Read about The Troopy Program on page 11

carersnews
March 2015
Di Borella Indigenous Consultant and Sue Aiton
from Carers NT Remote team on the road.
Full story page 6
Read about The
Troopy Program
on page 11
CEO's Report
Welcome to the first newsletter of
2015! We are looking forward to a
busy and challenging year ahead.
Late last year His Honour the
Honourable John Hardy OAM was
sworn in as the Northern Territory’s
21st Administrator. We are pleased
to say that His Honour accepted
our request to be Patron of Carers
NT. On behalf of The Board and
myself I would like to welcome His
Honour, as our Patron, and together we look forward to building
strong relationships with carers in the Northern Territory.
In the lead up to the Christmas holiday season Grow relocated
to our Bayview Office. Grow is a community based organisation
that has helped thousands of Australians recover from mental
illness through a unique program of mutual support and personal
development. Carers NT has welcomed the opportunity to work,
collaboratively with Grow, towards positive outcomes for our carers
and the family members or friends they care for.
To start off the year we hosted a World Cafe function at our Bayview
Office in the second week of March. The World Cafe is a simple,
innovative process that enables groups of people to build collective
knowledge about the issues that are important to them. Using
seven design principles and a simple method, the World Café is a
powerful social technology for engaging people in conversations
that matter. We involved Carers NT Board members, staff and
some of our carers in this event and their contribution will assist us
with the development of our new strategic plan and direction for
the future. I would like to thank the carers that participated as they
are the important voice whereby their knowledge and experiences
as a carer is vital in assisting us to shape the future support for
unpaid carers.
Each year a major National event takes place for the Carers
Associations and that is Carers Week - it will be here once again
before we know it! Carers Week recognises and celebrates the
outstanding contribution that unpaid carers make to our nation on
a daily basis. It also builds awareness of the services available
to carers. This year the date for Carers Week 2015 is Sunday 11
October to Saturday 17 October please mark the dates in your
diary. The Carers Week initiative is supported by Commonwealth
and Northern Territory Government. Through this initiative we can
assist other organisations financially to sponsor carer events. If
you would like to participate this year with an event or simply show
your support throughout your organisation contact our office and
we can discuss options.
Recently Carers NT President, Jenny Baird and I met with The
Hon. John Elferink MLA at our Bayview Office. We discussed a
range of topics and engaged in healthy conversation about the
way forward for the family carers of The Northern Territory. We look
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forward to hosting a morning tea in the near future with Minister
Elferink and some of our carers giving those within the community
the opportunity to engage with the Minister. We will advise when
we receive confirmation from the Minister’s office
As we move at a fast pace towards the end of the first quarter
already - it is easy for us to become so busy with work, family and
other tasks. Your own health and wellbeing is important and this
is a reminder for you take some time out and take care of yourself.
It is very important, especially as a carer. . Our services at Carers
NT can assist you in many ways. We provide a range of tailored
supports that assist carers.
Lastly, I would like say a huge thank you to all staff and volunteers
for their continued support and dedication. As the CEO of Carers
NT, I feel truly privileged to work with such a wonderful group of
committed individuals and Organisations that are striving to create
a more carer friendly community.
Take care of yourself
Steve Vitone CEO
National Rural Health Conference
The 13th National Rural Health Conference will be held in
Darwin at The Convention Centre from 24-27 May 2015.
The focus is on the People Places Possibilities that are keys to
good health for rural and remote Australia. Outcomes from
the conference will help to ensure that the gap between city
and country health will be narrowed. For more information
about the conference you can visit the website at www.
ruralhealth.org.au and follow the link on the homepage.
Carers Australia, through Carers NT, has made available
a few places for carers to attend the conference. If you
are interested in attending and would like to express your
interest please contact Sheena Baillie on 1800 242 636 or
email on [email protected]
Contact DETAILS
It is important that our records are kept up-todate in order for us to assist you and keep you
informed.
Please contact us on: 1800 242 636 if your
mailing details change, you want to be
removed from our mailing list or if you require
any assistance.
‘Like’ our facebook page (Carers NT) and
get updates on events, view photos and
leave comments for the Carers NT Staff.
Carers NT is proudly supported by the Halikos
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Group
for care, when there are likely to be fewer informal carers relative to the growing
older population.
These demographic trends will see more employees needing to take on a caring
role than ever before. Many of these carers will be between the peak working
ages of 45–64 years. It is critical that businesses are able to retain these
experienced employees.
Offering flexible workplace provisions which allow employees to combine paid
work with an unpaid caring role is essential to enabling businesses to foster a
productive, efficient and effective workforce.
Carer Friendly Workplaces Make Business Sense
How do carers find the right balance to remain
employed whilst undertaking their caring role
on a daily basis? Currently 66% of all working
age carers are employed.
To remain competitive, businesses need to attract and retain
skilled and committed employees. In Australia, there are many
employees who combine paid work with an unpaid caring role
for a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness,
chronic condition, terminal illness an alcohol or other drug issue or
who are frail aged. Often carers will find it challenging to fulfil the
requirements of a full time role due to their carer commitments.
Offering flexible workplace provisions which allow employees
to combine paid work with an unpaid caring role is essential to
enabling businesses to foster a productive, efficient and effective
workforce. Carers are more likely to stay with an employer if their
needs for flexibility are met. Implementing carer-friendly provisions
is therefore a crucial investment in employee retention.
