CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 12
WE CARE ABOUT CARERS At Afford we value not only our clients but also the amazing carers and family members who support them. We encourage and support carers to connect and network, holding regular free networking dinners and events. This is a great way for carers to communicate and learn from other carers. It is also a fantastic opportunity for carers to connect and share their thoughts and concerns. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off each other and empower each other to be better, do better and achieve more. This allows for time out to enjoy a catch-up, chat and laugh with friends. Afford hold regular Carers’ events at a site level and we encourage all carers to attend when the opportunity arises! Carers play an important role in our society, providing much needed love and support for those in need. On average, more than 55% of carers provide care for 20 hours a week, leaving not much time for themselves. It can be easy to forget about yourself as a career and it’s important to remember to take time out and care for yourself. Take time and recharge your batteries so you can maintain healthy relationships with the loved one you care for. Here are some examples of ways you can recharge: • • • • •
Take a walk around the block Catch up with a friend for coffee Do some mindful colouring Make sure you get enough sleep (7-8 hours a night) Wake up early and use the time in the morning for you - why not try yoga, or reading a book?
Upcoming Afford Carers Dinners are: • •
NSW Chipping Norton and Canley Vale 27th June 2019 VIC Frankston 24th July 2019
Do you have questions about our Carers dinners and functions? Chat to your Team Leader about the next planned event!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 12
Carer PROFILE SHELLEY KEEGAN
Who are you caring for? My daughter, Aryannah Keegan How long have you been a part of the Afford Community? Less than a year How has Afford helped you as a carer? Afford have been so supportive, friendly and accommodating to our needs. It helps to have a friendly voice on the phone and knowing that my daughter is their priority. If you had a whole day all to yourself, what would you do? Catch up on house walk, study, shopping or take a walk on the beach What is one tip you can give others transitioning to the NDIS? Don’t over think things, be prepared and do your research
Afford’s Allied Health team is made up of 33 extremely skilled Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and our newest addition, a Physiotherapist! Our therapists work closely with individuals with a range of motor, sensory and communication needs. The team can help the individual achieve their goals using a range of fun and creative activities tailored to the person’s needs and preferences. Afford is very excited to offer physiotherapy services now in NSW and soon in QLD and VIC. Our physiotherapists work closely with clients to help people increase their mobility and enjoy a better quality of life. Our physiotherapist can offer the following services: • Muscle strengthening • Mobility and transfer, walking aids prescription • Flexibility and range of motion exercises • Balance and Posture training • Coordination and dexterity training • Aerobic fitness • Pain and fatigue management
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 12
Allied Health have been busy launching their new Physiotherapy services, but are also excited are to announce the recently launched Interaction Boxes! Interaction boxes are designed to be used on a 1:1 basis with high need or non-verbal clients. Using this “intensive interaction� approach, the client gets the opportunity to make requests and comments with a staff member through the use of communication boards. During this interaction, the staff member can help the client learn how to use the communication boards to expand their language in other everyday situations. The boxes have been rolled out in all NSW Day Programs and they are starting to roll out in our QLD and VIC sites as well. Each Afford site received a training session in the use of the boxes so clients can start meaningfully using them straight away! If you are interested in finding out how to get an Interaction Box for your loved one at home, or would like to have a chat about Allied Health services, speak to our friendly Allied Health Team on 1300 233 673.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 12
upcoming carers events and activities Keep up to date with info sessions, events and seminars at www.facebook.com/pg/Afford/events/
NSW DETAILS EVENTS Cost - free event Event
QLD DETAILS EVENTS Cost - contact organiser Event
VIC DETAILS EVENTS Cost - free event Event
Green Gym Carers NSW
Wellbeing This is a Carers only weekly Wednesday - event, running every Carers QLD Wednesday until the 9th of October 2019. Ongoing event Meet like minded carers!
NDIS Information Session Carers VIC
Ongoing event
Green Gym programs are fun and free outdoor sessions where you will be guided in practical activities such as planting trees, creating new green spaces or even growing food in community gardens. The emphasis is very much on health and fitness – of light to vigorous activities to suit all abilities. Currently available in Newcastle, Northern Rivers Sydney and Western Sydney. More Details via - https://bit. ly/2x7ewgh
Numbers are limited and RSVPs are essential. Contact Carers QLD Brisbane on 07 3624 1700 or email brisbanenorth@carersqld. com.au More information via Facebook (you cannot RSVP via Facebook) https://bit.ly/2XqkZ4W
Or Freecall 1800 032 501
Tuesday 16th July 2019 10AM 12PM
Are you caring for a person with a disability? Do you want to know more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? This two-hour information session was designed specifically, for carers, will cover: What happens at planning meetings What are the plan management options? What is support coordination? How the participant plan works. Register via - https://bit. ly/2Xo93AA
AFFORD SERVICES IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS With school holidays coming up, have you thought about what your loved one will be doing to keep busy? At Afford we provide a wide variety of quality services and supports. During these school holidays, why not enquire for your loved one about a relaxing break in Respite? Or what about our Club Afford Kids or Teens – what a great way to make new friends! Respite services and Club Afford are available throughout NSW, QLD and VIC. Speak to your site Team Leader to book it in today!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au