Dr Hannah Dennis’ Post

A recent article from Disability Support Guide reveals a concerning statistic: up to 75 percent of carers could be putting their health at risk. This figure highlights the urgent need to address the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to supporting others. More than 235,000 Australians below the age of 25 are unpaid carers who provide essential support for a family member or friend. This makes. Me ponder the question - where is the NDIS - why are unpaid carers being forced to provide what is seen as essential support. This is not what we fought for. The mental and emotional toll of providing support cannot be overstated. I know from my own experience in watching my mum provide unpaid support for my dad that supporters frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant pressure to provide support, coupled with the emotional burden of watching a loved one struggle, can lead to burnout. The lack of respite and social support exacerbates these mental health challenges. Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, yet they often pay a high price for their dedication. By addressing the physical, mental, and financial challenges they face, we can ensure that carers receive the support they need to maintain their health and continue their invaluable work. Visual Description: A woman sitting on the couch, upset. #2024DisabilityEmpowerment #DisabilitySupport #Caregivers

Understanding NDIS Core Supports NDIS Core supports are designed to assist you in your daily life, covering essential activities and items. They form the primary support category within the NDIS Plan for most individuals. Examples of Core supports include assistance with personal care, household tasks like cleaning, and essential items such as continence aids. Here's a breakdown of the different types of Core supports: 1. Assistance with daily life: Includes support for personal care, household chores, and meal preparation. 2. Social, economic, and community participation: Covers activities or courses to help you connect with others and engage in community life. 3. Consumables: Provides funding for everyday items and services. 4. Transport: Assists with travel costs for specialized schooling, work, or recreational activities. 5. Home and living (for PACE plans only): Includes support for independent living, home modifications, and short-term accommodation. 6. Young people in residential aged care (YPIRAC) (for PACE plans only): Pertains to individuals under 65 living in residential aged care. Your Core support budget offers flexibility, allowing you to use funding across different support categories in some cases. However, there are instances where funding is non-flexible, such as specific allocations for transport or home and living supports. For comprehensive Core support services, contact Careco Disability Support. We're dedicated to making your life easier, fairer, and more connected within your community. 📞 Phone - 0413 942 848 📩 Email - info@carecodisabilitysupport.com.au 🌐 Website - https://lnkd.in/g4tkeEbV #Careco #DisabilitySupport #CarecoSupport #NDISAssistance #24/7NDIS

Shout out to My Plan Support at Raymond Terrace for being the first plan managers I know who have shared that will be using the Disability Support Worker Cost Model (DSWCM) to process STA invoices from now on. The use of the DSWCM will significantly reduce the potential for overcharging for respite trips provided by independent support workers (as well as all providers but especially independent support workers), which has been one of the most frustrating and poorly managed aspects of the scheme in my opinion. The cost model breaks the cost down into 3 components (labour, accommodation, and centre costs). Labour component will need to be calculated based on the ACTUAL amount of work done, not just assuming the person is receiving 24/7 active awake high-intensity supports (which is what literally everyone has been charging this whole time - $2090.80/day for a weekday rate, $4,110.80/day for a public holiday). Even the conservative use of the DSCW immediately reduces the maximum charge for an independent support worker for a weekday by $600. This is a small part of the email I received from My Plan Support today; 'Questions are as follows: Is this respite sustainable within your budget (we can assist with calculating this for you, factoring in your current regular support costs)? When the full rate is being charged: Is the participant requiring 24 hour active 1:1 support? *If not, please review the Disability Support Worker Cost Model that outlines the way the NDIA develops the rate for STA (page 9). STA rates should be negotiated with the participant based on this cost model- taking into consideration their usual support ratio and level of support required when away from home. If you are not providing 24/7 active 1:1 support and still charging the full capped rate, please outline your justification for this, so this can be provided to the NDIA if they hold this claim for review.' Here is a link to the Disability Support Worker Cost Model document published on 1st of October 2024 if you would like to look into this further: https://lnkd.in/gBFPDmuh www.myplansupport.com.au - not affiliated, just glad to see someone doing it right.

Being a professional with a disability of any kind can feel isolating, especially if you work in an organisation where you do not feel comfortable disclosing your condition and advocating for necessary accommodations to help you succeed. I am very proud to say that Maximus UK is a disability confident company and strives to ensure tools and resources are in place to support colleagues and encourage them to speak out about their needs so they may thrive. This is the first organisation I've worked for where I have not only felt comfortable disclosing my neurodivergent conditions, but also have an opportunity to advocate for change at the highest levels through my role as the Research and Policy lead on our colleague-run MaxAbility board. If more organisations were to follow Maximus UK's example, the stigma surrounding disabilities of all sorts could be reduced, and professionals of all ability levels would find it easier to succeed in their careers. For this year's #Internationaldisabilityday, please consider ways that you can push your organisation to improve in the accessibility-based policies and advocate for greater changes so that all colleagues can face reduced barriers. #invisibledisabilities #neurodivergent #physicaldisability #mentalhealth #disabilityconfident #disabilitysupport #internationaldisabilityday #accessibility

