CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 14
EXPLORE MORE WITH AFFORD GETAWAYS For many carers the idea of a holiday may seem like an unrealistic and unreachable goal. Having a relaxing holiday with your loved one might be more realistic then you think! Afford offers travel options for your loved one to travel solo, with friends or family members on a dream getaway! Our supported getaways travel to some of the world’s top destinations including, Disneyland, Singapore, Pacific Cruises, Queensland or a tailor made holiday just for you! Afford Getaways will support you to make your dream destination a reality. Sit back and let us do the planning for you. Everything is taken care of, from hotels, transport, activities, meals and more importantly the support – it’s all included! Our friendly supportive staff, love to hear positive feedback from happy travellers like Mark who works in our Ingleburn ADE and recently got to tick off a bucket list dream of his. “I loved travelling to Disneyland. It was a tenyear dream that I had and I had such a great time going on the rides, seeing the movie characters and having fun with my friends.” Take steps to make this happen today! It’s easy to book an Afford Getaway. Just pick up a copy of our Getaways 2019 -2020 brochure and check out the readymade itineraries: https://issuu.com/affordnsw/docs/afford_ getaways_2019-20_web or call 1300 233 673. The opportunities are endless with Afford Getaways, a break to remember!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 14
Carer PROFILE RACHEL ALEXANDER Who are you caring for? My son, Ken How long have you been a part of the Afford Community? 6 months How has Afford helped you as a carer? Afford has provided activities for my son so he doesn’t get bored, which also gives me a break If you had a whole day all to yourself, what would you do? Go to the movies and spend time with my friends What is one tip you can give others transitioning to the NDIS? There is a lot more flexibility if you self-manage
5 WAYS TO ASK FOR HELP It can be hard to ask for help or know who to ask for help. When everyday life becomes overwhelming and you are feeling lost, the task of reaching out or looking for options to provide support seem impossible. But it is important for your health and wellbeing that you do receive the right support. Here are some steps you can take towards getting the help you need: 1. Online Social Groups Or Forums Being time poor, a lot of the social interaction we have in our daily lives is online. There are many support groups and forums online that you can turn to for support. Carers groups on Facebook is a hugely popular option where you will be able to connect with likeminded carers easily. Do a quick search of carers and your closest city/suburb and have a look through the groups available to you. 2. Attending Carers Events Take a moment for you and attend a carer’s event! We hold them through our sites, chat to your loved one’s Team Leader or check out your local council. Carer’s events are a great way to connect and gain advice from other carers. 3. Reach out to your friends and family Problems are not stop signs they are guidelines! You may be surprised to learn that your friends and family would be happy to help you, but they may not know how to assist you, so let them know that you need help. 4. Consider Respite Respite can be the key to giving you and your loved one both a well-deserved break. Respite comes in many forms and is available for a few hours break or a few days. Have a chat with our Respite team on 1300 233 673. 5. Start the conversation! Can’t find what you are looking for? Why not start your own forum or blog! A quick Google search will reveal plenty of forums where people gather to chat and reflect.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 14 RESPITE Q&A - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Afford offers so many opportunities for clients and carers to relax and recharge, including our Respite homes. Our respite homes are available in NSW, QLD and VIC, which allows carers to the option to combine respite and a resort style getaway for their loved ones. Afford respite provides the right mix of care, support and fun, where you can be assured that your loved one is being cared for in a home away from home. Respite is a place to relax, have fun and enjoy the company of others with similar life experiences. Here are some quick reference questions and answers for you about respite: Q. A.
What is Respite/Short-term accommodation? NDIS participants can stay at one of our respite centres, where we provide 24hr care, resulting in “respite/rest” for parents and carers, and clients themselves get a positive experience. Respite is about delighting the people who stay with us and building a loyal and satisfied customer base, who value the service, which positively impacts the lives of our clients and families/carers.
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How is Respite funded? NDIS Participants use their “Core Supports” funding to pay for Respite Services.
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Can every NDIS participant access respite services? In general, the clients that Afford provides services to at Day Program can also use their Core Supports funding to access Respite. However, we want to ensure Core Supports funding is spent correctly and your loved one is given the full opportunity to access the services available to them.
Funding questions can be tricky, but we’re here to help. There have been cases where we find some people don’t realise the funding for Respite they had available in their plans and then try to spend it last-minute. Always check tricky questions with your loved one’s Team Leader, and remember: Afford is a CAN DO organisation. Q. A.
Where is Respite available? Respite is available in sites across Queensland, New South Wales and Melbourne. You can book respite for a weekend stay and also take advantage of our interstate options. If you are planning on taking a trip interstate, why not book a Respite for your loved one and you can both take it easy and relax knowing Afford will look after the rest.
Let’s make it happen, call our respite team on 1300 233 6733 or email info@afford.com.au
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 14
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
Cybersafety for parents and carers
Wellbeing Wednesday
Meet like minded carers around you!
Multiple Dates Availble Runs every Wednesday until 9th October 2019.
This is a CARER ONLY event.
NDIS Mental Health Three Part Program
13th September 2019 Max Webber Function Centre, Blacktown NSW.
From meeting new people, gaming and owning their first smartphone, to cyberbullying, and sexting. These are some of the many issues young people manage online. Learn how to help the young ones in your life have safe and enjoyable experiences online. More Details via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/33Kj2jQ
Carers Queensland Brisbane North. Stafford, QLD.
RSVP’s are not essential, if you are a carer you are welcome to just drop in on the day. More Details via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ events/470275407134681/
SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY
6th September 2019 Carers Victoria. Footscray, VIC.
Are you caring for a person with a mental health condition? Do you want to know more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? Carers Victoria has designed a three-part program to help you to understand the NDIS process and to get ready for the NDIS planning conversation More details and to register via Facebook - https:// www.facebook.com/ events/2159347441022281/
SUDOKU TIME KILLER
Did you know Afford has some fantastic social media pages where we post, events, giveaways, stories, videos and all the fun things we do?! Ways to stay connected with Afford: • Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/afford • Follow us on Instagram - @AffordGram • Follow us on Twitter - @AffordTweets • Follow our YouTube Channel
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For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au