Do you have questions about the National Disability Insurance Scheme roll out?

Transcription

1 Regional Newsletter April - June 2018 A message from our Team Leader Autumn 2018 Inside this issue: NDIS Information Session Carer and Social Support Group Update Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Telstra Bill Assistance From our Counsellors Desks Informal Walking Group Cultural and Linguistic Harmony Day 2018 Upcoming Event Highlights P. 1 P. 2 P. 2 P. 2 P. 3 P. 3 P. 4 P. 4 P. 5-6 Calendar of Events P. 7 What is a Carer Support Group A Time for Reflection Update Your Details P. 8 P. 8 P. 8 Let s be honest. More often than not being a carer is tough! Yes there are rewards but there are also struggles and for some the caring role has greater pressures than for others. Sometimes it is difficult to reach out and ask for help when it is most needed. This happens for caring families in particular. You are receiving this newsletter because you have been in contact with a member of our team at some point on the caring journey and you are on our records as an active carer. I just want to encourage you to connect with us for whatever reason if Do you have questions about the National Disability Insurance Scheme roll out? If so, come along and hear about how the NDIS may benefit the person you care for. We ll chat about NDIS, accessing the NDIS and answer any questions you may have! and when you feel the need. We endeavour to keep up to date with service information and referral pathways. We are a growing organisation but will always have a personal approach. Please read on and avail yourself and spread the word about some of our connecting opportunities. I have received great feedback about the therapeutic ongoing writing group that Michelle has been running. This group can accept more participants. Janine has some great Social Support Group activities planned: a Let s Chat NDIS Chose from one of two sessions: DATE: Wed 18 April TIME: OR 6.30pm pm Venue: Carers Queensland Office Cnr Wrigley & Parker Streets, Pamper Day coming up in May and stay tuned for information about a Carers Wellbeing Day in June. I would also like to introduce to you a new interim team member, Liz Duce. Liz has joined us as a Student Placement Volunteer and she will be with us until the end of June. Liz is a carer too. One of her learning goals is practicing work life balance and she is inviting other carers to join her in a walking group that she attends. (Her photo is on p. 3) Our most important message: please take care of YOU. Numbers are limited so book early by calling Carers Queensland on or shancock@carersqld.a sn.au to register. Please advise which session you would like to attend on RSVP. Proudly sponsored and printed by

2 Page 2 Carer and Social Support Group Update In 2018 we have already enjoyed a welcome back lunch at Marcoola Surf Club and a fun Mad Hatters Easter Tea Party at Maleny. Carers have also had the opportunity to learn about support available in navigating the mental health system, ageing well, enduring power of attorneys, wills, future planning, aged care financial planning, strategies for caring for a person with dementia, as well as understanding grief and loss in the role as a carer. To an observer it may appear that a carer support group is just another social catch up with coffee and cake. The reality is that much more really does happen! Carers share information about local services, supports and learn ways to help make caring easier. Carers connect with other carers who have common needs and shared experiences. Guest speakers provide the latest information on support services, new developments and topics of interest such as those mentioned. Attending a carer support group can expand your social circle and help you feel connected. A carer support group is a safe place to share the difficult times and receive emotional support without judgment. If you think that you would benefit from attending a carer support group, check out our calendar in this newsletter to find out which one would best meet your needs. On the we facilitate 12 carer support groups ranging from Caboolture to Gympie and into the Hinterland. We would love to see you. We also offer a Social Carer Support Group providing an opportunity to meet with other carers in a relaxed and casual way, enjoying a lovely meal or morning tea together. These events are held throughout the Sunshine Coast area and all carers are welcome to attend. If you aren t sure if a carer support group is for you, come along to our next event. Many laughs are always guaranteed! The Carer Support Team: Kath, Janine and Kathryn. Carers enjoying a Social Support Lunch Energy efficient appliance rebate! The Queensland Government announced their Energy Affordability Plan just before the December State election last year. One of these initiatives is a rebate for purchasing energy efficient appliances after 1st January If any carers have had their fridge die from the heat this summer, this rebate might help you with your purchasing decision. Click on the link to the Energy Affordability Plan. st-of-living-support/about-energyefficient-rebate Please note that the Telstra Bill Assistance program (TBAP) vouchers are no longer available through Carers Queensland regional offices. If you are Discontinuation of Telstra Vouchers experiencing difficulty in paying your Telstra account, you can contact Telstra directly on any time of day or night. At the voice prompt say "Payment Options" and they will put you through to an operator to discuss your situation. They offer flexible payment terms and options under their Financial Hardship Policy.

