MAY 2022 EDITION
Dear carers,
I hope you are enjoying the changing colours outside as autumn once again transforms our beautiful city. Autumn is definitely one of my favourite times to be in Canberra.
During the past months, Carers ACT has been busy working with the ACT government and the disability community to co-design the ACT Disability Strategy. The strategy aims to provide more inclusive programs and services, and ensure better health outcomes for people with disabilities, their families, and carers across our community. It is important that carers have a strong voice in his process, and whenever possible, I encourage you to participate in the consultation sessions to ensure that your views and experiences are considered in the decisions that will have a direct impact on you and the people you care for. There are many ways to have your say including submitting a video or written statement, attending a forum or consultation, or hosting a kitchen table conversation with family or friends. Visit ACT Disability Health Strategy | YourSay ACT for more details.
Together with the rest of the Carers National Network, we are pleased to release the report Caring Costs Us which highlights what we have known for a long time about the long-term financial impact of caring, and you can find more details on this report in the newsletter article below. We will use this information to continue to raise with government the economic cost to carers and the need for a fairer carer payment system and superannuation payments.
As we welcome the Labor Party to be leaders of the federal government, we will continue to work with them to ensure that they meet their election promises to carers. You can see more about the pre election promises that were made on the Carers Australia website. Promises include a new National Carers Strategy and a review of the Carer Recognition Act, addressing the barriers to allowing carers to take extended unpaid leave and have more flexible working arrangements and to reduce the need for carers to undertake the bulk of service navigation and support in NDIS and My Aged Care.
We are proud to share that we are in the final stages of developing an emergency portal as a response to concerns expressed by carers about how the person they care for will be assisted during a disaster or an emergency. This portal will enable carers and people with support needs to provide information on where they live, what assistance they would need in the event of an evacuation or disaster, and how that support needs to be delivered. The information in the portal will be used by ACT Emergency Services to prioritise supports. This information for example would have been used in the bushfire threat to identify who required assistance to leave the home, in the hailstorms to identify where power needed to be urgently restored and during COVID to identify where vulnerable and isolated people were. We think this will be a great resource for carers, people with disability and people who are frail aged, and we look forward to launching this soon.
If you like a bit of reality TV you may have noticed Bronte Campbell is on the Celebrity Apprentice. Bronte is a carer for her brother and was a Carer Week Ambassador. She has nominated Carers Australia as her charity for the show and we are so happy that she has chosen to raise the profile of carers in this way. Go Bronte!
Our team is always here ready to provide support when you need it. Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime. You can call us through the Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737, our office line at 6296 9900, or email us at carers@carersact.org.au.
Warm regards,
Lisa Kelly
CEO
CARING COSTS US REPORT: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON LIFETIME INCOME AND RETIREMENT SAVINGS OF INFORMAL CARERS
Carers Australia recently released their findings from the report Caring Costs Us: The economic impact on lifetime income and retirement savings of informal carers. The report focuses on highlighting the economic impact of unpaid care, specifically, lost income during working life and the longer-term reduction in retirement savings. Data from the report has revealed the huge financial disadvantage Australia’s 2.65 million carers face when they take on a caring role − amounting to more than $567,000 on average in lost earnings and superannuation as Australian carers on average forego $392,500 in lost wages to age 67 and miss out on a further $175,000 in superannuation.
Find out more in the Carers Australia media release: Carers-Australia_Caring-Costs-Us_Media-Release.pdf (carersaustralia.com.au)
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2022 NATIONAL CARERS SURVEY
The National Carer Survey is back again from June 2022! It’s a chance to share your own opinions and experiences in order to help Carers ACT and our partners advocate for greater recognition and support of carers across Australia.
Register your interest today to receive a reminder when the survey is live or request a hard copy: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022NCS_order
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END OF FINANCIAL YEAR DONATION APPEAL
Do you know friends or family members who would like to support a charity through an end of financial year tax deductible donation? By choosing to donate to Carers ACT, they can make a huge difference in improving the quality of life and the wellbeing of carers in our community.
Statistics from the 2021 National Carer Wellbeing Survey highlight what we often hear in our daily conversations with carers - that caring is seen as rewarding and fulfilling experience, but oftentimes carers struggle with low levels of wellbeing, social isolation and financial hardship due to the demands of their caring role. These challenges were further exacerbated during COVID, and carers had it tough as they struggled with greater responsibility, worry and anxiety.
Through the generous donations from our community, Carers ACT can continue to provide programs that support carers health and wellbeing. We would appreciate your help in sharing this information. Donations can be made through this link: Carers ACT – Give Now or through our website. All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
THE HUB DISABILITY DAY PROGRAM
The Hub Day program engaged in a variety of participant led activities in the past month. The main highlight was our day trip to Bungendore, an Easter luncheon at the Aged Care respite cottages and our ANZAC Day commemoration. We had the most picturesque weather at Bungendore, which allowed the participants to enjoy the offerings of the beautiful town. We have more in store in terms of new and exciting things for our participants to try, with a focus on all day outings to surrounding local towns as we also aim to support local business.
