Forty and Fabulous! 2016 Carers NSW Staff

A P R / M AY 20 1 6
Forty and Fabulous!
2016 Carers NSW Staff Conference
carersnsw.org.au
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Contents
Office bearers (at time of printing)
Lynette Nixon – President
Trish McClure – Vice President
Stephen Bowles – Treasurer
Bruce Howle – Secretary
Elena Katrakis – Chief Executive
Officer
Address
Carers NSW
PO Box 20156
World Square NSW 2002
Roden Cutler House
Level 18,
24 Campbell Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Ph: 02 9280 4744
Fax: 02 9280 4755
Carers can call:
1800 242 636
(free call except from mobiles)
[email protected]
www.carersnsw.org.au
www.youngcarersnsw.org.au
Office hours
9.00am - 5.00pm
Monday to Friday
ISSN 1837–3380
Permission must be sought from
Carers NSW to reproduce any
articles or information contained in
this newsletter. Once permission is
received, the source must then be
acknowledged.
DONATIONS $2 AND OVER
ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Front cover from left to right:
Sandy McNaughton, Heather
Geeves, Sarah Judd, Timothy
Broady, PhD
Supported by
CARERS NEWS
3 CEO’s message
NEWS
4 National Carers Week Grant applications
4 Independence for Aged Care Complaints
4 Getaboutable: A great boost for accessible tourism
4 Review of the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010
5 Travelling with a carer
5 What would you change for carers in NSW?
CARER STORY
6 Carer story
INSIDE CARERS NSW
7 Forty and Fabulous! 2016 Carers NSW Staff Conference
7NDIS
7 Quality and Evaluation
7 Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
FEATURE
8 NSW Trustee & Guardian New Operating Model
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
10 Share the care: Falls prevention is everyone’s business
11 Mind-full or Mindful?
INFORM YOURSELF
12 Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) Independence Expo
READING CORNER
13 Book review: Go with love
13 Book Giveaway
13 Book Giveaway winner
TALK TO OTHERS
14 Carer support groups
14 Events Calendar
14 Donations — Thank You!
NOTICEBOARD
15 Decisions, Decisions…
15$1 movie tickets for carers
15Carers NSW 2016 Carer Survey
15We are on the move
15Carer Wellbeing: Talk-Link
JOIN US
16 Carers NSW member application/donation form
ABN 45 461 578 851
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CEO’s Message
•Daughters caring for fathers and week or once a year, a holiday’ and
females caring for other male
concludes by stating that ‘It [help] is
relatives or male friends
wanted now, the aged do not wait.’
•
Looking back on the report it is
clear that we have come a long way
• Wives caring for mothers-in-law
since 1976, but also that there is
•Sisters caring for sisters, women still a long way to go. Throughout
caring for other female relatives, 2016 we will continue to speak out
aunts, grandmothers or female
for carers and you can help us to
friends
do this by completing the Carers
NSW 2016 Carer Survey (page 15)
•Caring for two people – this
and contributing your ideas to the
includes cases such as caring
Carers NSW Pre-Budget Submission
for two aged persons.
(page 4).
These classifications are in stark
If you would like to read
contrast to the way carers will
Dedication: A report of a survey
identify themselves in the Carers
on Caring for the Aged at Home
NSW 2016 Carer Survey; as a carer
in full, you can find a copy on our
of someone with a disability, mental
website www.carersnsw.org.au/
illness, drug or alcohol dependency,
Celebrating40Years
Looking to April and May, Thursday chronic condition, terminal or
6 April is a very significant date
serious illness, or who needs care
Sadly, I have been advised of the
in the Carers NSW calendar as it
due to advanced old age.
passing of John Warwick King,
marks 40 years to the day since
former Treasurer of Carers NSW.
In 1976, as in 2014, a large
the release of Dedication: A report
John was elected to the Carers
proportion of carers who completed
of a survey on Caring for the Aged
NSW Board of Directors in 2002
the Carer Survey were female and
at Home. The report, published
and served for a number of
73% of respondents reported that
by Clare Stevenson using funding
years until his resignation in late
it had been over six months since
acquired by Averil Fink, marks the
2009. John brought a wealth of
they had a night away from the
first time unpaid family and friend
experience to Carers NSW having
carers were recognised in NSW and person they care for.
been a former partner at Price
the beginning of Carers NSW.
