CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 5
AFFORD REWARDS FOR CARERS - SAVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! At Afford, we are amazed by the love and support our clients receive from you as their carer. We are always looking for ways to say ‘thank you!’ by rewarding and providing benefit to our loyal Afford community. That’s why we’re so excited to announce that we have now launched Afford Rewards for Carers! Afford Rewards is an Afford opt in initiative that gives you direct access discounts and deals across a range of products and services from a variety of businesses and retailers. Being part of Afford Rewards can potentially save you thousands of dollars each year! Save on your weekly shopping at Coles or Woolworths, or pick up some great deals on your favourite products from major retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, Jeanswest, Dan Murphy’s and many, many more! We want to extend this offer to you because you’re part of our Afford community. We care about you and your family and we want to extend our supports beyond traditional service offerings. To become part of the Afford Rewards program, simply opt in by emailing your interest to marketing@afford.com.au or calling (02) 8805 3700 and asking to speak to someone in Marketing about Afford Rewards. After you’ve registered, simply log onto Afford Rewards at: www.afford.rewardgateway.com.au and start saving! There’s something for everyone and as part of our Afford community, you and your family can benefit from the savings. Use Afford Rewards for your Christmas shopping and gift giving and start counting your savings on some amazing deals and products. Log onto Afford Rewards www.afford.rewardgateway.com.au now or download the Smart Spending app from Google Play or the Apple Store. If you have any questions or technical problems, the Afford Rewards Customer Service Helpline is on hand to answer your enquiries on 1300 900 186.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 5
Carer PROFILE Gwennyth Trotter Who are you caring for? Daughter – Catherine Trotter
Afford Tips: Get the most from your ndis For many people the NDIS journey has well and truly begun. Now is the time to reassess your plans, goals and supports to make sure that the funding you’re receiving continues to help you live the life you want. Afford has established a team of knowledgeable NDIS Support Coordinators who understand NDIS terms and processes and work closely with individuals and their families and carers to ensure a positive outcome. Here are our top tips to get more out of the NDIS.
How long have you been a part of the Afford Community? 8 years
1. Review Your Plan Are your supports still relevant to your goals? Your plan is meant to grow with you, so speak with our NDIS Support Coordinators to revise your funding structure to suit your life.
How has Afford helped you as a carer? I think they are marvellous. Could not have coped without them.
2. Rely On Your NDIS Support Coordinator NDIS Support Coordinators are the experts. They can help you get funding for new supports such as in-home hoist or wheelchair; connect you with new services such as Allied Health; and help you get the most out of the NDIS.
If you had a whole day all to yourself, what would you do? I would chill out around the house and do the gardening and read
3. Learn and Grow - It’s Your Plan The NDIS is focused on empowering individuals to grow and develop at work, home and in life. Make your NDIS plan work for you by ensuring the funding you receive for reasonable and necessary supports is reviewed and updated each year so that you can lead the life you want.
What is one tip you can give others transitioning to the NDIS? Have a good back up plan. Get someone from Afford to come, could not have done it without Afford’s help.
To speak with an NDIS Support Coordinator, contact Afford on 1300 233 673 or visit www.afford.com.au
Daughter Catherine on an Afford Getaway – achieving her goal!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 5 One-to-One Support in your time of need Sometimes you’re faced with a situation that you hadn’t expected and that throws your usual support routines out of whack. But that doesn’t mean that they have to stop. If your family member needs to go to hospital for a period of time, your oneto-one supports can still continue. Afford will provide one-to-one supports to help your family. If you have other family members to care for, you can rely on our Lifestyle Assistants to be in hospital with your loved while while you go home to maintain the rest of the household, or take some time for yourself. While in hospital, our Lifestyle Assistants can ensure that your loved one is still stimulated and engaged with extra curricular activities, by doing things such as playing board games, or doing numeracy and literacy activities. Or if your loved one was taking part in a living skills program, our Lifestyle Assistants can look up recipes while in hospital and put plans in place to make healthy meals to cook when they get out of hospital. If they are in hospital due to a sustained injury, Afford can help you and your family through the process of upadting your NDIS plan by submitting a ‘Change of Circumstances Report’ to the NDIA. Updating your circumstances to reflect new needs at home will ensure your loved one returns home to find the additional supports, such as a hoist, wheelchair, etc, so that they can be comfortable. Contact Afford whenever you need assistance. We can help and we care.
International Day of People with Disability Afford services empower individuals, promote inclusiveness and equality and these are the themes for this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). On 3 December, many of our Day Programs and Afford businesses recognised this special day and celebrated at their sites or by visiting local events. Our Cherrywood Hub was a hive of activity with a high tea with Afford Supporters, clients and their families and carers enjoying delicious treats and there was loads of fun for our clients. Afford Employment in Blacktown also held an Open Day to provide the general public with an insight into the many employment opportunities available for people with disability. To celebrate IDPwD, Afford has put together a series of videos showcasing amazing client achievements. Check them out on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PfcqVQNSqtjsoswBxYtfA
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 5
upcoming carers events and activities
UPCOMING CARER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES EVENT VIC VIC Picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens
NSW NSW Christmas Carnival
QLD QLD Robin Community Carols
DETAILS
CONTACT
Date – Friday 14th Dec 10:00AM - 3:00PM Melbourne Gardens is a great place for picnics, relax and enjoy a wonderful picnic with friends in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.
Wade Fitton - Team Leader Ph - 0409 896 214
Date – Saturday 15th Dec 2:00PM - 8:00PM Join us for our Annual Christmas Carnival. Amusements rides, food trucks, Kids entertainment, market stalls and activities.
Allison Jordan - Club Afford Ph - 0434 763 745
Date – Saturday 15th Dec Jennifer Butler - Team Leader 4:00PM - 8:00PM Ph - 0466 861 868 Meet: Beenleigh Day Program (3 Church Street, Beenleigh) OR Southport Day Program 4A/45 Nind Street Southport.
PICKY EATERS OR PROBLEM FEEDERS?
HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS
Are mealtimes distressing for your loved one? Afford now have feeding therapists. Find out how we can help you. Contact us today on 1300 233 673.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au