By employers providing specific workplace arrangements for
these carers it will have significant benefits for businesses
including reducing recruitment and training costs by increasing
staff retention, increasing productivity and increasing the job
satisfaction of employees.
The more experienced a staff member, the higher the costs of
replacing them if they leave the organisation. Employees are more
likely to become carers between 45–64 years of age and failing to
retain these experienced workers will represent a significant loss
of resources and knowledge. It is critical that businesses are able
to retain these experienced employees.
Currently with advances in healthcare it is evident that the
elderly, chronically ill and those with disabilities are now living
longer. However, at the same time the working age population
is decreasing in relative terms. With the proportion of Australia’s
population aged over 65 years continuing to increase, Australia
will soon reach the ‘tipping point’ for care, when there are likely to
be fewer informal carers relative to the growing older population.
These demographic trends will see many more employees
needing to take on a caring role than ever before.
Any employee can become a carer at any time – when a family
member or friend has an accident or acquires an illness or
disability, upon the birth of a child with a disability, or when an
ageing parent becomes frail. There are carers in all occupations
and industries. Addressing the needs of carers in the workplace is
a must for all employers.
By the year 2027, over a fifth of Australia’s population will be aged
over 65 years. As the proportion of the population needing care
increases, so too will the number of unpaid carers.
There are many benefits of your Organisation becoming a carerfriendly workplace. If you would like or receive more information
or to have Carers NT assist your Organisation in becoming a more
carer friendly work place please contact Carers NT on 1800 242
636 or email [email protected] to discuss how we can
assist.
The data on carers used in this document has been drawn from the Australian
Bureau of Statistics Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC).
Information from Work & Care: The Necessary Investment Carers Australia
Work’n’Care Initiative
1 in 8
1 in 8 Australian
employees are carers
Patron
of Carers NT
His Honour the Honourable John Hardy OAM, Administrator
of the Northern Territory
His Honour the Honourable John Hardy OAM is known as a
respected businessman and strong supporter of community
organisations. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of
Australia in 2012 for service to aviation in the Northern
Territory, and to the community. His Honour was sworn in as
the Northern Territory’s 21st Administrator on 10 November
2014.
Long-time Territorians, His Honour and his wife Mrs Marie
Hardy arrived in the Northern Territory in 1971. They have five
children and eight grandchildren.
Passionate about the Northern Territory and its people, His
Honour and Mrs Hardy are active in the community through
their involvement with a number of organisations. During
his term, His Honour hopes to engage and immerse himself
in all layers of the community through patronage of various
Territory groups.
His Honour is proud to be Patron of Carer’s NT and strongly
believes that carers should be recognised, valued and
supported. His Honour looks forward to building strong
relationships with carers in the Northern Territory and
welcomes the opportunity to learn more about this vital role in
our community.
My Journey as a Carer
written by Gail Marsh
My beautiful man Bill Marsh was my partner for 31 years
and my husband for 25 of those years. He was my
best friend and I was his “mate”. We lived across most
centres of the NT where Bill’s NTG position took us. We
raised the kids and we both worked hard to achieve
what we have in life today.
Bill was an avid golfer and played at
least a couple of times a week, so
when he gradually lost interest in his
beloved sport, I was a little confused,
but was soon to find out why and
what was lurking in the future.
Bill had been unwell since having
surgery two years previously; he just
never was himself again.
I can remember it well, he would come
home from work and complain to me
that his memory was going, I would
try and reassure him that he had a lot
of work on and sometimes we just do
forget things when we are too busy.
For the first time in 31 years Bill forgot my birthday,
but our daughter, Andrea, had taken care of that for
him with gifts and flowers for me on the day. Andrea,
carersnews
For a lot of years I have worked in the aged, disability
and mental health sector in the NT. I had been the
Manager of the Alzheimers Australia office in Alice
Springs for a couple of years and worked in the Darwin
office so I was quite well versed and
aware of dementia and Alzheimers
disease.
It was a difficult
journey, but I
know in my heart
that he would
have done the
absolute same
for me.
As time went on his forgetfulness became more obvious
to the point where I was beginning to worry.
4
however, had to prompt Bill on the day to wish me
Happy Birthday and give me the gifts.
This was not like that!
When we went to the doctors they
advised that Bill had suffered a stroke,
so that might be a connection, I was
reasoning this might be Vascular
Dementia.
As the days, weeks and months went
on, things for Bill were getting worse,
he could no longer write or use his
computer, which was very frustrating
for him. He could no longer drive as he
became lost on a couple of occasions. The doctor had
to cancel his licence as it was no longer safe.
An absolute blessing for Bill was that he became
unaware of all the losses within his life he was
encountering, which may sound harsh, but it made it so
much easier. He would have hated the person he
was becoming.
Bill would move around the house day and night quite
often not stopping to rest or sleep, his brain was just
confused. The most frustrating thing for both of us is
that the medical profession were not quite sure what
was happening to him. Bill still had some insight at
that stage which caused him a lot of grief and anxiety
as he was always a perfectionist in his professional
life, his personal life as well as our much loved garden,
everything was always polished and perfect.
Bill was a Senior Project Manager for Department of
Infrastructure here in Darwin and was highly regarded
in his workplace for his knowledge and professionalism.
As the situation digressed Bill had to take leave from
his job as he could no longer cope. His workcolleagues
and mates visited Bill on a weekly basis, they were
amazing, they kept coming throughout the whole
journey even into Palliative Care, I was so grateful to
those guys who showed Bill unconditional love
and support.
