Far North Newsletter

Transcription

1 Far North Newsletter April June 2018 Inside this issue: From the Counsellor s Desk: Being with someone with Dementia Walk & Talk is Back 2 Family Carer Support Officer Update Visit to Thursday Island 3 CALD Program Update Chinese New Year Cultures in Harmony 4 Centacare Mental Health Resource Find a Carer Support Group Near You Your Rights and Responsibilities Reconciliation Week 7 Happy Cafe 7 Moving Forward Workshops Options After Better Start Message from Michelle 8 Events Calendar 7 Upcoming Events Hello everyone I am writing this after a particularly wet, yet fun filled week. The fun began on Saturday, 17 March watching local carer, Cheryl Green carry the baton in the Commonwealth Games Baton Relay as it passed through Edmonton. Carers Queensland was pleased to nominate Cheryl for this honour to recognise her many years of caring for both her parents and her advocacy on behalf of both carers and older people receiving aged care service. I believe that Cheryl accepted the nomination as she saw that it was an opportunity to raise the profile of carers in our communities. Whilst Cheryl set a cracking pace that was hard to match it was certainly good fun! On Tuesday, 20 March, together with Centacare s Mental Health Resource Centre, we hosted a Happy Café to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. Thanks to the lovely ladies at the Coffee Bean (at the Pier), a section of their outdoor area became the venue of the second Happy Café for local carers. After enjoying good coffee and cake we took some time to talk and think about what contributes to happiness in our lives. You can read some more about Happy Café s on page 7. Remarkably a year has passed since we last reminded you about some important information about accessing our services. On page 6 you will find information about your rights and responsibilities when contacting or working with us. If you have any questions about this please give us a call. Looking forward to the weeks and months ahead, we have a number of exciting activities coming up. These events include: Cultures of Harmony (page 3) Moving Forward Workshops for families of young children (under 7 years) with a disability. being held in Cairns, Atherton and Thursday Island (page 3) National Reconciliation Week (page 7) And our involvement with an interagency road trip visiting Coen and the Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York. These activities are reminders of the diversity of our region and therefore the carers throughout it. We recognise and respect the individuality of each carer and their situation and feel privileged to be able to offer support to such an amazing group of people. We also value your thoughts and ideas. In particular, your input into our local celebration of National Carers Week (14 20 October) would be greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas or would ike to be involved in the planning please let us know. As always, please know that we are here to support you in your caring role. Do not hesitate to give us a call on ph Best wishes Lynda

2 Page 2 From the Counsellor s Desk Walk and Talk Being with someone with Dementia Far North Walk and Talk is back!! This is a lovely way for carers to spend a couple of hours once a fortnight on a Tuesday morning. The carers who can make it that morning gather on the Esplanade by 9.30am then set off for a gentle 30 minute stroll along our magnificent Esplanade enjoying the scenery, the company of other carers and some gentle exercise. After a stroll we sit and rest at Muddy s café for an hour, enjoying the time out from caring, a good cuppa (on us) and a chat with the other carers. Then it s time for the stroll back to the carpark, and after two hours everyone leaves feeling a bit refreshed and revitalised. We are hoping that Walk and Talk will start again for the year on Tuesday, 10 April 2018 but please confirm this closer to the date as the weather may have other plans! If you would like some further information or to get involved, please give John a call at the office on: Phone There are many challenges that come with being the primary carer for a loved one with dementia. There are challenges that might come with keeping the person safe from harm; there are challenges in assisting the person with dementia to get through the activities of daily living (such as showering, dressing, eating, walking, going to the toilet); there are challenges in assisting the person with dementia and people outside the family to socialise together. There are no shortages of challenges in this type of caring situation. Luckily there is help and expertise available to help ease and navigate some of these challenges, as they have been faced by countless of other families before you. If you are stuck, then maybe start with a call to the Carers Queensland office to speak with the counsellor or one of the other members of our team. However a couple of times I have encountered carers who seem to be faced with a challenge that had me thinking. They described a person with advanced dementia, either being cared for at home or perhaps in a residential facility. Their dilemma was how to entertain the person with the advanced dementia, given that their loved one wasn t very interactive any more. These carers were describing a sense of having to do something with their loved one, but finding this difficult because their loved one didn t do anything back with them. This was causing the carers some distress as they struggled to fulfil what they saw as their caring role. I wonder, though, if there isn t a different way to view such a situation. At this point in the disease process, the needs of the person with dementia are modest. They still have all their basic care needs, food, hygiene, safety, but the need for activity and stimulation may be replaced at this time with a need for company and companionship. Perhaps it might be enough to just be with the person with dementia. In the later stages of the disease when the person s world and sphere of interaction is shrinking, perhaps it is enough to just sit with them, sit near them, and maybe hold their hand. Think of how many an old married couple spend time in their home, in their lounge room, content not to speak, not to interact, but are warmed and nourished just by their loved one s presence. Being a carer doesn t mean that you always have to be doing. Never underestimate the enormous value of just being with someone you love and someone who values the presence of a warm, familiar and safe face, even if they can t quite remember your name or who you are. If you feel you need help with any of these ideas, consider calling the office to make an appointment with John for a cuppa and a chat. Phone John Bal Counsellor