3 Page 3 From our counsellors desks What makes you truly strong as a carer? Is it being able to bend like a willow when things become stormy? Is it maintaining connections to people and activities that you really love? Is it having breaks, pausing to reflect, playing your favourite music, reminiscing with your loved ones over a rich life? Something that helps is feeling connected to your hopes and dreams and having some sense that somehow, sometime, in some measure, you will achieve those dreams in some way. Too often our dreams are put aside in favour of more pressing needs and sometimes whole lives slip by. I ve noticed over my many years in this role that much grief, when it finally surfaces, is connected to dreams unlived some grief doesn t need a grief workshop, it needs a Hopes and Dreams Workshop! Come along to my two workshops in April & May, check the calendar and our office for details. Everyone is welcome. Pam I hope that by the time you read this, the weather will have got a lot cooler with less humidity. Makes sleeping easier and with good rest, being able to cope with daily challenges. The last quarter I held two very successful groups, one was the roles we play, taken on from childhood and how we are still playing these roles today. The other group is the ongoing writing group. In this group we have a chance to write a story, our memoirs, poetry or whatever else is on our minds. I also use the Deepspeak cards that are picked randomly by participants, followed by ten minutes of writing on the subject picked. Amazing what comes to mind when one has the freedom to write from the heart. This group happens on the third Wednesday morning of every month (with an exception for April 2018) at 1/10 Wrigley Street, Please telephone Sandy on to book your place. We have two counsellors at the Maroochydore office and we are available for up to six sessions for carers registered with Carers Queensland, this can be by telephone or face to face. These sessions are private, one on one, and of course confidential. I will be happy to see you and help put in strategies that will make your caring role that bit easier. Till next time, Michelle Informal Walking Group - Are you in need of some me time, socialisation or gentle exercise but need to do so on a casual, flexible or free basis? Come and enjoy our great Sunny Coast scenes! We can walk n talk together! Fit Walk n Talk is a local, community initiative of like-minded people who meet Tuesdays at Buderim and Thursdays at Mooloolaba, between 4:20pm-5:45pm. NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED The goal is simply to exercise by walking and socialise by talking For further information contact Liz Duce at Carers Queensland office on Liz Duce

4 Page 4 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CALD) Officer Research has identified that CALD women residing on the Sunshine Coast often rely on walking and limited public transport to commute. They are therefore likely to have additional challenges in navigating and accessing health / wellbeing and other community services in our region. event as well as a grant to fund a learn to drive program for migrant women in the local community. The benefits that will be gained by providing quality and relevant cultural training in the community sector is undeniable. There is predicted enormous future growth of people who will As a member of the Sunshine accessing support services via Coast Multicultural Network Group National Disability Insurance I was involved in the planning for Scheme (NDIS) funding and My 2018 International Women s Day Aged Care funding packages. I event 8 March This year s have been asked to co facilitate a theme was Improving Women s free information session for Health & Wellbeing through members form the CALD Community Connections. This community to discuss these theme is particularly important to promote to CALD women so they changes in service funding and can learn how they can positively service access. If you know any CALD community members to engage locally through whom his may be of interest, Community please contact our office for Connections. Additionally we have supported and promoted the further information. successful funding grant for this NDIS and AGED CARE Harmony Day This annual day of fun activities and conversation for all included many from diverse cultural backgrounds. Despite the rain, there was dancing, crafts and great food to share at Alexander MULTICULTUAL INFORMATION SESSION Date: Tuesday, 17 April 2018 Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm Venue: Lake Kawana Community Centre, 114 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina Kathryn Kalogerakis, CALD Officer

5 Page 5 Upcoming events: April-May-June 2018 Tuesday 10 April 9:45am 1pm Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, YOUNG CARERS SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOP This will be a fun and interactive drumming morning for young carers aged 5 12 years. The workshop will use rhythm and games to bring young carers together to share their personal experiences and learn new skills. These sessions are held in partnership with Centacare. Please call Janine to find out more and register interest on behalf of the young carer or carers in your family. Note numbers are limited. Thursday 12 April 10am 12 noon Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, CRAFT MORNING WITH ELVIE Come along and enjoy some crafty time with Elvie Burkwood. Elvie will show us how to use recycled items to make cards. You are also welcome to bring along your own craft project that you maybe working on. She will provide the space and time for you to work at your own pace, enjoy good conversation and connect with other crafty or potentially crafty carers. Monday 23 April 10am 12 noon Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, Monday 2 May 10am to 12 noon Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, MAROOCHYDORE MENTAL HEALTH CARER SUPPORT GROUP Guest Speaker: Alex Waterson, NDIS Project Officer - from Connections Inc. Connections is a Mental Health Support Service that has been providing NDIS pre planning workshops and awareness sessions to potential participants, carers, mental health support workers, managers and community members since Alex will be able to provide up to date information about the NDIS and assist with questions about supporting people with a psychosocial disability and their preparation for the NDIS. DEMENTIA CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Guest Speaker: Pauline Hope, Dementia Advisor with OzCare Pauline will be presenting information on Dementia and Communication, including suggestions, strategies on communication. She will also be available to discuss any issues or concerns you may have with the person you care for. A 15 minute relaxation activity will be held at 11:45am and a lovely morning tea will be provided.

