CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 38 - August 2021
COVID CATCH UP FOR CARERS Many states and territories are currently experiencing restrictions and lockdowns and we know this can be a challenging time for our carers. So, we want to take this opportunity to check in with our carers and remind you about the current initiatives available to you during these trying times. From Monday 16th to Friday 20th of August, Afford will be running COVID-19 vaccination hubs at Minchinbury Head Office and Prestons ADE factory. There will be 200 Pfizer vaccinations available at each location for staff and clients who have not yet had their first vaccination. Please speak with your team leader to arrange your appointment, as we cannot accommodate walk-ins. You can also receive a Pfizer/AstraZeneca vaccination at some local GP’s or a Commonwealth, state or territory run vaccination clinic. For more information about vaccine locations, view the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker.
FACE COVID F = Focus on what is in your control A = Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings C = Come back into your body E = Engage in what you are doing
C = Commited Action O = Opening up V = Values I = Identify resources D = Disinfect and distance
Focus on what is in your control When we face a crisis of any sort, we are bound to feel both fear and anxiety. These are normal, natural responses to challenging solutions and uncertainty. It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts, worrying about things that are out of your control. You can’t control what happens in the future. You can’t control Coronavirus itself or the world economy or how your Government manages this. You can’t magically control your feelings, eliminating all that perfectly natural fear and anxiety. But you can control what you do - here and now and that matters.
A = Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings when they arise.
C = Commit to action. Consider simple ways to look after yourself.
I = Identify resources and offer support to others.
C = Come back into and connect with your physical body.
O = Opening up to make room for difficult feelings and to be kind to yourself.
D = Disinfect your hands regularly and social distance from others.
E = Engage in what you are doing and focus your attention.
V = Values. Be guided by what you value in life.
Information adapted from FACE COVID-19 document by Dr Russ Harris and influenced by Jessica Twigg.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential and complimentary counselling service for all employees, carers and parents. We understand that the current COVID-19 conditions can take a toll on our mental health so if you would like to speak to a professional face-to-face, online or by telephone, contact EAP for confidential support on 1800 81 87 28 / (02) 8247 9191 or info@accesseap.com.au. We would also like to remind carers that federal and state financial assistance is available to help those who have had their working capacity impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Disaster payment and Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment are both offered nationally. For those in Victoria, the $450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment and COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Support Program is also available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. More information is available at https://www.australia.gov.au/ and https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/. Stay safe, Affordians and ensure that you get the support you need during these challenging times.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS
Edition 38
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 CHICKEN MARENGO Below is a quick and easy take on the French chicken casserole dish for our busy carers. Using precut chicken and tinned ingredients saves on preparation time without sacrificing flavour. Serve with pasta, rice, salad, mash or chips on the side. The options are endless and can suit all levels of fussy eaters. INGREDIENTS: • 500g stir fry chicken breast • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs seasoning • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 1 cup of chicken stock • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 1 brown onion thinly sliced (optional) • 400g tinned crushed tomato • 200g tinned champignons METHOD: 1. Cut brown onion into thin slices. 2. Add oil to frypan and fry chicken with minced garlic and Italian herbs seasoning until brown. 3. A dd tomato paste, onion, crushed tomato, champignons, chicken stock to a saucepan. 4. Add browned chicken to the saucepan. 5. Bring the saucepan to boil while stirring, then turn the heat to low. 6. Leave saucepan to simmer with the lid on for 30 minutes. 7. Serve with your choice of side dish. Image credit: https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/chickenmarengo-4829.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 38
A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP Danny is a resident at Liberty Supported Accommodation who shares a long and special history with his friend Barb. Danny recently visited Barb with the help of his Lifestyle Assistant, Michelle Smith and it was a touching moment for all. “I can’t even put into words how beautiful the moment was when Barb answered the door and saw Danny with flowers and a card. It was so heart-warming,” shared Michelle. The pair first met 45 years ago and Barb has supported Danny throughout tough times in his life. They took this opportunity to reminisce on their memories and make new ones. “It’s moments like that which make this job so special. When you get to help someone achieve something that makes them so happy, it feels terrific,” continued Michelle. We can learn from Danny and Barb to be grateful for the friends around us and remember to show them just how much we care, especially during these challenging times.
ONE DAY OFF CAMPAIGN With over 2.7 million Australian’s working as unpaid carers for their loved ones, we would like to remind everyone of the One Day Off campaign, organised by our partner, Caring for Carers Australia (CCA.) Unpaid carers do not have sick days or annual leave and provide around the clock care to their loved ones. Through donations made to the One Day Off campaign, CCA can provide either 8 hours of respite, 8 hours of domestic cleaning or 8 hours of yard maintenance to eligible carers. The program classifies a carer as someone who provides care for a loved one with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, is frail and aged, or foster and kinship carers who care for children who have suffered harm as a result of abuse or neglect. You can register yourself as a carer, nominate a carer you know or donate to the cause by visiting the website: https://www.onedayoff.org/.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 38
check out these upcoming events Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!
SA EVENTS Event
DETAILS
Adelaide Royal Show
By Adelaide Royal Show
4th - 12th September Multiple days and times
Cost - FREE
South Australia’s largest, longest-running & bestloved event. Visit Afford’s customer care team in the Jubilee Pavilion, grab an Afford show bag and meet our friendly team. Afford Booth C24. For tickets: https://theshow.com. au/tickets.
WA EVENTS Event
DETAILS
Source Kids Disability Expo Perth
By Source Kids
Friday 10th Sep - Saturday 11th Sep 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
Cost - FREE
Over 120 disability product and service providers under one roof for two days in a COVID safe environment. Visit Afford’s booth and meet our friendly customer care team! For more information: https://sourcekids. com.au/expo/expoperth-2021/.
QLD EVENTS Event
DETAILS
Sunshine Coast Disability Expo
By Regional Disability Expo
Thursday 16th Sep 9:30 AM 4:00 PM
Cost - FREE
Attendance is free for anyone wishing to find more information about products, services, and activities available in your region. For more information: https://fb.me/ e/8iY67sIDv.
words of wisdom
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au