Following the 1976 survey report, a Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). John
number of recommendations were
joined PWC in 1959 at age 17 and
The survey comprised of 50
made by the survey committee
was admitted to the partnership
questions and covered topics
which included;
in 1974. He had an outstanding
such as the marital status of the
carer, whether or not the carer was •
R aising the Domiciliary Nursing career in the accounting profession,
spanning more than 41 years
employed, benefits claimed by the
Care Benefit (DNCB) from the
where he worked in offices such as
carer and if the person being cared
1972 rate of $14 per week
Sydney, London, Suva, Parramatta
for could be left at home alone.
•Introducing a Carers Benefit to
and Jakarta. Carers NSW is
In 1976 the carer survey was
people who had never married
thankful for John’s dedication to
completed by 490 carers
the organisation and his great
Provision of income
(compared with over 1,700 in 2014) •
commitment to carers in NSW, our
supplements in lieu of taxation
from NSW and it soon became
concessions for age pensioners work and our staff. We offer our
clear to the survey committee
deepest sympathy to his family.
and those who pay for tax
that there were more ‘types’ of
deductable items such as
carers than they had expected. In
pharmaceutical items, nursing
1976 carers were split into seven
Best wishes,
aids and medical fees.
categories;
•
Daughter caring for mother
•Males caring for wives, sisters
or mothers
Wives caring for husbands
The Preface to the 1976 report
reads ‘It is not enough just to
read about the carers. They need
support now in the form of help for
Elena Katrakis
household tasks and at least once a
CEO
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NEWS
National Carers Week Grant
applications
This year National Carers Week
runs from Sunday 16 to Saturday
22 October with Carers Day Out
taking place on Tuesday 18 October.
Funded by FACS, Carers NSW is
offering National Carers Week
Grants to carer support groups and
organisations across NSW to run
events for carers during National
Carers Week.
Organising an event is a fantastic way
to acknowledge carers, give them a
much needed break from their caring
responsibilities and raise awareness
of the invaluable work they do.
Grant applications will be open
from Monday 2 May to Monday
4 July and you can compete your
application online or request a hard
copy application form by emailing
[email protected]. To
find out more about this year’s grants
program, visit www.carersnsw.org.au
or call 02 9280 4744.
“It means people can have
confidence in the independence
of the complaints process because
decisions will be made by me and
on my behalf as an independent
statutory office holder who is outside
the department.” she added.
One of the targets is to make
information on the complaints
process and outcomes more
publicly available, there will also be
a new requirement to produce an
annual report on the Complaints
Commissioner’s activities.
For more information about
the change, visit www.
agedcarecomplaints.gov.au or call
1800 500 294.
Getaboutable: A great boost for
accessible tourism
Getaboutable, an Australian website
launched in early February, lists
accommodation, transport and
entertainment options that are
accessible for people with mobility
impairments, vision impairments or
hearing loss.
on board with accessible tourism or
risk losing a substantial customer
base.”
In NSW, 30% of the population is
aged 65 and over or has a disability,
research suggests that accessible
tourism contributes $4.8 billion to
the Australian economy but this
could be $8.7 billion if latent demand
was met.
Review of the NSW Carers
(Recognition) Act 2010
The NSW Carers (Recognition) Act
2010 (NSW) is being reviewed by
the NSW Department of Family
and Community Services (FACS) on
behalf of the Minister for Disability
Services. The review is a requirement
of the Act.
Your feedback on this legislation is
important.
FACS has released a discussion
paper and online survey. Carers,
Jan Barham, NSW Greens
community members and other
Since 1 January 2016 the Aged
spokesperson for Disability and
stakeholders can have their say
Carer Commissioner, Ms Rae
Tourism has applauded Getaboutable by completing the survey at www.
Lamb, is directly responsible for
and said “This is a fantastic example haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au Responses
managing complaints about the care of a tool that promotes accessible
are due by Friday 15 April 2016.
and services provided to people
tourism.”
