Support Coordination

The Support Coordination team has had some significant changes in the last 12 months with the departure of Suzanne Pate which resulted in Heather van der Sluys returning from retirement for two days a week. Leslie Orchard started with the team in October last year and moved into the role of Team Leader in March while still managing a number of clients. During this time client numbers have more or less stayed the same with the team continuing to support approximately 120 clients.

The team saw an increase in demand for their services during the pandemic with many clients requiring additional support during the lockdowns. There was more demand for one-on-one support in the home when group programs were unable to run. This led to a shift in the way in which some clients are now being supported ongoing, with some choosing not to return to day programs, instead, preferring to have individual support in their home and local community. There have been some wonderful stories with many Support Coordination clients achieving great things throughout the year — like one client who was introduced to music therapy and is now able to use an instrument for the first time.

Below are a few short stories about the successes of just a few clients whose names have been excluded for privacy. There have been many more wonderful stories of clients throughout the year, two in particular, which we will focus on later in the report.

A client with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) was suffering from severe mental health issues. The Support Coordination team helped him get into Supported Independent Living (SIL) which he absolutely loves. He now goes to the gym regularly and enjoys seeing the benefits to his health. With the help and encouragement of his Support Coordinator his mental health has improved dramatically and he is really enjoying life now!

One client, who has never worked before, is currently training so that he can work full time at Flinders Hotel. This same client has been introduced to Rock Therapy recently and has responded well to it spending an hour a week ‘head banging’ to his favourite music.

Another client who always wanted to live independently has recently successfully moved out of home into supported accommodation for high functioning adults. He’s now learning how to drive with the support of an Occupational Therapist driving instructor.

One client recently started dog therapy. Previously she found it difficult to communicate, however, since having a dog with her she is much more relaxed and finding it easier to open up.

Another client suffered from increased seizure activity during the lockdowns and did not want to do anything post lockdowns, except stay at home. Prior to lockdowns he was attending MiLifeVictoria four days a week. In an attempt to work out strategies for this client to return to day service programs his Support Coordinator, Rhonda, had meetings with his parents, the staff at his supported accommodation, his behaviour specialist and staff from the Langwarrin Hub. The staff at the Langwarrin Hub were amazing, and went out of their way to pop in and see this client each week. Another client would go with the staff to the client’s house and check in on him, until one day, after some coaxing, the client decided to hop on the bus and come in to the Langwarrin Hub. It was a huge achievement and thanks to his friend and the staff at Langwarrin and their persistence, this client has been attending day programs again ever since.