3 Family Carer Support Officer Update Page 3 Greetings to all. I hope you are enjoying As a Family Carer Support Officer I provide support and assistance to our carers wherever possible. Some of the things that I am able assist with are: Assist carers with paperwork for Centrelink, Department of Housing; Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres and other relevant agencies; Advocate with agencies on behalf of carers Refer and link carers with other service providers; Complete NILS loan applications; Encourage carers to connect with other carers through support groups, social activities, workshops and other relevant events; Support and strengthen carers capacity to make informed lifestyle choices; and Ensure opportunities are maximised for carers to receive appropriate services and supports to assist in their caring role. This is an example of the Family Carer Support role: Sally was referred to Carers Queensland by a health service after she had taken on the responsibility of caring for her family member, Keith. Keith was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Other family members had been appointed as Keith s Guardian and Administrator and asked Sally if she would take on the caring role for him. After Keith moved in with Sally and her family it became apparent that he wanted to live independently as he had been before being admitted to hospital. Sally was concerned and knew Keith would require the right support to enable him to live independently again. Sally also realised that her caring role was having an impact on her own health and well being and her capacity to care for her young family. She requested assistance to support her in her caring role, including exploring options to enable Keith to live more independently. On Sally and Keith s behalf, I made inquiries to a local service, Synapse Warner Street. Synapse Warner Street is a supported accommodation service, enabling those experiencing brain injury or profound disability to develop their skills and confidence in independent living. When the family decided that they wished to apply, I assisted them to complete the application for the service and submitted the referral. It was quite a lengthy process of s, telephone calls, paperwork and meetings. My role was to support Sally at these meetings; assist the family with paper work and follow up with agencies on their behalf. When the family received the exciting news that Keith had been accepted I don t know who was more excited the family or me! Keith will soon be transitioning into the service to start his new journey and rebuild his life. With alternate supports in place for Keith, Sally is now able to take some necessary steps to address her own health and well being concerns. When people say I couldn t do what you do take that as a compliment. They are telling you how very strong and how very special you are. Agingcare.com Supporting Caregivers Visit to Thursday Island I am excited to be involved in the Moving Ahead Workshop on Thursday Island on Thursday, 17 May I will be on the island throughout the week and will be available to meet with individual carers who would like assistance with: Access to information for example about the NDIS; Assistance with paperwork; Applying for a No Interest Loan (NILS). I will also be hosting a get together for local carers on Friday, 18 May 2018 and am hoping that many carers will be able to join me at this event. Yawo Robyne Bowie