If you would like to enrol in our Disability Day program, give our friendly staff a call on 0413 997 466 or email us at The.Hub@carersact.org.au
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OUR AGED CARE AND DEMENTIA RESPITE COTTAGES
Things are ramping up in our day programs at the Cottages. Last month, we hosted a suite of collaborative events from armchair yoga, choir, ANZAC day events and the highlight of the month which was our Easter Luncheon. The participants of both our Aged Care cottages and our Disability Day Program joined together for a wonderful Easter luncheon. The participants enjoyed the festivities with some Easter craft, a raffle, singing and dancing along with a scrumptious lunch.
We have loads more of fantastic events planned, so watch this space! If you would like to attend our Aged Care Cottage respite programs give our friendly staff a call on either 6296 9940 or 6285 2082.
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CARER GATEWAY
The Carer Gateway provides a range of tailored supports and services for carers that are personalised to your unique situation and outcome. Services include counselling and peer support groups, respite care, equipment, home help and even support in home emergency respite. You can get the support you need to manage your daily challenges, reduce stress, plan for the future, and improve your wellbeing.
Call the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 between 9am and 5pm and speak to one of our care planners who will talk through what you need and help organise the right services and support to help you. Get to know our care planners on spotlight this month:
ADELE BROMHAM
Adele has 20 years’ experience working within the community and medical industry in a variety of roles. She is keen to help you connect to long term support to assist you in maintaining your own well-being whilst providing care for others. Adele has experience in the community services sector and is part of the Gateway team that can link you in with services and provide information and resources to along the way. Adele holds an Advanced Diploma in Community services, Diplomas in nursing and certificates in the community sector including mental health and aged care.
CORRIE FURNER
Corrie began working as a Care Planner with Carers ACT in October 2021. She has a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Fine Art, and a Post Graduate degree in Counselling. In addition to her work as a Care Planner, Corrie also provides peer support with MS Limited speaking with carers from many regions across Australia. Corrie has lived experience as a carer and is committed to helping others navigate their caring role.
UPDATED ADVICE ON VACCINATION AFTER HAVING COVID-19
ATAGI has recommended that all people should wait for 3 months (90 days) after a confirmed COVID-19 infection before they get their next COVID-19 vaccine dose. This applies to all people (aged 5 years and above) recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination, including second, third, booster and winter doses. The longer gap between infection and vaccination is likely to lead to a better immune response and result in longer protection from reinfection.
For more information, visit: Updated advice on vaccination after having COVID-19 - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
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INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS AT THE ACCESS AND SENSORY CLINIC
The Access and Sensory clinic will soon offer free influenza vaccines to people aged 10 years and over with disability, and their carers. As we head into winter it’s important that Canberrans are protected from influenza (flu), noting that the 2022 flu season is expected to be more severe than the last two years. Please be aware that:
- bookings for all vaccinations at the Access and Sensory clinic are essential.
- influenza vaccinations bookings will open from Monday 23 May 2022 – with appointments available from Monday 6 June 2022.
- vaccination bookings can be made by calling the ACT COVID-19 vaccination priority booking line on (02) 5124 3999, between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- the clinic continues providing COVID-19 vaccination services to people who need it.
The clinic will increase its operating hours to help meet vaccination demand over the winter months. From Monday 6 June 2022, the Access and Sensory Clinic will open 3-days a week:
- Monday – 8:30am to 3:00pm
- Tuesday – 8:30am to 3:00pm
- Saturday – 8:30am to 3:00pm
The clinic is located at 24 Parkinson Street, Weston. Accessible parking and building access is available.
This month we have represented carers in consultations about the flexible bus system, the Community Care Program and taken part in the first meeting of the Disability Health Strategy Steering Committee.
As always do let us know about any issues that have concerned you in your caring role via carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au.
IMPROVING SUPPORT COORDINATION FOR NDIS PARTICIPANTS
The National Disability Insurance Agency invites participants, families, and carers to attend a presentation on improving Support Coordination for NDIS participants. The NDIA will host four national sessions on support coordination to continue increasing participants, families, and carers knowledge on this funded support.
