CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 31 - January 2021
CARER CELEBRATIONS FOR WELLBEING At Afford, we recognise and celebrate the incredible role carers play for our clients and the community. It takes energy, dedication, strength and selflessness to be a primary carer. We understand that assisting individuals to achieve their goals extends beyond traditional disability supports. It also involves supporting the people around them. That’s why Afford, across Australia regularly host free Carers Events. As restrictions continued to ease during November, Afford hosted several carers events including dinners, spa days, cruises and luncheons, for our carers to recharge and reconnect after months of isolation. Carers events provide families, friends and carers with the chance to come together to talk with our staff about disability supports relevant to their loved ones. These events are also an opportunity to socialise with others who have shared life experiences. Our Carer Support Program offer a wide range of opportunities to meet other carers and form new friendships in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The events give carers a chance to take time out for themselves to enjoy therapeutic massages, yoga and relaxation, NDIS planning, health and wellbeing and social events. As a welcome to new carers in and around the South Coast of NSW, a carer event was organised for Albion Park and Wollongong carers. They enjoyed a fine dining experience with the ‘best seats in the house’ at the Lagoon Restaurant. Goulburn based carers who are new to the Afford family enjoyed wine tasting and dinner at Lerida Estate Winery. Camperdown staff and carers headed out to celebrate with a quintessential Australian dining experience, set amongst an unmistakably stylish setting with incredible revolving views of the city skyline and harbour at Infinity Restaurant. Ashfield, Belmore, Bexley, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Chipping Norton, Green Valley, Guildford and Kings Park Day Program carers have enjoyed lunch and dinner feasts in and around Sydney. Carers of Afford residents in Queensland were treated to a gourmet BBQ lunch at one of the comfortable Supported Accommodation homes. In Ipswich in Queensland, carers took to the water for a Kookaburra River Cruise and lunch, while in NSW carers of at our Supported Accommodation homes participated in a paint and sip class with a gourmet Greek lunch, while others took time out for a spa day. Afford’s Carer Support Program supports over 600 carers and we go above and beyond to support our clients, taking a holistic approach to assist families and carers. Looking after the wellbeing of our carers is essential. Supporting carers means that every individual we support receives exceptional care throughout their life. When carers are well-rested, strategies and routines established by Afford can continue at home. Over the past few months, Afford has hosted 19 carer events with more to come this year! Stay connected with other carers via the Afford Carers Facebook page www.facebook.com/AffordCarers
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 31
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
EASY SUMMER SALAD Make a refreshing and vibrant summer salad! INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 350g skinless salmon fillets 3 medium carrots, spiralised 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage 4 Qukes baby cucumbers, peeled into ribbons 4 radishes, thinly sliced 1 cup frozen edamame, thawed 3 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 tsp black chia seeds 1/4 cup fried shallots 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 1 tbs rice wine vinegar 1 tbs tamari 1/2 tbs lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 8 minutes, turning once, or until medium-rare. Remove from pan and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Roughly flake. • To make the dressing, place all the dressing ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine. • Divide carrot, cabbage, baby cucumber and radish among plates. Top with edamame, onion and salmon, then drizzle with dressing. Serve scattered with chia seeds and shallots. Enjoy!
This recipe is thanks to Woolworths Australia and can be found on their website here: https://bit.ly/3poDtxd
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 31
NEW 3D TOURS OFFER A LOOK INTO OUR SITES Afford has some truly unique sites across Australia. Our day programs, short term accommodation and supported accommodation sites are like no other! We are so excited to announce we now have 3D walkthrough tours available on our website for carers and families to get a glimpse of our beautiful hubs and homes from the comfort of their own home. Currently, on our website, we have available to view a total of five day program sites across New South Wales, with more locations planned in Queensland and Victoria to be filmed in the coming months. Families can view the following locations: • • • • •
Gregory Hills Day Program NSW Belmore Day Program NSW Mt Druitt Day Program NSW Jamisontown Day Program NSW Rouse Hill Day Program NSW
Our day programs are hubs where programs are specifically tailored for people with disability to enjoy an inclusive and engaging environment. There is an emphasis on learning practical life skills while building on clients’ confidence and social skills. All Afford Day Programs are staffed by qualified and highly-trained lifestyle assistants who ensure clients receive exceptional and meaningful support. Afford’s Day Program tours can be viewed here: • www.afford.com.au/services/day-programs/ We have two short term accommodation tours available on the website and a total of four supported accommodation tours with more planned to come. You can view Afford’s Short Term Accommodation and supported accommodation tours on the following webpages: • www.afford.com.au/services/short-term-accommodation/ • www.afford.com.au/services/supported-accommodation/
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 31
check out these upcoming carers events Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
NSW EVENTS Event
DETAILS
123 Magic & Emotional Coaching
By Georges River Life Care
Thursday 4th March 10:00 AM 12:30 PM 23 Stanley Street Peakhurst, NSW 2210
Cost - $45.00 A three week program for those with children up to 12 years. This course supports parents and carers to better manage challenging behaviours such as defiance, tantrums and arguing. You will also learn practical skills for encouraging your child’s positive behaviour and self control, resulting in a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Register via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3abfuv4
ONLINE EVENTS Event
DETAILS
Strengthening Families: The Core Of It All
By Frankston City Libraries
Tuesday 9th February 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Online via Zoom
Cost - FREE Explore current challenges facing families at this unique time and uncover the importance of the family and the household. This session draws on research, real-life experiences and models to support parents to leave with practical strategies to help build a strong and united family. This is a participatory workshop and notes for the workshop will be emailed to you a few days prior to the session.
ONLINE EVENTS Event
DETAILS
NDIS and Behaviour Support Online Zoom Meeting
By Developmental Disability WA
Monday 15th February 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM AWST Online via Zoom
Cost - FREE You will hear about behaviour support and how to think about behaviour with regards to NDIS plans. Join the online Zoom session and you will hear about behaviour support and how to think about behaviour with regards to NDIS plans. Hear from a parent with lived experience. Register via Eventbrite before Feb 15th: https://bit.ly/36bizKD
Register via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2YklJqV
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 right for you, a job where you will gain new skills, feel valued, a job that lets you earn money and be in control of your life. Afford is proud to offer the following employment services: - Disability Employment Service (DES) - Supported Employment (ADE) - School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
I am the beginning of the end of time and space that surrounds everything and every place. What am I?
Call our friendly Supported Employment team today on: 1300 233 673 or visit www.afford.com.au/services/work/ Answer: The letter “E”.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au