phone counselling • Connect with other carers via the online forum • Online short skills courses • Self-guided coaching • Emergency respite • Financial support • Practical help and advice Online and phone based supports are available now, and carers can access the additional services listed above from 6 April 2020. Carers can contact the national Carer Gateway Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm by calling: 1800 422 737. Or visit www.carergateway.gov.au Stay safe, from everyone in the Afford Carer Community!
TAKE A BREAK, RELAX AND BAKE! Anzac Day is this Saturday 25th April, jump in the kitchen and bake some yummy Anzac biscuits to commemerate our heroes. Check out the recipe below for a delicious treat to share with your family this Saturday. Ingredients: • 1 cup plain flour • 1 cup rolled oats • 3/4 cup coconut • 3/4 cup sugar • 140g butter • 3 tsp golden syrup • 3 tbs boiling water • 1 tsp baking soda
Mix dry ingredients. Melt butter in saucepan, add syrup and water. Add baking soda to the saucepan, allow to foam and pour into dry ingredients. Mix well and drop spoonful’s onto baking tray. Allow room for spreading. Bake in a 160°C oven until golden brown. Enjoy!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 22
upcoming online carers events Even in these times carers can still connect with each other and find support via online events!
ONLINE EVENTS Event Morning Meditation Event is held every weekday 8:00am Online via Zoom
DETAILS Cost - Free By Yoga Australia. Everyone is welcome! Yoga Australia and Meditation Australia are joining forces to bring a group mediation via zoom, every weekday for as long as we are all confined to our homes. The meditation will be held via Zoom and the link will be the same every day. You only need to register once. Register via - https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/ morning-meditation-everyweekday-at-8am-aesttickets-101852383220?aff= ebdssbonlinesearch
ONLINE DETAILS EVENTS Cost - Free Event
ONLINE DETAILS EVENTS Cost - Free Event
Ideas to help during COVID-19
Carer Education Webinar - Taking a break
1st May 2020 11:00am 11:40am Online via Zoom
By Relationships Australia.
By Carers NSW.
Join them in this live stream to listen and ask questions.
10:00am 11:00am
Register via https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/ideas-to-helpparents-carers-andgrandparents-duringcovid-19-registration103108586558?aff=ebdssb onlinesearch
Online Webinar
For carers who are unable to attend physical groups, Carer Peer Connect runs webinars with presentations provided on carer health and wellbeing, carers and the NDIS, My Aged Care, future planning for carers and other topics as requested. Monthly webinars will run for an hour video and bring together carers from across NSW.
Event is every second Thursday of each month
Register via - https:// analytics-au.clickdimensions. com/cn/aosfc/ carereducation
Relationships Australia staff will offer their insight and expertise into caring for children during COVID-19. Tips for grandparents include how to play online!
14th May 2020
Riddle me employment
Looking for a job that will be right for you? With the support of our experienced team, you can find the job that’s the right fit, some where you can gain new skills, feel valued and earn your own money. Afford is proud to offer the following employment services: - Disability Employment Service (DES) - Supported Employment (ADE) - School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
What belongs to you, but other people use it more than you?
Call our friendly Supported Employment team today on: 1300 233 673 or visit www.afford.com.au/services/work/ Answer: Your name.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au