Within weeks he had deteriorated, I was trying to stay
positive for both of us but mostly for him, to give him
hope. He became more dependent as each day began,
I became his fulltime carer very quickly, he had lost the
ability to do everyday tasks.
Bill was diagnosed in March 2014 with a rare and rapid
brain disease and he passed away on 31st August
2014, it was that quick! We could not believe what the
medical profession were telling us, “Bill has a rare brain
disease and there is no cure!” What?!
Our journey was that one day I was Bill’s wife and his
mate of 25 years and the next day I was his fulltime
carer.
This disease was so fast, we couldn’t keep up.
I cannot emphasize enough, the support we received
from Carers NT as well as other government and non
government organisations, without that support our
journey would have been much harder. They know how
to assist when the going gets tough, and tough it was,
and day by day it got tougher.
The respite hours when I just had to go to the shop or
the doctor was invaluable. Our daughter Andrea was
always there helping and just spending time with her
much loved dad, but she was doing it tough too. So
giving her a break from the caring role was important
as well. Before Bill deteriorated Andrea would take
her dad to various plant shops just to be in a different
environment from home. Once Bill stopped walking that
was no longer possible unless he was in a wheelchair.
Bill moved in the Palliative Care Unit 6 weeks before
he passed away. The staff there are just amazing, they
have a holistic approach which supports the patient and
the carer/family members.
Andrea with her Dad
Like anyone caring for someone you love, it is an
absolute pleasure to ensure your loved one has the best
care they can have and they deserve. I feel that Bill had
that, everyone involved did their absolute best, however,
it just wasn’t enough.
My beautiful man is at peace now, after fighting so
hard, I miss him terribly each and everyday. I think of
him always, little things remind me of him always. I am
comforted knowing he is not suffering that dreaded
disease any longer and he is no longer living in his
confused world.
It was an honour to care for my husband, it was a
difficult journey, but I know in my heart that he would
have done the absolute same for me.
As I write this I am preparing to return to my work place
as part of the dedicated team at Carers NT after being
away for a year on my caring journey.
New beginnings I am telling myself!
I sit in my home surrounded by beautiful memories and
memorabilia of Bill, I am convinced my best friend is
around me always.
Bill was a huge Jimmy Barnes fan, so hopefully he is
banging out a few tunes in heaven with the volume up
high! Khe Sanh being his favourite.
This is a brief overview of my caring journey, being a
carer should never be underestimated, it is a 24 hour
job and it is a hard job, no scheduled smoko breaks!
Becoming a carer can present itself when you least
expect it, never take your life and health for granted!
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends
who are living with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an
alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail. At some stage in your life you will either
become a carer or care for someone.
If you are a carer and would like to share your story, in the CarersNews,
please forward to Sheena Baillie at [email protected] or call on 1800 242 636.
Community Consultation
Forums
Ramingining East Arnhem
Dianne Borella Consultancy Cultural
and Leadership Development
In early December 2014 Sue Aiton from the Carers NT Remote
team and Dianne Borella Contracted Indigenous Consultant
travelled by road to Ramingining Community. The main
purpose of the trip was to hold community consultation forums
with various stakeholders to gauge interest or support for the
HEPP Indigenous Futures Project.
This project is part of a larger Indigenous Futures HEPPP
(Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme)
funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department of
Education.
This project is funded to form new partnerships that develop
courses and provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander People’s to participate in higher education.
The project will assist people to access higher education by
providing pathway courses that build people’s skills for jobs in
the community services sector and the skills to go onto further
education.
The project will develop online training for aboriginal learners
who want to become Disability workers, Care workers or Alcohol
and Other Drug workers. The training will also be relevant to
existing workers who have not yet gained a qualification.
The project partners include:
Swinburne University
Carers NT,
Carpentaria Disability Services Inc. (CDS)
Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services (CAAPS)
Aboriginal Corporation
Human Services Training Advisory Council
– Darwin NT (HSTAC)
The specific courses that will be developed for online delivery
include:
• Certificate II in Community Services (short enabling
course)
• Certificate III in Disability
• Certificate IV in Alcohol and other Drugs
The trip to Ramingining was the start of identifying training
needs for community members and providing ongoing support
and assistance to ensure participants successfully complete
their training.
There was wide spread interest from stakeholders and service
providers as to how it would benefit and meet the needs of the
community.
6
carersnews
Our Counsellors are asking..
IS EVERYBODY HAPPY?
So much better the half full glass, optimism is enriched by a
sense of hope- seeing all the possibilities and potentials of
the moment. Optimism has a quiet excitement and a healthy
outlook that sees things positively and with good purpose.
So where might it go wrong?, isn’t the challenge then for us
to put parameters onto the scope and reality of our optimism,
we do a ‘reality check’! ..as we all have a sense that with an
unbridled optimism we are setting ourselves up for a fall ,we
have to ask ourselves, is the optimism well placed? For carers,
protecting a personal sense of optimism is especially difficult as
it is an optimism that is tested against how it might challenge or
support the person that they are caring for.
Maybe the answer lies in looking at how we formed our
expectations and goals. Small steps forward are helpful, steps
that we can deal with in the here and now. For carers, taking
these small steps as shared goals provides one of the keys to
creating happiness.