6 Page 6 Upcoming events: April-May-June 2018 Sunshine Thursday 17 May 1:15pm or 2:30pm (arrive 15 mins prior) Demi International Beauty Academy Plaza Parade Maroochydore CARERS PAMPER DAY Carers Queensland and Demi International Beauty Academy are delighted to announce another pamper afternoon for carers. For only $20 (payable at time of booking and non-refundable) you can choose from the following 60-minute treatments: Manicure Pedicure Hot Rock Massage Aromatherapy Massage Body Massage Monday 21 May 10am to 12 noon Living Gems Lifestyle Resort 23 Macadamia Drive, Maleny MALENY CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Tour of Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue Picnic Lunch to follow at Pioneer Park, Landsborough. A bus will be leaving Living Gems Resort. Please contact Glennis on Ph: to book your place. Wednesday 30 May 12 noon 2pm SUNSHINE COAST SOCIAL CARER SUPPORT GROUP CARER S BIGGEST MORNING TEA Maroochydore Surf Club 34/36 Alexandra Parade, Maroochydore You are invited to Carer s Queensland s Biggest Morning Tea. Let s get together, enjoy a lovely morning tea and raise money for the Cancer Council to help beat cancer. A money box will be provided on the day for you to kindly donate to this great cause. Carers Queensland will provide coffee/tea and a piece of yummy cake. Other items available to purchase at own cost. Wednesday 27 June 10am to 12 noon Cnr Wrigley and Parker Streets, MAROOCHYDORE CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Guest Speaker Sharon Coleman from Your Aged Care Solutions. Are you confused about residential aged care? Do you have questions like: How much will I pay? Do I have to sell my house? What if I can t afford it? Sharon Coleman is an Accredited Aged Care Specialist and Accountant who is experienced in how to navigate the complex process of entering residential aged care. Come along and learn where and how to get the right information so you can make the best choices for the future care, security and happiness of yourself and the person you care for. ALL CARERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

7 Page 7 April 2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 2) 3) 4) Dementia CSG 5) 6) Beerwah CSG 9) Gympie MH 10) Caboolture CSG 11) Caloundra CSG 12) Craft with Elvira 13) 16) Maleny CSG 17) Noosa CSG 1.30pm pm 18) 19) Therapy Workshop with Pam 20) 23) Maroochydore MH 24) 25) ANZAC DAY 26) 27) 30) May 2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1) 2) Dementia CSG 3) 4) Beerwah CSG 7) 8) Caboolture CSG 9) Caloundra CSG 10) 11) 14) Gympie MH 21) Maleny CSG 15) Noosa CSG 1.30pm pm 16) Writing Stories with Michelle 17) 18) 22) 23) 24) Therapy Workshop with Pam 25) 28) Maroochydore MH 29) 30) Social SG All Welcome 31) June 2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1) Beerwah CSG 4) 5) 6) Dementia CSG 7) Caboolture MH 8) 11) Gympie MH 12) Caboolture CSG 13) Caloundra CSG 14) 15) 18) Maleny CSG 19) Noosa CSG 1.30pm pm 20) Writing Stories with Michelle 21) 22) 25) Maroochydore MH 26) 27) Maroochydore CSG 28) 29)

8 Page 8 WHAT IS A CARER SUPPORT GROUP? To an observer it may appear that a Carer Support Group is just another social catch up. The reality is that much more really does happen! * Carers share information about local services, supports and learn ways to help make caring easier. * Carers connect with other carers who have common needs and shared experiences. * Guest speakers provide the latest information on support services, new developments and topics of interest. * Attending a carer support group can expand your social circle and help you feel less alone. * A carer support group is a safe place to share the difficult times and receive emotional support without judgment. * Know that the team at Carers Queensland really do care for you, the carer, and are here to help however we can. Time for Reflection One day, a man was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a young man that was reaching down, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer and called out Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing? The young man paused, looked up and replied Throwing starfish into the ocean. I must ask then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean? asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this the young man replied, The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don t throw them in, they ll die. Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can t possibly make a difference! At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, threw it into the ocean and said, I made a difference to that one! By Loren Eiseley Have any of your circumstances changed since you completed one of our Client Intake Forms? Have you had a change of address, contact phone number or address? This is our way to CARERS QUEENSLAND Cnr Wrigley and Parker Streets Maroochydore 4558 PO Box 377 Cotton Tree am 4.30pm M-F Ph: ensure we can provide you with the best service that we can, but to do this we need to keep your information current. Carers Queensland will never give out your information to a third party without your consent. Please contact us on or call into the office to update any changes required. Providing updated details allows us to be able to invite you to access our services, special events and to contact you when we have new groups, activities, lunches, morning teas and guest speakers. Carer Advisory Service: (free call except from mobiles) CarersQueenslandSunshineCoast Carers Queensland Ltd. ABN: