Connect Summer
2015
Issue
2
Fun things to do this Christmas
Hope
for Peter & Daphne
What does the NDIS Rollout mean?
windermere.org.au
CEO’s message
What you told us
Here at Windermere we have a vision for a stronger, connected and supported community and are proud to provide services that make a difference in your everyday life. In a commitment to quality, we recently asked a group of consumers to tell us their thoughts on the service they had received.
90% felt listened to and respected
83%
felt we responded quickly enough to make a difference in their life
98% said their culture, beliefs and religion were respected
Hello Everyone, Welcome to the second edition of our combined services newsletter. Recently the government announced some major information relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme rollout, so we have put together some information for you on page 5 to give you a clear understanding of what it all means, and how we are working hard to ensure a smooth transition for our consumers. You can be assured that we are still committed to providing a high quality of service delivery, and will always put your safety and wellbeing first. With the festive season only weeks away, we have also included some fun activities for you and your family to do together. We hope you enjoy the holiday break and look forward to providing you with lots more information in the new year. Dr Lynette Buoy Chief Executive Officer
Network with us! Did you know Windermere is on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin? Like and follow our pages to stay up-to-date on all things Windermere. /WindermereChild&FamilyServices /windermere_aust /WindermereChild&FamilyServices 2
We try very hard to get things right for you, our consumers, so it was lovely to hear that we had made a positive difference. Email us your feedback info@windermere.org.au
In the spotlight... Name Suzy Green Role Assistant Manager, Early Childhood Development Services. Background I have enjoyed over 10 years working with children as a Physiotherapist. I worked at a variety of places such as the Department of Education, Royal Children’s hospital, and other early childhood intervention services both in Australia and the UK.
Suzy
Windermere
Outside of Windermere
For 3 years I have been working at Windermere and couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. When I saw the position advertised I jumped at the chance to be a part of a well-regarded organisation supporting children and achieving great things with families.
I’m an avid traveller and recently spent a month in beautiful Italy. My love of bike riding and swimming sees me training for the Around the Bay in a Day and my first triathlon in November. Cooking is also a secret passion of mine, I enjoy the challenge of trying new things and even successfully completed an Adriana Zumbo recipe with 15 elements over 2 days – Masterchef eat your heart out!
Every child can achieve and has the right to participate fully in their life. I work with a great team, who support children and their families to do this everyday.
I just want to know... What are the speech and language milestones my child should reach? Speech and language is important in your child’s development and there are some important milestones they should reach: • A t age one children are beginning to say single words eg ball • A t age two children use two words together eg more ball • 3 to 4 year old children should be understood most of the time by people outside their home eg grandparents can easily understand them • 4 to 5 year old children begin to understand rhyming words eg Cat and Bat You are one of the most important role models in your child’s life. You can
help them strengthen their speech and communication by; • E ncourage back and forth conversations – even if they are babbling, you babble back • Tell them stories and read books • Model the correct way to say words • Have their hearing tested If you are concerned you can go and see a Speech Pathologist as they are trained to assess, diagnosis and support you and your child. We do offer speech pathology services. To to find out more about how we may be able to help your child call us on 9709 6900
What environment is best for my child? Family day care or Centre based care? Deciding which care option is best for you and your child can be a difficult decision. It’s important to do your research. Get online and check out some of the mums groups and forums, ask for recommendations. Make sure you do tours of centres or homes to see the environment. If you go down the path of Family Day Care make sure you are matched to a suitable educator.
Here is a brief overview of the differences between the two environments:
Home Based
vs
• Flexible Hours • Small Group Numbers • Qualified, professional, quality educators • C omfort and safety of a home environment
Centre Based • Purpose built facilities • Set hours • Qualified, professional, quality educators • Up to 58 children 0-6 years • Includes 4 year old kinder
• Pick up/drop off services available • L ocation (close to work or home – you choose)
Both types of care attracted CCB/CCR rebates.
Affordable, flexible childcare For over 10 years we have been providing high quality family day care across Casey and Cardinia. Matched to the right educator
Play based learning in small groups
Qualified, experienced educators
Access to CCB/CCR
Personalised, flexible, quality care
Call 1300 946 337 today
Flexible hours including after hours and weekends
www.windermere.org.au
3
Molift Raiser gives Peter and Daphne hope At 46 Vivian still lives at home with his parents Peter and Daphne. That’s because Vivan has cerebral palsy. He is unable to perform everyday tasks, not even being able to stand and sit without their help. Peter and Daphne have always cared for Vivian and wouldn’t dream of having it any other way however the years of 24/7 care have taken their toll. In late 2014 Peter underwent back surgery. This, of course, meant he wasn’t able to help Daphne with Vivian’s standing transfers which is where Windermere stepped in. We arranged for support workers to help Daphne with Vivian seven days a week. This was a significant change for Peter and Daphne as they really had managed everything on their own. But it was only for 12 weeks so without any real alternative, they accepted the help. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse when not long after surgery Peter took a fall injuring a different part of his back. Due to his age and complex health concerns, Peter’s specialist told him he would no longer be able to help with his son’s transfers. At a loss, Peter and Daphne again sought advice from Windermere. We had Vivian’s standing transfers practice reviewed by an Occupational Therapist who recommended a piece of equipment called a Molift Raiser - a hoist that safely facilitates moving. With this piece of speciality equipment Vivian would be able to pull himself up by the handles, turn and lower himself into the desired position. Vivian’s parents were hopeful this new piece of equipment would be the answer but had doubts as to whether their son would understand how to use it.
“We are so thankful to Windermere. Without their support, expertise and guidance we never would have got the Molift Raiser ”. Peter Vivian surprised everyone. The very first time he used the hoist he stood up with little help and easily lowered
himself down rather than dropping. Even though he was a bit wobbly on his feet Daphne and Peter were so proud of their son, and confident that the Molift Raiser would solve the challenge they were facing. But things got even better. A few short weeks after Vivian began using the hoist, Peter called Vivian’s case manager, Talia. He was ecstatic because Vivian was now able to transfer himself independently. The stability and repetition of the Molift Raiser had helped Vivian to develop the physical and mental pathways required for him to learn.
“The Molift raiser has provided our family with such a positive outcome. Vivian now has a small amount of independence and Daphne and I are so relieved that we can now continue to care for our son in our home - which means the world to us”. Peter
Do you or someone you care for need support to live independently in the community? is an Our Supporting Lifestyles program ists you to individually funded service that ass munity. live at home and engage in your com 4
Give the team a call: 9705 3200
NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme
With recent announcements about the roll out of the NDIS, we thought it might be a good idea to have a quick chat to Tracey Millen, Manager of our Early Intervention and Disability Services
Tracey
Q: Now that the Government have announced the NDIS rollout plan for Victoria when will Windermere’s consumer base be impacted? A: The majority of our consumers are in the South East Victorian region which includes the Cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey and the Shires of Cardinia and Baw Baw. From the information released so far it seems that it could take eligible consumers up to 12 months to enter the NDIS program because of the phased roll out - Baw Baw Shire is scheduled for 1 October 2017 and Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia are 1 September. But the areas around our service region will transition earlier and we will be able to offer NDIS funded services to consumers living in those areas as the plan rolls out. For those consumers who currently participate in State or Federal programs, it’s important to understand that those programs will continue until you start your NDIS plan.
Q: Does this mean that Windermere does not need to change until 2017? A: No, we’ll be ready long before our programs officially transition to the NDIS. Actually, for a number of years now, Windermere has already been providing individually funded services to consumers funded under existing Individual Support Package or DSS funded programs. So we already have well developed systems to support consumers who choose to purchase support using their individualised funding.
Q: So how is Windermere preparing for the transition and how will it communicate these plans to consumers? A: We are in regular contact with the NDIA and peak bodies such as National Disability Services and Early Childhood Intervention Australia. As more information becomes available we will definitely share this with you via this newsletter, on our website and through information sessions when appropriate. We have also formed a project team to ensure our readiness including being able to provide advice and assistance for anyone who has concerns about how a move to the NDIS might affect them. Finally, we have two Consumer Consultative Committees (see below), that work with consumer groups to ensure our services and systems meet consumer needs.
Q: When can we next expect to hear about the change – and who should I ask if I have a question? A: More information is due to be released by the end the year. If you have questions about the roll-out timeline or scheme design, just ask your worker (or visit the NDIS website www.ndis.gov.au) however at this stage there is still a lot of detail that has not yet been released. We will include additional information as it becomes available through our newsletter and our website www.windermere.org.au.
Seeking Expressions of Interest Windermere Disability Services is currently seeking expressions of interest to join our:
Consumer Consultative Committee The committee is made up of people who currently use our services or who are on the Priority Needs Register to access a program through Disability Services.
The role of the Committee is to give us feedback about how Disability Services are implemented, our policies and procedures, provide ideas and recommendations for improvements. Meetings are held monthly on Tuesday evenings and run for 1½hrs. Any costs incurred as a result of attending the meetings (travel, respite care, attendant care, interpreting costs etc) will be reimbursed to you.
Register now! Contact Disability Intake on (03) 9705 3200
5
Windermere in the Community We have often been told that the earlier and faster we respond to your needs the better the outcome is for you and your family. The Co-location initiative through the Department of Justice and Regulations is a great example of this. Since the beginning of the year some of our service staff who assist victims of serious crime are now located in the Gippsland and Frankston Police station two days a week. We have played an active role in the Victims Assistance Program since 1999. Our experience has shown that a flexible and responsible service as soon as possible after a crime is reported is critical to the victims wellbeing.