Sessions are delivered via videoconference using Microsoft Teams and are offered over multiple dates and times to allow flexibility for attendees: 31 May 7-8pm, 2 June 1-2pm, 7 June 10-11am, 9 June 7-8pm. To register for any of these sessions, visit: Improving Support Coordination for NDIS participants Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
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ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR AUSTRALIANS WITH DISABILITY
The Australian Homestay Network and support coordination agency CoAbility are working together to offer National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants more choice when selecting short-term accommodation (STA). The collaboration will give CoAbility the opportunity to introduce eligible participants to the unique service offered through the Disability Homestay Network (DHN), an initiative which provides standards-based, properly managed hosted accommodation and experiences for people with disability across Australia. The program includes extensive quality assurance and accountability processes, a unique participant/host matching system, insurance and 24/7 support.
For more information, visit: Disability Homestay Network - Find Your Home Away From Home
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE 10-YEAR ACT DISABILITY STRATEGY
The ACT Government wants to hear from people with disability, families, carers, supporters and interested community members on how to create a more inclusive future for all Canberrans.
There are many ways to have your say:
- Complete an online survey
- Attend an open public forum
- Attend a focus conversation
- Join an online forum (dates to be confirmed soon)
- Arrange a kitchen table conversation
- Send in a written or video submission.
The consultation for the ACT Disability Strategy has been co-designed with the ACT Disability Reference Group and all conversations will be led by people with disability.
The consultation is open until the end of July 2022. Find out more at: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/act-disability-strategy
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HAVE YOUR SAY ON AGED CARE REFORMS
The Australian Government, through their Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub, is currently consulting on the types of services that should be supported through in-home aged care. They want to hear from senior Australians, a member of their family or a carer on how changes might impact you and how services should be designed so they improve access and quality of aged care.
The department is currently conducting a survey about the proposed Service List to ask senior Australians, their carers and family members to consider services they currently receive (or being received by the person they are caring for) to ensure vital aged care support services are not lost from the new and compare these to the proposed service list.
To participate in the survey, visit: Senior Australians, families and carers - Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub (health.gov.au)
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INVITATION TO CO-DESIGN iSUPPORT FOR DEMENTIA PROGRAM
Carers are invited to participate in a study to co-design activities delivered by an iSupport program facilitator to improve support for family carers of people living with dementia. iSupport for Dementia is a trustworthy, comprehensive online dementia education and skill training program for informal carers. Share your thoughts and ideas about activities that could be delivered by an iSupport program facilitator. You are invited to participate in the study if you:
- Are a family carer aged 18 years or over;
- Provide care at least three times a week;
- Have cared for the persons with dementia for at least 6 months.
To express your interest in participating, please contact Palliative Care Research Coordinator by phone (02) 5124 7693, mobile 0466 414 132 or email RadiationOncologyClinicalTrials@act.gov.au.
For more information, please visit: Partnership in iSupport | (isupportcarers.com.au)
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SURVEY ON IMPROVING HOSPITAL DISCHARGE FOR CARERS AND OLDER ADULTS
A Monash University research project is seeking carers of older adults living in the ACT community to take part in a survey. The research project aims to identify carers’ experiences and needs in supporting older adults who are discharged from hospital to home. The survey will take about 25 minutes to complete is available online or in hardcopy format. To take part, carers will:
- Be supporting an older adult living in the community with chronic health difficulties
- Have experience with discharge from hospital to home following admission for a physical health problem of the older adult that they support at any time after 1st January 2020
All carers are welcome including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, and locations such as rural and regional areas. Please follow this link to the survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55sRdfpIs7CTegS
For more information, or if you prefer a hard copy, please contact Jacqui Allen on 0427 940 794 or by email Jacqui.allen@monash.edu.
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ACT CORRECTIVE SERVICES - CONSULTATION ON MATERS RELATED TO DISABILITY
ACT Corrective Services are currently seeking people to draw on their own experience to provide advice on a range of work that is relevant to their experience or expertise related to disability. They are looking to consult with people with disability, those with experience as a carer of a person with disability, those with experience of the disability services sector or those with experience of the justice system. Please refer to this Expression of Interest form for further information.
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ARE YOU A CLIMATE WITNESS?
Grata Fund is in search of potential “Climate Witnesses” to be part of the Australian Climate Case. This is the story of Pabai Pabai and Paul Kabai, Traditional Owners from the islands of Boigu and Saibai in the Torres Strait who have gone out on a limb to protect their communities from climate change. The idea is to showcase a diverse range of people from right across Australia who have been affected by climate change to support their Australian Climate Case.
Grata Fund have shared what's involved:
- A Grata Fund staff member will ask about your experiences of climate change and write a short profile, which we’ll share with you to review.
- A picture or two for the website and to share on social media showing how you or your community were affected by climate impacts, like drought, flood or fire
- We might ask you to record a short video at home with you introducing yourself, telling us how you’ve been affected by climate change and why you are standing with Pabai and Paul in their fight for climate justice.
If you're interested, please email communications@actcoss.org.au with your name, contact details and a short sentence about yourself.
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