Having a connection or engagement with what we are doing
at the time, or ‘Loosing time’ perhaps a strange way to
achieve wellbeing yet research shows that peoples wellbeing is
increased if they are involved in activities that are so absorbing
that they loose track of time. Engagement with what we are
doing, so important to us for our happiness
Very little that is positive is solitary. Think about the last time
you laughed uproariously, the last time you felt indescribable joy,
the last time you felt enormously proud of an accomplishment,
without knowing the details – almost all will have taken place
around other people. Other people are the best antidote to the
downs of life and the single most reliable one.
Having meaning in our life is demonstrated by belonging
to and serving something that you believe is bigger than the
self, they are the principles and values we hold that define us.
Carers NT encourages carers to more fully realise meaning in
their lives, by assisting them to take time for themselves, by
actively redefining negative aspects of care provision and by
encouraging recognition of carers as the vital community asset
that they undoubtedly are.
Human beings are hard wired to feel that they have achieved, hard
wired to have their achievement recognised and acknowledged.
We often say to each other... Take Care of Yourself .. No-one
doubts that this is actually good advice, sometimes self care,
realistically taking care of the self can mean that we need to
put up our hand and ask for support. Well seasoned carers,
(like all our top athlete’s), know that giving of their personal best
requires a positive attitude to well managed self care. CARERS
NT COUNSELLING is here to help you to be happy.
For more information contact the Counsellors at CarersNT on
1800 242 636 or
email on [email protected]
Young Carers Program
Surviving the New School Year
Qantas Carer Concession Card
The Qantas Carer Concession Card is issued to people with a
disability and high level support needs who require the full-time
assistance of a carer whilst they are on a plane. A person is
eligible if they need to have one-on-one support when seated
on the plane for assistance with meals/drinks, transferring to
the bathroom, orientation and for communication with the
flight staff.
The card is in the name of the person with the disability and
is valid for three years, the carer is nominated at the time of
booking so it does not restrict to one particular carer.
The discounts available are the following;
Economy Travel
For Qantas Carer Concession Cardholders:
10% discount on domestic Economy Class fares
For Nominated Carers:
50% discount on domestic Economy Class fares
Business Class Travel
For Qantas Carer Concession Cardholders:
50% discount on all full cost domestic Business Class Fares
(subject to availability)
For Nominated Carers:
50% discount on all full cost domestic Business Class Fares
(subject to availability)
For more information about the Qantas Carer Concession
Card scheme or for assistance to complete the application
form contact Monique Thomson at Nican on 1800 806 769 or
visit the website on www.nican.com.au
The end of School Holidays CAN mean the beginning of stressful
times for young carers.
It is the beginning of homework, exams, awkward love issues,
and dragging yourself out of bed each morning. But school
doesn't have to feel hard all the time. Your school days can be
some of your happiest! Here are some tips on how:
1: Take a personal Diary or Note Book that you can carry
around with you, and in it make a checklist of “Things
that you Wanna Achieve”- as you accomplish your
goal, tick them off! It will give you a great sense of
personal achievement and motivation to accomplish
the next goal on your list!
2: Every night, try to plan your next day in your school
organiser, but don’t make the day full of classes
and study. Make sure you also include some down
time- reading, exercise, family catch ups: Things that
you enjoy. It is important to create a balance of what
is required for school, but also what is required to
maintain your own personal wellbeing and happiness.
3: You may not be best friends with everybody in your
class, but it is important to include all your classmates
in conversations and be open minded about their views
and opinions. Hopefully they will do the same for you.
4: No body likes doing homework, but ignoring it won’t
make it go away. Make sure you commit some of your
time to complete what is expected of you: It will help
you enjoy your free time just a little but more.
5: Some one in school might pick on you or call you
names, or even try to start a fight. Try to ignore it and
not take it to heart. Remind yourself that the problem
isn’t yours… Kill em with Kindness!
But remember, when things do get hard, you don’t have to do it
alone- Talk to your friends, your Teacher, the School Counsellor,
or the Young Carer Worker: They will be able to offer you tips of
how to work through some of these rough times.
So in summery, use your time at school to make good friends,
learn new skills, participate in extra curricular activities and
discover more about the things that you want and the person
you want to be…
Make 2015 a good year!
The Young Carer Program would like to offer this year’s short
listed Young Carer Nominees the opportunity to attend the Gala
Dinner as recognition of their on going contribution to their loved
ones and the community. The event is filling fast so if you would
like to attend please contact Kate to arrange your ticket on
7
1800 242 636 or email at [email protected]
carersnews
soon as they finished. The temperature, I think, dropped 1 or
2 degrees and the humidity dropped by at least 10%.
Smart Cooling in the Tropics is a FREE program available to
eligible* households in Darwin launched in May 2014 until
October 2015. It is delivered by COOLmob, an initiative of
the Environment Centre NT, in partnership with Carers NT
and other social sector agencies in Darwin. It is funded by
the Federal Department of Industry through the Low Income
Energy Efficiency Program.
Eligible households receive a free home energy visit
from a trained energy assessor, a tailored report with
recommendations for you and your home and, in accordance
with what the assessor finds, one of a of range of free retrofit
packages.
Usually, before painting the roof, the temperature during the
day was 31- 33 degrees and humidity 68- 71%. But now the
temperature is 29- 31 degrees and humidity 47-58%.