Pictured from left: CEO Dr Lynette Buoy, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney and Minister for Police Wade Noonan – cutting the ribbon to official launch the program.
Pictured from left: CEO Dr Lynette Buoy, Acting Superintendent Drew Morgan, Minister for Police Wade Noonan, Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke and Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney.
“My counsellor has been one of the most important supports I have had throughout this whole process. She is amazing. I now see things from a completely different perspective. I am on the lookout now too - next time I am in a relationship, I will be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence and I won’t let myself get stuck in that sort of position again.” A witness at the Royal Commission into Family Violence about one of our VAP counsellors
6
Things to do in the holidays
1.
Hot chocolate – add some mini marshmallows, yum
2.
3.
Go on a holiday lights tour – Pile the kids in the car (or go for a walk), tunes put on some Christmas and drive around the at neighbourhood looking all the sparkling displays.
or pa s (real
o id Everyb the kids outs ther and ga the t n Take u h r h e c g a n t s. At cave quick s nd pinecone ire ring rw es a branch s to a foam o r works well) ge n a green rate oat h metal c e kids to deco s. t n e b h (a t o b w o d w and all rnaments an wreath o h paperit wit friendly f your child’s a e k a gs o Or m g tracin ds. featurin ute little han c
5.
mas Christ a e v a H Night Movie g an in Spend n or oo aftern ng hi g watc while n i n e v e ies as mov and Christm ot chocolate gh . drinkin ing popcorn eat
6.
Have a sing- family a Find t -long he carols words to online a sing fo forge -along and r t to at don’t counc t il even end the lo cal t. Loc and c al have hurches m schools a free e vents y also to att end
!
wreath reath festive Make w dy loves a e for a
4.
es) -
per on
Bake C h adapt y ristmas Cook ie our fav ourite r s – use Chr ecipe , istmas and a b cookie cutte rs it of icing a coloured nd let t h childre n’s crea e tivity run rio t!
7.
Craft home made ornaments – use crepe p aper, colou red paper or old wrapping paper to m ake snow paper chain flakes, s etc
8.
our out y – k c e rs Ch pape local y local man re full rs a pape during do gs to lidays n i h t of ol ho scho 7
What’s On
Places are limited so bookings are essential. Please call the Group Coordinator on 9705 3200
Feeling is Thinking An 8 week program for primary school children experiencing difficulty in expressing their feelings. Feeling is Thinking aims to create a safe environment for children to understand, express and manage strong feelings.
Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking of kil ling themselves?
It gives children the opportunity to develop skills to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Two day workshop that teaches people to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide, how to respond in ways that help increase their immediate safety and link them to further help.
Tuesdays during school term 4pm – 5:30pm Hampton Park Community House16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park Bookings: Edith Schaaf on 9799 0708
Siblings welcome. Bookings and enquiries: Simone or Suzy on 9709 6900
Useful Contacts Windermere Contacts: Head Office (Narre Warren): 1300 946 337
2016 dates: 9am – 5pm 9-10 March, 11-12 May, 10-11 August, 9-10 November Toomah Community Centre 18 Golden Green Street, Pakenham.
Little Monkeys A supported playgroup for children aged 0-6yrs currently using Windermere’s Early Childhood Development Services or who may be eligible for early intervention services in the Casey and Cardinia area. Weekly activities for all abilities in a welcoming supportive environment.
Recommended for everyone over 15 years.
Bookings: Gen Dawson (03) 5995 4655 or gen.dawson@windermere.org.au Is your child likely to start school in 2017? Ease the transition with our new information sessions and workshops beginning in the new year. •P arent/professional information sessions:
Windermere Closes
sday 4:00pm Thur r 2015, e b m e c e D 4 2
Re-opens
nday 9:00am Mo 2016. 4th January
Counselling Intake: 9705 3296 Enquiries about service, referral pathways and support. Victims Assistance Program (Gippsland): (03) 5135 1500 or (Southern): (03) 9705 3200 Other agencies: SECADA (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Support) 1800 142 536
To help ensure the whole family is prepared for the transition into prep. • School Skills workshops: Learn everyday activities and ideas to practice and enjoy at home. Bookings/Enquiries 9709 9600 or windermere.org.au
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Family violence and sexual assault counselling services. Disability Services Commissioner Complaints: 1800 677 342 (free call) General Enquiries: 1300 728 187 (local call) TTY 1300 726 563 Fax 03 8608 5765 www.odsc.vic.gov.au Department of Health & Human Services Intake & Response Team 1300 131 079 For people with disabilities & their carers. Alfred Health 1800 052 222 www.carersouth.org.au Carer’s support (business hours) and emergency respite (24 hours)
In case of an emergency, please ring: 8
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Parentline: 132 289 Child Protection: 131 278 All other emergencies: 000