There are many disabled people in Australia that require support for day-to-day living and there are care organisations that offer a wide range of support services for disabled people. Learning how to be more independent is an important aspect of living with disability, and with that in mind, here are some of the essential services offered to Australian people who suffer from a disability.
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) – Living in a shared accommodation setting, you are assisted in your daily activities by qualified carers; a needs assessment would be carried out and with your input, a development plan is compiled. The staff would work on specific tasks and monitor development and progress, which leads to greater independence. Search the web for ‘supported independent living near me’ and find a local NDIS-approved care provider.
- In-home support – If you are in need of some extra support at home, a local care provider has experienced home support carers; personal care, household tasks, medication management, respite care and many other aspects of day-to-day living. Community access is an important aspect of life and being disabled should not impact a person’s social life; you can arrange transportation and care for a trip to the theatre or perhaps you would like to connect with a local arts & crafts group.
- Exercise rehabilitation – If you are recovering from surgery or you had a fall, there are experienced carers who understand the human body and can set you on a course of rehabilitation exercises, which promotes rapid recovery. This can also be effective for pain relief, while daily exercise is important for your overall mental health and well-being. Whatever your physical needs, a development plan can be compiled to put you on the road to recovery. Here are a few signs that you need help around the house.
- Short stay accommodation – If you spend all your time at home with a full-time carer, life can become tedious, with the same surroundings day in and day out; there are shared homes that are specifically designed for people with disabilities; experienced carers live in and provide you with everything you need. If your full timecarer is in need of a break, you can stay at an NDIS approved short stay venue that is fully equipped with mobility aids.
- Community participation – Disabled people should have the same opportunities for social interaction; it might be art that turns you on, or you enjoy playing chess, weekly gatherings occur and with transportation and care, you can join a class of your choosing. There is a huge community of people with mobility issues and that means regular meet-ups.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to fund care and support for Australia’s disabled population and if you have yet to register, this is the first thing to do; they can connect you with local care providers and a development plan can be compiled by healthcare professionals.