Wow… it’s very different and I can feel it’s so much cooler
inside the house. I don’t have to put the air-conditioner on
in the afternoon… [and] in the night I didn’t need the air
conditioner on in my bedroom, just the fan.
So, it’s been an amazing change. I felt it as soon as the
painting was done – so different inside the house.
Thank you so much Michael. Thank you for your help. Also
to COOLmob.
I really do appreciate your help.
Regards
Ayu.”
The project has been a great success with 117 homes
around Darwin assessed so far – here’s the numbers just
for our Carers NT clients :
33
24
4
2
4
4
2
2
1
1
6
households recruited
households assessed
air-conditioners cleaned
roofs painted with heat reflective paint
appliance monitors delivered
eco-switches delivered
heater mates installed on box air-conditioners
shade blinds installed
window screens repaired or replaced
cleaning packages (all fly screens and fans) delivered
fans delivered
Smart Cooling in the Tropics free home energy assessments
are available to eligible Carers NT clients. Get signed up
today!
Testimonial from Ayu Taylor
In September Smart Cooling in the Tropics project officers
made a home visit to Ayu Taylor to deliver a free home energy
assessment. As a result of this assessment, Ayu received a
tailored report outlining her current energy usage and lots of
suggestions about how she , and her daughter, could stay
cool and reduce their energy bills.
Smart Cooling in the Tropics also covered the cost of
painting Ayu’s roof with reflective paint – just one of the
retrofit options available that households may also be eligible
for. With Ayu’s permission the team also installed a meter
and thermometers to measure the temperature.
“I just want to let you know that the guys who painted the
roof have finished this afternoon. The result, I can feel it as
8
carersnews
*Are you eligible?
To be eligible for Smart Cooling in the Tropics you must tick
‘Yes’ to the questions below:
1. Do you live in a private rental OR own your own home?
Yes (please continue)
No (not eligible)
2. Do you live within 30km of Darwin?
Yes (please continue)
No (not eligible)
To be eligible you must tick ‘Yes’ to one of the below:
3. Do you have a Low income health care card?
Yes - you are eligible
No (please continue)
4. Do you receive one of the following Centrelink payments:
• Age Pension OR
• Disability Support Pension OR
• Carers allowance/payment/supplement OR
Yes - you are eligible
No - sorry you are not
eligible for this project.
For more information ontact Emma Fraser at
Carers NT on 1800 242 636 or email on
[email protected].
Regional Offices
in 2014 is relocating to northern Western Australia. We wish
the family well. Fiona was able to assist with information on
carer support contacts for their new location.
Alice Springs
Katherine
In January Carers NT Alice Springs had it first site visit
quality audit take place. As a result of the audit and our
own organisational Quality Management System we will be
implementing some new procedures. These changes are
to assist Carers NT to better support Carers and to identify
other areas where we can improve our service. Fiona is
happy to discuss these changes and how they affect you.
It has been a very busy time over the last 3 months, starting
with the Katherine Toy run. All toys along with 16 Christmas
Hampers were handed to Carers NT Katherine Office to be
distributed to some families in the Katherine Region. Carers
NT are very grateful for the donations which will assist
families in our region.
Counsellor Heather Dawson will make her annual visit to
Central Australia again in mid May, Heather and Fiona will
visit the Barkly and deliver Carer Education in both Tennant
& Alice Springs. If demand permits we will also look at
delivering a Grief & Loss workshop. If you would like to
discuss the content of such a workshop or would like to
meet face to face with Heather while she is in Alice Springs
please call Heather on 1800 242 636.
We will also be delivering a Better Start Moving Forward
workshop in Alice Springs. Previously this workshop has
only been available to Better Start Initiative registered
families but we are pleased to announce that we are now
able to widen our scope of attendees and offer it to other
families with a child with a disability under 6 years. We will
not be offering a workshop in Tennant Creek this year. If any
Barkly families are interested in attending the Alice Springs
workshop we could arrange respite and accommodation
through Australian Regional & Remote Community services
– Respite Centre.
Our newly formed Autism Support Group is up and running
with the next meeting on the 26th February. The email
address for this group is [email protected]
Meetings are being held fortnightly at 1pm in Carers NT
office, First Street, Katherine.
Bookings for respite are still in high demand with our remote
communities still accessing respite throughout the poor wet
season.
Thankyou to our local Woolworths store for their kind donation
of a load of sausages which were quickly distributed around
the town to all not for profit organisations – there were many
BBQs around the town that night.
If you would like more information about any of the services
available at Carers NT Katherine office please contact
Colleen Wakefield on 89712766 or email carersnt@carersnt.
asn.au
Care for a Cuppa
Have an urgent health concern after hours
and don’t know what to do?
Call the after hours GP helpline for free health
information and assistance from a registered nurse,
or medical advice from a
GP if you need it.
Phone number: 1800 022 222
Our first meeting for the new year saw a lively group of 12
carers meet at The Watertank Café.
The group has been held at The Watertank in the past but
this was our first one in their relocated premises. Our group
checked to ensure the drinks and cakes are still of a very high
standard and we are delighted to say they are! It was great to
see a couple of new faces. On a sad note one of our regulars
Operating times:
6pm to 8am Monday to Friday
6pm Friday to 8am Saturday
12 noon Saturday to 8am Monday
24 hours on public holidays
Calls from landlines are free | Mobile charges may apply
http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/gphelpline
carersnews
9
Mental Health Carers
Program
The Mental Health Carers Program at Carers NT is again in full
swing for another year. We have had an incredibly busy festive
season with many new carers coming to us to get support for
themselves and the person they are caring for. It is quite sad to
see so many people suffering over a part of the year that should be
a celebration for most families. However thankfully we are able to
put things in place that make a difference to those families in need.
We are currently recruiting a new Mental Health Advisor to replace
Naomi Brown who left in January. The early part of the year
brings with it many awareness raising activities. One of those is
Schizophrenia Awareness Week which falls this year between 10th
to 16th May.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is about sharing information
and developing understandings of a complex mental illness. In
Australia, the day is marked by a range of activities, events and
informational displays organised by mental health organisations.
Educate yourself about Schizophrenia this week to help break the
chains of stigma and support vital research initiatives around the
country.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is an illness, a medical condition. It affects the
normal functioning of the brain, interfering with a person’s ability
to think, feel and act. Some do recover completely, and, with time,
most find that their symptoms improve. However, for many, it is a
prolonged illness which can involve years of distressing symptoms
and disability.
People affected by schizophrenia have one ‘personality,’ just like
everyone else. It is a myth and totally untrue that those affected
have a so-called ‘split personality’.
What are the symptoms?
If not receiving treatment, people with schizophrenia experience
persistent symptoms of what is called psychosis. These include:
1.Confused thinking - When acutely ill, people with
psychotic symptoms experience disordered thinking. The
everyday thoughts that let us live our daily lives become
confused and don’t join up properly.
2.Delusions - A delusion is a false belief held by a
person which is not held by others of the same cultural
background.
3.Hallucinations - The person sees, hears, feels, smells
or tastes something that is not actually there. The
hallucination is often of disembodied voices which no one
else can hear.
10
carersnews
How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have.
SANE Australia and beyondblue also produce a range of easy-toread publications and multimedia resources on mental illness, to
see these publicationsvisit their website at www.sane.org or www.
beyondblue.org.au
For more information about Carers NT Mental Health Carers
Program please contact Phil Dempster on 1800 242 636 or email
on [email protected]
The National Mental Health
Consumer and Carer Forum
The purpose of the NMHCCF is to give mental health consumers
and carers a united, national voice focused on creating a more
responsive service system that will improve their quality of life.
The NMHCCF is made up of 1 consumer and 1 carer from each
state and territory around Australia. The forum meets face to
face twice a year as well as by teleconference twice a year. By
doing this, the members of the forum work collaboratively to keep
abreast of any changes and influence the Governments, to make
changes that will better serve the consumers and carers. The
forum members have a responsibility to gather information from
consumers and carers to provide feedback to relevant Government
departments and services to ensure our consumers and carers are
being heard.
Phil Dempster is the consumer representative and he has extensive
experience in the mental health field over a long period of time in
various roles from coordinator, Manager and Executive Officer. Phil
has a lot of contact with consumers both in his professional life and
in his personal life.
Phil says "My great passion is to help make the mental health
system much easier to navigate for vulnerable people who cannot
deal with the system or have difficulty articulating their particular
needs. Also, to support people who have difficulty speaking up
for themselves and therefore notgetting the service they need
and deserve. This is not an impossible task by any means and
the people working on the National Mental Health Consumer Carer
Forum are all passionate about their own state and territories so
we are all very well represented. It is my intention is to actively
seek feedback from consumers and carers around the Northern
Territory through conducting forums, online surveys, information
days, training and education sessions. By doing this we hope to be
an effective representative voice for consumers and carers."
Gail Marsh is the carer representative and she also has extensive
experience in the mental health field. Gail was a carer and through
this journey Gail believes she has some learned skills as a carer and
a lot of knowledge to offer to the forum.
Gail says "I was recently approached to consider being the carer
representative, I accepted this role and I am excited to be part
of such a passionate forum that provides a national voice for
consumers and carers. Personally, I have worked within the Aged
Disability and Mental health sector in the NT for over 20 years I feel
well placed to provide a voice on behalf of carers of the NT. Having
recently lost my own husband to a non curable brain disease I feel I
have some learned skills as a carer and some knowledge to offer to
the forum. My intention is to actively seek any feedback from other
carers around the NT with any concerns or comments that I can
bring to the forum for discussion on their behalf."
If you would like to contact Gail Marsh or Phil Dempster for more
information please contact at Carers NT on 1800 242 636 or email
on [email protected]
Fishing at Peppimenarti
Remote Programs
Carers NT Remote Programs deliver flexible, responsive respite to
unpaid family carers in remote communities across the HACC Top
End planning region. This includes West Daly, Vic Daly, Roper Gulf,
West Arnhem, Katherine region and the Tiwi Islands.
The Troopy Program and the Mental Health Troopy Program both
enable carers to access culturally appropriate respite on country.
On request, a fully funded Toyota Landcruiser Troop carrier is in
the community for around two months , under the supervision of a
responsible service provider.
The Troopy is used for respite outings for those Carers and/or care
recipients who are registered with Carers NT. The outings are varied
and include fishing, hunting, attending ceremony, visiting country,
visiting family, camping etc.
We finished 2014 with the Troopy Program being delivered in
the communities of Yarralin , Borroloola and Minjilang. The Mental
Health Troopy was very well utilised in the community of Maningrida.
A Carers NT Troopy was lost due to a rollover in November; the
vehicle was being driven by a service provider at the completion
of the program with no carers on board. Thankfully there were no
serious injuries.
2015 is looking to be another busy year. Over the Wet season we
have been doing major reviews of all aspects of the Troopy, Mental
Health Troopy and Remote Respite Camp programs, ensuring we
are meeting the quality standards required by our funding bodies.
We already have bookings in place for camps and Troopy programs
in five communities for the first part of 2015. At present the vehicles
are all in, being serviced and detailed and all our equipment is
being cleaned and checked. We are also looking forward to some
planned collaborations with service providers to deliver even more
responsive respite to our remote family Carers.
Hunting for sugarbag at Peppimenarti.
carersnews
11
Wulagi House
Healthy and Tasty Menu
Options
Recently, with all the wet weather and
overcast days the staff and clients at
Wulagi House are enjoying a nutritious
and ‘winter style’ menu this wet
season. We can feel like we are having
a cool winters day right here in Darwin,
as long as we don’t step out the door
and feel the humidity!!.
Carers NT Thursday Thursday Support
Support Group
Group Meetings
Calendar of Events
April 2nd
Trailer Boat Club lunch
(at own cost)
(11:30am) At Trailer Boat Club
May 7th
Guest Speaker - ACAT
(10am -12 noon) At Carers NT Office
– 59 Bayview Blvd Bayview
Please bring something for morning tea.
Coffee & tea provided.
June 4th
Leanyer Water Park
(11:30am) At Leanyer Water Park
Please bring something for the luncheon.
Coffee & tea provided.
July 2nd
Chris (Salt & Peppa)
(10am -12 noon) At Carers NT Office
– 59 Bayview Blvd Bayview
Please bring something for morning tea.
Coffee & tea provided.
Held monthly on the
1st Thursday of the Month
Locations vary with planned
activity.
It is a great opportunity to
socialise and meet other people in
a caring supportive environment.
Lots of fun and laughter are
ensured in these meetings and
it is a great opportunity to make
friends.
A social morning tea was held
on the 5th February to welcome
back the group. We welcomed
3 new people to the group .
During the Christmas break there
were 2 weddings and numerous
birthdays to acknowledge. A
calendar of events for the year
was developed.
All carers are welcome to come
along to meetings and you are
welcome to bring along the
person you care for.
A raffle will be drawn at each group meeting. Donations for the raffle prizes
are greatly appreciated and can be brought along to
the meetings on the day.
If you require any further information please call Colleen or Heather on
1800 242 636 or email on [email protected]
we look forward to seeing you there.
12
carersnews
The staff and clients have been involved
in cooking hot scones for morning tea,
a range of homemade soups including,
chicken, vegetable and pumpkin soup.
Slow cooked lamb shank casserole,
shepherds pie and salmon patties
with sweet potato. Home made sago
custard and stewed apples. Special
diets can be catered for.
The group has already combined
with another day respite group for a
combined lunch on a regular basis, this
is a great opportunity for more social
interaction for our clients. We will also
be looking at joining with Alzheimers
Stepping out groups for further
combined activities.
The community day respite known as
Wulagi House, currently has vacancies
for new clients on all days of the week.
The house is open Monday to Friday
07:30-18:00. All staff are experienced
and qualified in aged care and dementia
care.
If you would like more information
please contact Jillian Suitor on
1800 242 636 or email on
[email protected].
Word from the
Senior Volunteer Advisor
I would just like to send out a BIG welcome to all the new
volunteers who just recently signed up to the program, it is a
pleasure to have you on board and I’m sure you will find it a
very enjoyable and rewarding role. Equally so a BIG thanks
you to all the existing volunteers for your ongoing support to
the program and the clients you support.
As usual I have a fun packed calendar of events planned
for 2015, with the hope to cater to everyone’s needs. We
have started the year with our traditional February breakfast
at Sky City Casino. It was a great success with many
volunteers and clients attending. It was also good to see
everyone having a great time and forming new friendships
with other members of the program.By now you should
have all received the Social Event Calendar for the next 6
months, highlighting month by month the social activities.
It is important that you RSVP for events so I can make sure
the events run smoothly and everyone joys themselves.
Below are the dates for some upcoming social events for
those who didn’t receive the mail out or anyone else who
is interested in joining the social support program (eligibility
requirements, 0-65 years of age with a disability - please call
for further information- 1800 242 636).
NT VOLUNTEER
of the Year Awards
Nominations are now open for the prestigious NT Volunteer
of the Year Awards. The Awards recognise volunteer effort
and achievement in the NT and are a collaboration between
the NT Government and Volunteering SA&NT. Get your
nominations in now!
If you have any queries please contact
[email protected]
More than six million Australian volunteers give happiness
to others each day. Research suggests that people who
volunteer are generally happier as a result.
About our Volunteer Program
The program provides a range of services for adults and
younger people with disabilities and their carers. Services
Include social support provided by volunteers, volunteer and
client support and social events.
March
• Thursday 19 Pancakes & Poetry@ 59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from 11am- 1pm
• Saturday 28 social computer club @ 59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from 10am- 12
April
• Thursday 23 Mad Hatters Tea Party @59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from10am - 12
• Saturday 18 social computer club @ 59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from 10am- 12
May
• Saturday social computer club @ 59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from 10am- 12
• Friday 15 Volunteer Awards & Luncheon – invite only
June
• Saturday 18 BBQ @ George Brown Botanical Gardens
from 11am – 1pm
• Saturday social computer club @ 59 Bayview Blvd,
Bayview from 10am- 12
For more information on any of the above events please
contact Kate Beadman at Carers NT on 1800 242 636 or
email on [email protected]
Wishing everyone a happy and fun 2015
The service outcome is to maintain and improve
independence and quality of life through volunteer friendship
support, enabling adults and children with disabilities and
their carers to live at home and within the community in an
environment that is as close as possible to that of other
members of the community. Clients can be referred to the
program by organisations or self referred.
How Can I Help?
There are three main avenues for volunteering:
• Providing Transport for Socially Isolated Clients.
• Providing companionship and self worth through client
visits.
• Providing short term or emergency visits to clients or help
with group activities.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
There are a number of inactive volunteers currently on
our database. We would love to see you again and
work out how you might be able to remain with the
service if your needs have changed. Please contact Kate
Beadman at Carers NT to discuss how we can help you o
[email protected] or contact on 1800 242 636.
More than six million Australian volunteers give happiness
to others each day. Research suggests that people who
volunteer are generally happier as a result.
carersnews
13
Notice Board
Compounding is the Art
and Science of Creating
Personalised Medications
Does the person you care for have difficulty in taking required
medicines or pills? Have you tried a Compound Pharmacy to
tailor medicines to suit your needs?
This method allows the compounding pharmacist to work with the
patient and the prescriber to customise a medication meeting the
patient’s specific needs. Usually, medicines can be very difficult to
administer and cause issues for some individuals due to the taste,
the texture or even the colour.
Compounded medications are made based on a practitioner’s
prescriptions, such as to change the form of the medication from
a solid pill to a liquid or changing anti-biotics into a cream that can
be rubbed on the skin to be absorbed into the system. It could
also help if there was a need to avoid a non-essential ingredient
that the patient is allergic to or to obtain the exact dose required
in a more concentrated form.
Currently, we do not have any Compounding Pharmacies in
Darwin but there are many interstate that can work with your
family and post the medicines directly to your door! The best way
to find the right one for you is to investigate through Google and
talk to a few of the Compounding Pharmacists over the phone to
see which one will work best to suit your needs.
One carer says “we have a 7 year old autistic child who is non-verbal,
she cannot swallow pills, she is highly sensitive to texture, taste
and colour. When ever she became sick it was almost impossible
to administer any medicine at all prior to finding a Compound
Chemist that now makes life so much easier!! We now have antibiotics made into a cream, we also have the children’s Nurofen
liquid medicine made into a cream and this can be easily rubbed
onto her skin even whilst she is asleep. Prior to this discovery for
us, it was almost impossible to administer even a simple pain relief
such as Nurofen or Panadol. Compound Chemists have changed
our lives and takes the pressure away……”
If you would like more information or offer any helpful hints to
assist other carers please forward them to The Editor, Carersnews
on [email protected] or alternatively call Carers NT on
1800 242 636.
14
carersnews
For further information about the Better Start initiative
or to find out how Carers NT can support your needs
contact Michelle Lennon on 1800 242 636 or email on
[email protected]
Events
Carers Workshop
Lose Yourself in Fun through art and music!
A workshop for carers about well-being,
looking after yourself and enjoying “ME Time”.
When: Saturday 9th May
Time:
12.00 – 4.00
Where: Carers NT Office
59 Bayview Blvd, Bayview
RSVP: Friday 1st May
Refreshments will be provided.
To register please contact Heather Dawson or Linda Tan at Carers
NT on 1800 242 636 or Email to [email protected]
Epilepsy Action Australia
Late May – Date TBA
Epilepsy Action Australia is seeking expressions of interest from
people with epilepsy, their families and carers and professionals
to attend a 3 day outreach program in Darwin to be held late May
2015. There are many free events you can attend, to find out
more contact Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 374 537 or email
on [email protected]
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carersnews 15
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Contact Details
If you want further information
on our services please call:
1800 242 636
Darwin
59 Bayview Blvd Bayview
GPO Box 1861
Darwin NT 0801
Phone: 1800 242 636
Fax: (08) 89 444 889
Email: [email protected]
Katherine
1/17 First St
PO Box 281
Katherine NT 0851
Phone: (08) 8971 2766
Fax: (08) 8971 0904
Email: [email protected]
Alice Springs
Suite 1A, 40 Bath St
PO Box 4929
Alice Springs NT 0871
Phone: (08) 8953 1669
Fax: (08) 8953 1698
Email: [email protected]
Helpful Contacts
Aged & Disability
Advocacy Services
1800 812 953
[email protected]
Kids Helpline (5-25 years)
1800 551 800
www.kidshelp.com.au
Life Line Australia
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Adult Guardianship
Darwin 8922 7116
Alice Springs 8951 6739
Mental Health
www.health.nt.gov.au/Mental_
health/index.aspx
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Information Service (ADIS)
1800 131 350
Mensline
1300 789 978
www.mensline.org.au
BeyondBlue
1300 224 636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Health Direct
1800 022 222
Child Abuse / Child
Protection Hotline
1800 700 250
Parentline
1300 301 300
Quit Line
137 848
Disability Support Team
1800 139 656
Headspace (12-25 years)
1800 659 388 or 8931 5999
www.headspace.org.au
Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Darwin 8922 6472
Katherine 8973 8524
Tennant Creek 8962 4100
Alice Springs 8955 4500
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