Carer Connections Edition 34

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 34 - April 2021

MELBOURNE’S NEW SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION We are excited to announce Melbourne’s first short term accommodation is officially open!

The new site has been named ‘Gaia’, which means life and will provide respite opportunities for our clients in Victoria or around Australia who would like to enjoy a weekend’s respite in Melbourne.

Afford’s short term accommodation is a great option for Afford clients and families to take advantage of for interstate respite when travelling. Short term accommodation services can strengthen a family’s ability to care for a loved one with disability and stay together as a family. We offer a respite program that provides quality, short term accommodation in a comfortable and relaxed environment where your loved one will be well looked after.

Since opening, we have had several clients access the new respite. “It was our first short term accommodation in Victoria, but Livorno short term accommodation will be open in the next few weeks,” said District Manager for Victoria, Edward Boghikian.

Gaia respite has also been instrumental in providing a safe and comfortable environment for residents transitioning to Afford’s supported accommodation. One of our residents, Ian Pearson, shared his recent experience regarding his short stopover at the new respite while he waited for his new Afford home at La Caruna, Point Cook.

“In the very beginning, when I rang and saw the Point Cook home on the Housing Hub website, Kirstin answered the phone. Kirstin told me about the other residents she felt I’d be a good fit for at La Coruna.

Chatting away, I let slip that I was looking for a new Support Coordinator too.

Kirsten set up an appointment to see the house with Josh, the Team Leader. I met Josh and Ellen at the home in Point Cook and then everything rolled into action. It was like a breath of fresh air. I had caught the wave that brought me back into shore.” said Ian Pearson, Afford resident.

“Ellen, my new Support Coordinator, helped me get my new (NDIS) plan happening to move into the Point Cook home. Everything then unfolded and Afford took over, arranged everything for me, and made sure everything went into my new (NDIS) plan.

I had to move out from my current accommodation provider in mid-January and Afford organised for me to move into their respite home in Cranbourne West (Gaia) until my new home was ready.

I’m looking forward to the next phase of my life once I settle into my new home.

Thank you, Afford,” added Ian Pearson.

Find out more about Afford’s Short Term Accommodation options around Australia to give you and your loved ones a well-deserved break.

Contact our friendly customer care team on: 1300 233 673

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 34

Zlike us on facebookZ share your thoughts and ask other carers for advice Did you know Afford has a Facebook page dedicated to our carers?

It’s your go to for connecting with other carers in the Afford community.

Head over and give our page a like! www.facebook.com/AffordCarers

BAKING BISCUITS! Make some delicious Anzac biscuits for Anzac Day. INGREDIENTS: • 125 grams butter, chopped • 2 tablespoons golden syrup or treacle (see tips) • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) • 2 tablespoons boiling water • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats (see tips) • 1 cup (150g) plain (allpurpose) flour • 1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar • 3/4 cup (60g) desiccated coconut METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Grease two large oven trays; line with baking paper.

2. Stir butter and syrup in a medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir in combined soda and the water, then remaining ingredients.

3. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls; place 5cm (2in) apart on lined trays, then flatten slightly.

4. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden. Cool biscuits on trays.

NOTES: Spray your measuring spoon with a little cooking oil spray before scooping up the golden syrup; this will help prevent the syrup sticking to the spoon. Make sure you use rolled oats rather than quick-cooking oats as they will produce a different result. Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

This recipe is thanks to Women’s Weekly.

Full recipe: https://bit.ly/2P4wXiu

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 34

EXPLORING AUSTRALIA WITH SUPPORT FROM AFFORD GETAWAYS Afford Getaways offer supported holidays to explore Australia, learn different skills and take on new life experiences.

If your loved one is looking to take on an adventure this year with support and care from Affords’ staff, Afford Getaways offers many destinations to explore Australia!

Afford Getaways recently assisted Afford Accommodation resident Peter on a trip to Terrigal on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Peter loved the sounds, smells and feelings of being at the ocean’s edge, but for one reason or another, he hadn’t felt the sand between his toes for more than 30 years. At 73 years young, Peter had an overwhelming feeling that this was going to be the trip when he became reacquainted with the sea.

Afford Lifestyle Assistant, Nancy, supported Peter on his holiday. She encouraged Peter to roll up the legs of his trousers and head to the water’s edge. He instantly loved feeling the sand on his feet, and the smile on his face said it all when the water splashed against his legs.

“It is so wonderful to see Peter reconnecting with an activity that he loves and one that brings him good memories,” said Nancy.

Afford Getaways can be tailor-made to suit the needs and travel desires of your loved one and most importantly, they are designed to be fun. You can even book an Afford Getaway with your loved one and rest easy knowing qualified staff are there to support your loved one to ensure that you both enjoy the holiday experience.

The best thing about Afford Getaways is that your loved ones can choose their support staff and where they want to go. All Afford staff who join Afford Getaways have a valid First Aid Certificate, Manual Handling Training and Medication Training.

Browse our Afford Getaways brochure and find out more about the many Australian holidays available now: https://bit.ly/32rqQba

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au

CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 34

check out these upcoming events Events give carers the opportunity to connect with each other and find support!

QLD EVENTS Event

DETAILS

Brisbane Disability Service Provider and Participant Connection Expo

Presented by Afford

Friday 30th April 10:00 AM 4:00 PM

Cost - FREE Over two huge days you can find service providers and connect. Ask all those questions you have about NDIS and navigating your plans, funds and options.

For more information: https://bit.ly/3mXru9w

VIC EVENTS Event

DETAILS

Source Kids Disability Expo

By Source Kids

Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd May 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Cost - FREE This two-day event will bring together the latest disability products, services and technology all under one roof.

For more information: https://bit.ly/3drzYCS

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

SA EVENTS Event

DETAILS

Adelaide Disability Expo

Presented by Afford

Thursday 13th May 10:30 AM 4:30 PM The Lights Community and Sports Centre

Cost - FREE Afford is delighted to present the Adelaide Disability Expo.

This free event will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss NDIS supports, services and products.

Come and have a chat with more than 60 local providers that offer a wide range of Supports from Housing, In-Home Care, Therapy, Community Access, Employment, and much more.

Discover the latest in Assistive Technology and speak to the experts in getting the most out of your NDIS plan.

For more information: https://bit.ly/3sulOFo

words of wisdom

For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au