4 Page 4 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program Update At the time we put this newsletter together, Jess our Family Carer Support Officer who delivers our program for culturally and linguistically diverse community members, is on leave. However, we can let you know some of the things she has been working on. Since starting with Carers Queensland in late 2017, Jess has been actively connecting with community groups in the Cairns area to spread the word about how our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program can assist people who are under 65, from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and require assistance around their home or to be involved in the community. The program is also able to provide support to carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Cultures in Harmony Far North We are pleased to be once again involved in the upcoming Cultures in Harmony event. This event is being held to coincide with the first Tanks Markets of the year. So pop into Tank 3 after you have strolled through the markets to enjoy live performances and children s activities and to find out about some of the support services available in our community. To assist us in promoting this program we were excited to be involved in the Chinese New Year Street Festival that was held in Cairns to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dog. This is a popular annual, and certainly colourful event (as you can see from these photos) and we look forward to being involved again next year! We look forward to Jess returning from leave in early April. When: 9am to 2pm Sunday 29 April Where: Tank 3, Collins Avenue, Edge Hill Cost: Entry and entertainment are free

5 Page 5 Have you heard about? In this section of our newsletter we will spotlight the services and programs of other agencies that are available to carers. This quarters featured service is: Centacare Mental Health Resource Service The Centacare Mental Health Resource Service offers compassionate, nonjudgmental, reliable and free coaching services that enables people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness to negotiate their own recovery. We work with individuals, family, friends and carers, to make positive changes and hopefully enable life to be lived as best as possible. Our service operates out of a delightful old Queenslander located at 10 Thomas Street in Cairns North where our team creates a friendly and welcoming space for all to enjoy. We facilitate workshops to encourage personal growth and wellbeing, have a comprehensive lending library in all things related to mental health and recovery (the library is free to join). There is also a computer available with internet access for learning and research. The 12-week individual and group coaching programs that we offer are based on the belief that people are the experts and masters in their own lives, and that experiencing a mental illness does not necessarily limit people in their aspirations and dreams of living a good life. Our coaches work in partnership with people using the service to reclaim a meaningful and contributing life beyond the impacts of mental illness. The team at Centacare Mental Health Resource Service have been very pleased to work together with Carers Queensland to organise the second Happy Café for carers. Often carers can feel left out of the conversation as their experiences and situation can set them apart from others. Happy Café aims to allow carers to join in and be part of the conversation and to bring people together who are interested in sharing and discussing thoughts and ideas over a coffee in a relaxed and informal space. The team at Centacare Mental Health Resource Service are passionate about helping people reclaim their lives, reconnect with families, live well and find their place in the community. We believe the environment created at the Happy Café, is friendly and welcoming, promoting happiness and wellbeing. If you would like to contact us at Centacare Mental Health Resource Service, you can contact us by: Phone: (07) mhrs@centacarefnq.org Or visit us at: 10 Thomas Street Cairns North Find a Carer Support Group Near You: Atherton: Third Monday of the month Jack Street, Atherton Edmonton: Second Monday of the month Hambledon House Bruce Highway, Edmonton Herberton Last Thursday of the month William Street, Herberton Mareeba: First Monday of the month St John s Community Care, 5 Quill Street, Mareeba North Cairns: Third Thursday of the month Stratford Community Hall Stratford Port Douglas: First Thursday of the month Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre 6-10 Mowbray Road Port Douglas Carer Support Group for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Carers Second Thursday of the month (except for April see calendar page 9) Wuchopperen Health Service Moignard St, Manoora All groups are held from 10.00am 12.00pm. If you wish to attend any of these groups, please contact the office as occasionally we have a change of venue.

6 Page 6 Far North Important information It is important that people receiving support from Carers Queensland are aware of their rights as well as their responsibilities. Each year it is a requirement that Carers Queensland informs members about their privacy, rights and responsibilities and the complaints and disputes process. We want your experience with Carers Queensland to be a positive and helpful one. Rights and Responsibilities: Your Rights: You have the right to respectful care and service, regardless of race, gender, social status or sexual preference. You have the right to privacy and confidentiality. You have the right to express your ideas and opinions without fear of ridicule or retribution. You have the right to be informed about what services are available in the language of your choice. You have the right to make choices about what services you will receive. You have the right to modify your consent at any time. You have the right to an advocate of your choice. You have the right to access your own file upon written request to and approval by the Chief Executive Officer. You have the right to complain about the services you are receiving. You have the right to refuse an assessment, services or be involved in research. You have the right to re-apply for services even if you have refused an assessment or services in the past. Your Responsibilities: To respect Carers Queensland staff, volunteers, contracted agents and other clients. Carers Queensland has a zero tolerance policy on abusive and/or aggressive behavior. To maintain confidentiality of all persons whom you may meet through accessing services at Carers Queensland. To permit and participate in all health and safety assessments, ensuring a safe working environment for Carers. To advise Carers Queensland if you are unable to attend an appointment or if you are unable to be at home when a service has been arranged. To provide complete and accurate information to receive the best care and service. Advise us of changes in your circumstances. To accept responsibility for the outcomes of any decision you make. Complaints: Carers Queensland recognizes that clients may need to notify us in the form of a complaint if a service, product, decision or action fails to meet their expectations or our standards. We are committed to treating complaints promptly, fairly, equitably, confidentially and professionally. Complaints are accepted and managed with a view to improving our services, products, decisions and actions in an effort to increase satisfaction for our clients. Lodge a complaint. When you make a complaint, please include your name, address and telephone number. We also suggest you include full details of the incident or issue including: Dates (where appropriate). Any information you believe would assist us to understand and investigate your complaint further. Your desired solution outcome. How to lodge a complaint: Contact the Team Leader at your closest regional office. Call the Carer Advisory Service on Post a letter to the Chief Executive Officer PO Box 179 Holland Park, QLD Or go online at and submit electronically. Your feedback, including any complaints, is important to us Queensland staff if they are visiting your home.

7 Page 7 National Reconciliation Week When is National Reconciliation Week: 27 May to 3 June These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. What is National Reconciliation Week? The week is an opportunity for all Australians to participate in our nation s reconciliation journey. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of us all as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and non-indigenous Australians. What is the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2018? Don t Keep History a Mystery This year s theme encourages us to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait histories and cultures and therefore develop a deeper understanding of our national story. How will we be celebrating National Reconciliation Week this year? In Cairns we are planning a morning tea for all carers that will include a showcase of aspects of Torres Strait culture on Wednesday, 30 May We are also hoping to celebrate the week with the members of the Herberton Carers Support Group further details to come. Happy Cafe What is a Happy Café? A Happy Café is a friendly and welcoming place to meet other people with a shared interest in promoting happiness and wellbeing. The first Happy Café was held in Brighton in England in There are now Happy Café s in over 20 locations throughout the United Kingdom and the world. How did we find out about Happy Café s? Carmel from the Cairns and Hinterland Consumer and Carer Advisory Group introduced us to the idea whilst we were planning for our 2017 National Carers Week celebrations. Our first Happy Café was held during this week. We have just held our second Happy Café and as you can see from the photo below a good time was had by all! How can a Happy Café support carers? Caring can be an all consuming role with many carers forgetting to look after themselves. Coming along to a Happy Café will provide an opportunity to meet with other carers to talk and think about small practical things that we can all do to bring some extra happiness to our lives. When is the next Happy Café for carers? Tuesday, 26 June Stay tuned for further details.

8 Page 8 Moving Forward Workshops: Far North Options after Better Start Is your child aged under 7 years and living with a disability? You are invited to come along and learn about : National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information Peer Mentoring Medicare Treatment Plans Advocacy Educational Options Discuss challenges and aspirations for the future Workshops will be held in the following locations: Monday 14 May 2018 Tuesday 15 May 2018 Time: 9.30am-2.30pm Time: 9.30am 2.30pm Venue: Brothers Leagues Club Venue: Atherton Hotel Anderson Street, Manunda 90 Main Street Atherton Thursday 17 May 2018 Time: 9.30am-2.30pm Venue: James Cook University Campus Conference Room 70 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island To RSVP please contact Sherree Lloyd, RISS Advisor slloyd@carersqld.asn.au or phone Message from Michelle Hello everyone Well isn t this year just flying along! I have recently joined the National Carers Week Sub Committee for This Committee plans the state wide launch and other aspects of National Carers Week. We will also soon be establishing a local group to plan how National Carers Week will be celebrated in Far North Queensland. If you would like to be involved in this or have any ideas locally about what you would like to see happen, could you please phone me on or me at moliver@carersqld.asn.au and give me your input. A reminder to everyone that in June, we would like to receive your feedback on whether you have enjoyed the Carers Calendar received in If you provide your feedback you will go in the draw to receive a $50 voucher of your choice. Certainly a nice little prize. I hope to hear from you. Also remember that if you would like to share your story with other carers via the newsletter, we would love to hear from you. Also please check out our Facebook page as noted below. Have you enjoyed this newsletter or a recent Carers Queensland activity? If so, please visit our Carers Queensland Far North Facebook page!

9 Page 9 April 2018 Events Calendar April June 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 30 Mareeba CSG at St John s Community Care (not usual day) 2 PUBLIC HOLIDAY EASTER MONDAY No Mareeba CSG Port Douglas CSG at Neighbourhood Centre Edmonton CSG at Hambledon House Atherton CSG Picnic at Platypus Park Cairns CSG Out for Coffee at Cairns Aquarium CSG at Wuchopperen Health Service PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANZAC DAY 26 Herberton CSG at Association 27 Dementia Education venue & time TBA May 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 7 PUBLIC HOLIDAY LABOUR DAY No Mareeba CSG Port Douglas CSG Out for Coffee at Coffee Club CSG at Wuchopperen Health Service Edmonton CSG Out for Coffee at Cairns Aquarium 15 Moving Forward Workshop in Atherton Cairns CSG at Stratford Community Hall Moving Forward Workshop in Cairns Moving Forward Workshop in TI 21 Atherton CSG at Reconciliation Week Activity 31 Herberton CSG at June 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mareeba CSG Coffee Out - venue TBA 5 6 Male Carers Lunch at Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns 7 Port Douglas CSG at Neighbourhood Centre Edmonton CSG at Hambledon House Craft Morning at Bunnings, Cairns 14 CSG at Wuchopperen Health Service Atherton CSG at Cairns CSG at Stratford Community Hall Happy Cafe Herberton CSG at 29 30

10 Page 10 Upcoming Events WHEN WHERE WHAT Friday 27 April 2018 Time to be advised Wednesday 30 May am 12 noon Wednesday 6 June 2018 Wednesday 13 June am noon Venue to be advised Venue to be advised Brothers Leagues Club Anderson St Manunda Bunnings Cairns Central Kenny Street Portsmith Dementia Education Session If you would like to find out more about Dementia, please come along to this event. Please phone Michelle on to register your interest. RSVP required. Reconciliation Week Activity Join us for morning tea and a showcase of Torres Strait Island culture. Please phone Michelle on to register your interest. RSVP required. Male Carers Lunch John invites male carers to join him for the 2018 second male carers lunch at Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns. Carers Queensland will contribute $5.00 per head for the lunch. Please phone Michelle on to register your interest. RSVP required Craft Morning at Bunnings Come along and have a fun morning making crafts with other carers at Bunnings. Materials and morning tea will be provided. Tuesday 26 June am noon Venue to be advised Please phone Michelle on to register your interest. RSVP required. Happy Café Come and join us for our third Happy Café. This will be an opportunity to share a cuppa with others; find out more about the International Happy Café movement and pick up some ideas about making your life a little happier. Please phone Michelle on to register your interest. RSVP required. CARERS QUEENSLAND Cairns Office 1/320 Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD 4870 PO Box 955, Cairns North QLD am 5pm M-F Ph: Carer Advisory Service: (free call except from mobiles) ABN ACN