Did you know that over 1 in 4 Australians will require some form of disability or aged care services in their lifetime? Choosing the right care option is important to make sure your needs are met. When it comes to long-term care, you have two main options: in-home care or residential care. In-home care allows you to receive the support you need while living independently in your own home. Residential care, on the other hand, provides 24/7 assistance in a dedicated care facility. So, how do you decide which option is best for you? Consider the following key factors: Level of Care Needed : Determine what care you need now and in the future. If you only need help with daily tasks, in-home care could work. But if you need more help or expect your needs to grow, a care home might be a better option. Lifestyle and Independence: Do you like being independent and want to stay in your own home? In-home care lets you keep your routine and connections. Residential care provides more help but means adjusting to a new place. Costs and Funding: In-home care can be more affordable, and you can receive government funding through programs like the NDIS. Residential care typically has higher fees but may include more services. Carefully consider your financial situation and explore your funding options. Ultimately, the decision between in-home or residential care should be based on your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. Speak with your healthcare providers and local disability services to determine the best solution for you. Are you mastering new life skills? We're here to guide you every step of the way! Our NDIS daily care and life skills support help you gain independence. Contact ThisAbility Services in Sydney, Australia ThisAbility Services Australia 24 Brandon Ave Bankstown NSW AU 2200 Australia Web- www.thisability.com.au E-mail-info@thisability.com.au Phone- +61 412 690 898 #DisabilityCare #AgedCare #IndependentLiving #NDIS

This is a regressive move back to an inflexible pre-covid system. Pre-covid this lack of flexibility meant Carer Support was underspent by $10million one year A system called Ichoose was proposed to replace it. The changes announced today fail to recognise that for many people whānau are the only carers. For some disabled people Flexible purchasing was a lifeline. It enabled people to make good use of the funds they were allocated in a way that worked for their whānau. The ambulance at the bottom of the cliff is far more expensive than timely cost effective flexible purchases. The Whaikaha Ministry for Disabled People need to work in partnership with disabled people and their whānau and uphold the UNCRPD and Enabling Good Lives Principles. We have a taxation system where we trust whānau to make good use of funds with Working for Families Tax credits. We need an equally high trust model for whānau wirh disabilities.

Let’s Talk Legacy I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had applications for housing, only to have to tell people they don’t have SDA funding to move. This is heartbreaking, because the wait time can exceed 6 months! (Although it shouldn’t!) Understanding that if someone received SDA in their plan automatically, means they need to go through the entire process if they want to move, sets people’s expectations and understanding, to know they realistically need 3-6 months to go through functional capacity assessments and complete home and living applications Reach out if you have legacy housing or if you or your participant would like to explore the option of moving to new SDA stock

This is poorly thought through policy making. The below changes are incredibly unhelpful for parents, caregivers, and families of a disabled child. This sort of punitive approach shows utter ignorance of the realities of families lives, ignorance of what support is actually avaivle, ignorance of what respite means, and a cavalier attitude to carer/family wellbeing. Effective immediately, all flexibility for families who receive disability support funding is gone. You can no longer use your funding for the follwoing: All purchasing of items as a form of delivering respite. (Including, but not limited to, consumer electronics, sporting or recreation goods that may reduce the need to take a break.) All self-care services such as massages, pedicures and other appearance or therapeutic care. All expenses, that are not a necessary part of supporting the disabled person, where those expenses are intended to be part of providing respite. Travel related costs for disabled people, whānau, and/or persons providing support, including: - Accommodation. - Domestic and Overseas travel. - Food. You are not able to buy a support when funding for that support has been turned down by (or on behalf of) the responsible government agency or where you may have to wait, including for extended periods, to be able to access the service. I am so very disappointed in you, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People

Join Monique for an exclusive 8-week Supervision Group tailored to Disability Social Workers like you who want to increase disability knowledge and skills. With a maximum of 8 participants per session, you'll receive personalised attention and support to thrive in your practice. Session Topics: Working with Service Providers Prioritising Client Needs Assessment Skills Intervention Planning Crisis Work Understanding Common Neurotypes Supplementary Services Your Framework for Client Work Payment Options: $65 per person per session: Payment can be made upfront or in separate installments. Structure: Two 4-week blocks for comprehensive learning and integration. 1.5 hour sessions, total 12 hours CPD. Interactive sessions with an experienced facilitator. Engaging discussions, case studies, and practical exercises. Flexibility in topics with those based on group desire. Opportunity for personal case consultation. Why Choose Me: Limited to 8 participants for personalised attention. Flexible payment options to suit your budget. Commit to the full 8 weeks for maximum impact. Expert and experienced NDIS social worker. Spaces are limited, so act fast reserve your place by completing the below form. https://lnkd.in/ehhM_VwT

On Thursday, June 20, Wellthy’s General Manager of Leave Navigation, Scott Daniels, will be speaking at this year’s Integrated Benefits Institute's Regional Seattle gathering, focused on the impact of childhood disabilities on caregivers — and how those caregiving responsibilities can have a profound impact on employees. What an important topic, especially ahead of Disability Pride Month in July. Estimates say nearly 2 million children in the U.S. have a serious disability or are critically ill, and that has a direct impact on families and those in the workforce: • Caregivers for children with disabilities spend 53+ hours on caregiving on top of their day-to-day jobs; • 54% of these families live under significant financial strain; • And 73% of these families have at least one parent who quits the workforce, takes a leave of absence, or sharply reduces hours in order to focus on care We’ll be addressing the caregiving responsibilities families face and — informed by our work with so many families across today’s workforce — sharing a picture of what employees are navigating when it comes to childhood disabilities. Learn more about the conference here — and we’re so thrilled to be sponsoring this with Juno, Alliant Insurance Services, and The Council for Disability Awareness https://lnkd.in/eE78AQuN #Disability #caregiving #workingcaregivers #DisabilityPride