Mobility

New products and technology are continually introduced to the market. Some of the equipment available include: Mobility aids – Aids which can help to prevent falls include walking sticks or frames, wheelie walkers, manual and motorised wheelchairs and scooters. Personal care – Some of these aids may include shower stools or chairs, shower hoses, bath seats and boards, over-toilet frames, commodes, urinals, continence pads and supplies, aids to assist with dressing, and aids to manage medications. Home safety – Some of the aids which can assist you around the house during day-to-day living may include handrails, ramps, tap turners, non-slip mats, easy-grip utensils and easy-pour kettles. Technology There are a number of gadgets, devices and technologies that can help older Australians keep their independence and make life much simpler around the home. These might include safety devices or personal alert systems that can detect falls, call for help in an emergency or have a GPS tracker can be used to help you feel safe and secure in your own home or when you’re out in the community. These devices allow you to call for help by alerting family or emergency services if you fall or become unwell and are especially handy for people who live alone or go long periods without social interaction. Smartwatches can also offer similar safety functions, having the potential to help in your daily life in a variety of different ways, from instant calls and messaging, to an abundance of applications that can help with things such as medication reminders, cognitive stimulation through brain games, and GPS tracking. Other gadgets that have hit the market that may be beneficial are assistive technologies, voice-activated functions to control devices around the home, such as your TV, radio, lights and air conditioner, as well as being able to monitor daily routines. Assistive technology solutions To remain independent and in good health as you age, it’s important that you can look after yourself, move well, eat and drink well, stay connected and have fun. Fortunately, there are a range of assistive technology solutions that can support you to achieve all of this. Assistive technology are devices and equipment that can support you to: Prepare your own meals and eat or drink independently Communicate and stay connected Move around your home and community Manage your own personal care such as bathing or dressing Use your computer, tablet or phone Participate in sports and other recreational activities Control your appliances such as your TV and lights Undertake daily tasks safely; and Be more independent in your own home and when out and about.

With over 11,000 assistive technology products on the market, it can be difficult to know what the best solutions for your needs are. There are many factors to consider, including your individual abilities, the environment in which you will use it, and what you want to achieve. In Western Australia, Indigo (formerly Independent Living Centre WA) supports people with their assistive technology choices through information and advice, allied health support as well as access to grants for individuals to get access to a range of technology items including: Emergency call systems Wheelchairs and scooters Telephones Showering, toileting and dressing aids Kitchen equipment Seating, beds and mattresses Hoists and transfer aids Vehicle modifications Smart home technology. Through an online National Equipment Database (NED), you can search over 11,000 assistive technology products Australia-wide, including supplier details and product specifications. Find out more at askned.com.au For further information, visit indigosolutions.org.au or call 1300 885 886.

Mobility

Would you like to be independent and continue the activities you love? Our friendly team can work with you to achieve this

Indigo is proud to have over 40 years’ experience providing assistive technology (devices and equipment), home modifications and allied health services. Our experienced team is passionate about working in partnership with you to achieve your independence and inclusion goals through tailored solutions. Contact us today to see how we can work with you, including what funding options may be available. p: 1300 885 886 e: general@indigosolutions.org.au w: www.indigosolutions.org.au

Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

To access basic Government funded in home support under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) you need to be assessed by a RAS.

The aim of the RAS is to ensure the services respond to you and your carers’ needs and support you in retaining or regaining skills that enable you to continue living independently in the community. What services does RAS provide? The RAS helps to identify you and your carers’ needs for support and your goals for greater independence and wellbeing. It provides in home, face to face assessments of new and existing clients/carers. RAS allows assessments to be conducted independently from service provision and ensures assessors consider the full range of options when responding to you and your carers’ needs and goals. Some of these needs may include assistive technology, therapeutic interventions, community care services or other support organisations. They liaise with other service providers, GPs/specialists and community support networks, and communication is made to make sure desired outcomes are achieved. RAS plans and coordinates exit and transfer to other appropriate service systems including Home Care Packages and/or residential care if required. The service also provides care coordination if you have multiple providers or more complex needs. How the assessment works An assessor from your local RAS will visit you for the assessment. They will ask you questions about your personal situation, health, and if you’re already receiving some support. The RAS assessment is a free service. You might like to have some support, a partner, relative or friend, present during the assessment. An interpreter can also be arranged. Together with the assessor you will work out a Home Support Plan detailing your needs and goals, and what services are needed to achieve those. Referrals The RAS team ensures your diverse needs are addressed through appropriate assessment, or can identify the need for other relevant assessments. After an assessment has been completed you should be given a referral code which you need to access services. Alternatively, RAS can make a referral to a CHSP provider following a discussion about the availability of appropriate services and a discussion with you about your preferences. Find out more about CHSP on page 16 or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a RAS assessment.

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

If you are no longer able to manage at home without basic assistance, the ACAT helps you, and your carers, determine what kind of care will best meet your needs.

This may be a Home Care Package (see page 22) provided to you in your own home or residential care in an aged care home (see page 49). The ACAT is staffed by doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other health professionals. How the assessment works A member of your local ACAT will visit you in your home or in hospital to assess your needs. You will be asked a series of questions to work out how much and what sort of help you require with daily and personal activities, to determine the best care option for your situation. With your approval, the ACAT will also contact your local doctor to gain more information on your medical history to assist with the assessment process. There is no charge for the assessment as the ACAT is Government funded. Carers, relatives or close friends are encouraged to be involved in the discussion. The ACAT will discuss the result of its assessment with you and the options that would be most suitable and what is available in your area. If there is no package of the assessed level immediately available, you may be offered a package at a lower level or CHSP services to help you while you wait. While an ACAT cannot make recommendations about individual homes or community services, they can provide you with information to assist you to make decisions. If you are of non-English speaking background and require an interpreter, please advise the ACAT when making your appointment. Referral code If the ACAT considers you eligible for services, you will be given a referral code. The service provider of your choice will need this referral code to access your client record on My Aged Care and manage the referral. Make sure you ask for the referral code if you haven’t been given one. Not satisfied with the ACAT? If you have a complaint or are not satisfied with the assessment or recommendations, you should advise the person in charge of the ACAT. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can appeal the decision. You will be sent a letter by the ACAT explaining how you, or someone acting on your behalf, can appeal. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 if you would like to organise an ACAT assessment.