A report on the outcome of the
receiving Australian Government
Ms Barham added that the tourism
review will be tabled in Parliament.
subsidised aged care in their homes
industry must recognise that
More information about the Act
and aged care facilities.
accessible tourism is not only good
is available on the FACS website
Aged care complaints are now
for the community; it’s also good for
www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/
no longer the responsibility of the
business.
caring_for_someone/nsw_carers_
Department of Health: “This means
“Almost one in five people in
recognition_act_2010
they will be handled separately from
Australia have a disability. The
Please contact the Carers team,
the regulator and funder. Although we
National Disability Insurance
Participation and Inclusion from
will work closely with the department
Scheme will see a lot more people
FACS on 02 8753 9340 or email
and the Australian Aged Care Quality
with disability securing their
[email protected] if
Agency to ensure high quality and
independence and the ability to
you have any questions or requests.
safe services, we will have separate
travel. The tourism industry must get
and distinct roles,” said Ms Lamb.
Independence for Aged Care
Complaints
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NEWS
Travelling with a carer
Customers requiring assistance
while travelling must be in
possession of one of the following
forms of identification to be eligible
for reduced fares:
Qantas customers requiring
assistance during domestic air
travel are eligible for discount
airfares for themselves and their
carers. To be eligible for reduced
•A current Carer Concession
fares, carers must travel with
photographic identification card
the person they care for and be
issued by People with Disability
required to provide more than just
Australia Incorporated (PWDA)
assistance with embarking and
•A current Carer Concession
disembarking the flight, for example
photographic identification
assisting with eating and drinking or
card issued by the National
communicating with staff.
Information Communication
Awareness Network (NICAN)
What would you change for
carers in NSW?
Share your ideas and win a prize!
Each year Carers NSW makes a
pre-budget submission (PBS) to
the NSW Government. This is an
opportunity for Carers NSW to
highlight key issues for carers,
and make recommendations to
the NSW Government about what
they could be funding in their
next Budget to benefit carers.
Last year’s PBS focused on
five key areas which offered
the greatest opportunities
for the NSW Government to
make practical gains. Our 20
recommendations were based
on the advice of carers, staff and
other stakeholders.
We are about to start work on
this year’s PBS and we want to
hear your ideas and suggestions.
What would you recommend
to improve things for carers in
relation to the following areas?
•
The health system
•Transport
•Education
•
Community care services
•
Transition to the NDIS
•Any other issue you think
needs to be addressed
Mail, email or call us with your
top three suggestions by 30 May
2016.
•A current Centrelink Pensioner
Concession Card with blind
entitlement
•A current travel pass for Person
with Vision Impairment issued
by a state or territory authority.
Current cards issued by NICAN will
be honoured by Qantas until they
expire.
To find out more visit www.qantas.
com./travel/airlines/travellingwith-an-escort-or-carer/global/en
or call 13 13 13.
Carers NSW Policy Team – PBS
suggestions
PO Box 20156
World Square
NSW 2002
[email protected]
(Please include ‘PBS suggestions’
in subject line)
02 9280 4744
As thanks for your time in
responding, we have one $70
Westfield voucher and one $20
Coles Myer voucher to give away.
We will place every entry into
a draw, with voucher recipients
selected randomly on 1 June
2016. The recipients will be
contacted following the draw and
will be announced in the August/
September edition of Carers News.
An example of how our PBS can
impact government spending
is the recent increase in the
Taxi Transport Subsidy from
$30 to $60 – Carers NSW
made this recommendation in
a previous PBS along with other
organisations, including The
NSW Council of Social Service
(NCOSS).
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Carer Story
In 1981 I met the
love of my life, Noel.
I was a 40 year old
mother of three and
he was exactly 10
years and one day
older than me. We
were happily married
for 30 years until his
death in 2014.
In 2006 Noel required spinal fusion
surgery and following his operation
we decided to move to a retirement
village. Selling our home caused Noel
great distress and he started losing
track of time and was easily confused
when driving. Around this time he
also experienced panic attacks and
started losing the value of money.
There were still some good times
though, upon moving to Broadwater
Court we both took up new hobbies.
I became interested in Line Dancing
and Noel took up Tai Chi, he was very
graceful.
By the end of 2011 I knew we had a
tough road ahead of us, when Noel
would become less mobile and the
physical aspects of caring would
be even more difficult, I lost 20kg
in anticipation of these increased
demands.
2012 brought many new challenges
as Noel was now incontinent and
I had to assist with all aspects of
the daily routine. At day care he
was no longer participating in the
sing-alongs or painting and he was
losing all sense of time. At home he
was becoming resistive to overnight
Noel’s Alzheimer’s Dementia was
incontinence wear and was unable to
officially diagnosed in 2009 but I
rise out of his chair. I was becoming
think of 2010 as the year our journey very tired and emotional, I was also
really began. We still went for regular angry and frustrated as no one
walks, out for coffee and to the
believed how difficult caring for Noel
cinema but now I was the one holding had become.
Noel’s hand, I was the one leading
I was exhausted and really needed
and directing.
some time out so I booked myself
By 2011 Noel had no fear and was
into a health resort and Noel into
easily disorientated, I suggested he
respite for one week. When Noel
wear an ID bracelet but he could very came home from respite he was
easily unclip the ‘un-removable’ lock painfully constipated and unable
and slip off the bracelet.
to urinate for three days, he was
admitted into Hospital. Unfortunately
During 2011 we took our last holiday
staff on duty were not trained to treat
together, to visit long-time friends
dementia patients and disregarded
while Noel was still able to recognise
my training and knowledge. The
them. His long term memory was still
whole experience was very traumatic
terrific and he greatly enjoyed the
for myself and Noel, and was followed
company of his friends, reminiscing
by five days of delirium. At this time
about hang gliding and snorkelling for
Noel was thankfully reassessed as
giant lobsters as younger men.
high care and I insisted he move to
our local aged care facility.
I visited Noel every second day and
we began having lunch together
in the courtyard and taking a few
trips, we even worked up to a trip
home but at this stage he no longer
remembered the house we had
shared.
In July 2014 Noel contracted a chest
infection and slipped into a coma.
Ignoring his Advance Care Directive,
staff at the aged care facility treated
him with oxygen and antibiotics
without my knowledge. The antibiotics
helped but for the next 3 ½ months
Noel remained in a vegetative state
and when the chest infection returned
in September 2014, the hospital
finally allowed palliative care. Noel
died six days later surrounded by his
three favourite women; myself and his
two stepdaughters who adored him.
I believe Noel was aware of our
presence as we sat by him and held
his hand, reminiscing and playing
our favourite music. Now that the
pain of this horrible disease is over, I
remember the happy times we shared
and the life we created together.
The preceding story is a carers
account of caring for a loved one,
written in their own words. If you
would like to share your story,
please contact Carers NSW on
[email protected] or PO
Box 20156 World Square NSW 2002.
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Inside Carers NSW
Forty and Fabulous! 2016 Carers
NSW Staff Conference
On Tuesday 2 February, Carers
NSW staff from around the state met
in Darling Harbour for the annual
Carers NSW staff conference. This
year’s theme ‘Forty and Fabulous’
was chosen to acknowledge the
Founders’ of Carers NSW, Averil
Fink and Clare Stevenson, and the
establishment of the organisation
forty years ago.
NDIS
Senior Policy & Development Officer,
Sara Judd, gave an overview of the
NDIS and informed Carers NSW staff
of a number of ways they could stay
up to date with its development in
NSW, including signing up for the
monthly Carers NSW NDIS Update
e-newsletter. The presentation
outlined a number of resources that
have been developed by Carers
NSW to help carers understand the
NDIS and also explained the NDIS
rollout, where carers fit in the NDIS,
key issues that have arisen for carers
over the past two and a half years,
and recent developments.
The staff conference was opened
with a Welcome to Country by
Gadigal Elder Uncle Allen Madden,
followed by individual staff
introductions and a welcome note
by Carers NSW CEO, Elena Katrakis.
Carers NSW President, Lynette Nixon,
Quality and Evaluation
spoke to staff about the direction of
Carers NSW in the coming months
Having obtained Quality
and invited questions from the floor.
Improvement Council (QIC)
accreditation last year, Carers NSW
There were several informative
has obligations to maintain ongoing
presentations throughout the day,
quality improvement practices.
including the transition of our Sydney
Moving forward, one of the key focus
office to North Sydney later this
areas is evaluation. The Quality and
year, information on the Carers NSW
Evaluation presentation outlined
40th birthday celebrations and a
evaluation principles and the
video looking back at Carers NSW
overarching approach Carers NSW
highlights from the last 40 years.
takes to evaluating programs across
the organisation. The importance of
pre-planning and rigorously designing
evaluation was emphasised.
A recent evaluation project of the
Mental Health Respite: Carer Support
program was described, to give all
staff an idea of some of the practical
challenges and lessons learnt from
undertaking an evaluation project, as
well as the useful outcomes that have
since arisen.
The presentation was also used to
introduce the newly established
Research and Evaluation Committee,
outlining its role in overseeing all
research and evaluation projects
across the organisation. Staff
participated in an interactive activity
to help them all understand the types
of projects that the committee can
provide guidance and advice on,
and also to highlight how pervasive
research and evaluation practices are
across the organisation.
Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
The RAS team presentation covered
the referral processes and progress
to date, RAS staffing and an overview
of aged care reform. Information
was provided on program structure
and triage processes through to
in-home support assessments.
First hand involvement in the
assessment process was shared by
Karren Graham who spoke about
her experiences of working with a
diverse range of clients in varying
caring situations.
The presentation was followed by a
heartfelt song sung by the RAS Team
titled ‘It’s a RAS world after all’ with
participation from fellow Carers NSW
staff.
The conference ended with dinner in
Darling Harbour, which was a great
opportunity for staff from across the
state to relax together after a very
busy day.
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Feature
NSW Trustee & Guardian
New Operating Model
Many carers in NSW care for
someone who is a client of NSW
Trustee & Guardian, or they may be
a client themselves. This year the
organisation is transitioning to a new
operating model in order to provide
services for the expanding and ageing
population in NSW. The change also
responds to client feedback which,
the organisation reports, has revealed
a clear need to improve clients’ ability
to contact staff easily and have timely
responses to issues.
How will these changes affect
carers?
Expanded support
In the new model, clients will be
assigned to a focused team of
six instead of an individual Client
Service Officer. Each team will have
a dedicated telephone number and
email address and can be contacted
directly. There will be teams dedicated
to ongoing financial management,
deceased estates and new clients
(establishment). Additionally, NSW
Trustee & Guardian has introduced a
new delegation process so that most
decisions can be made within teams.
These changes will ensure clients
receive consistent reliable service and
faster turnaround times on decision
making.
Enhanced website
NSW Trustee & Guardian’s website is
being developed to enable clients to
complete more transactions online
if they choose to do so. Clients will
have the ability to register through an
online portal where they can initiate
applications for planning ahead
documents, keep track of funds and
lodge documents when required.
In the future, for example, private
managers will be able to submit
annual accounts, plans and other
documents via the portal; financial
management clients will have greater
autonomy to monitor their funds by
signing into the portal.
Access to services
In addition to telephone and online
services being improved, NSW
Trustee & Guardian are expanding
face-to-face services in most areas of
NSW. The organisation currently
offer several hundred outreach
events each year at Plan Ahead Days
or community education talks, held
in local venues such as libraries or
community centres. Plan Ahead Days
allow people to receive services
at a location that is convenient for
them, rather than having to travel to a
branch.
People will also be able to receive
face-to-face service through Service
NSW outlets. Service NSW staff will be
able to give advice on services and
connect clients with their specialist
team via telephone and internet.
NSW Trustee & Guardian Local Court
registries will continue to act as NSW
Trustee & Guardian agents across the
state.
NSW Trustee & Guardian client
service teams will be centralised into
service centres and the number of
branches reduced over time from 19
to 10. There are no dates for branch
closures as yet, but branches planned
for closure are: Bankstown, Burwood,
Chatswood, Gosford, Hurstville,
Liverpool, Miranda and Penrith.
Armidale branch is scheduled to close
at a future date within the next 18
months.
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Feature
Changing fees
In October 2015 recommendations
made by the Independent Pricing and
Regulatory Tribunal for changes to
NSW Trustee & Guardian fees were
approved by government along with
the transition to a new operating
model. The new fee structure takes
effect from 1 July 2016.
A significant change is the
introduction of upfront fees for
drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney and
Enduring Guardianship documents;
with this comes the flexibility for
clients to choose their own executor
or attorney. Drafting services will still
be provided free for those on a full
Centrelink pension.
There will also be adjustments
to establishment and ongoing
management fees; some are
increasing while others are reducing.
For example, for private financial
management clients an initial
establishment fee of $500 will be
introduced and an annual account
management fee of $120 applied.
However, the annual income fee
will be removed and clients will pay
between 0.4% and 0.65% per annum
less for fees on funds invested in
NSW Trustee & Guardian investment
funds. Other account fees for private
managers remain the same.
When is it happening?
The new model will be rolled out over
the next six to nine months. A pilot
service centre has been in operation
since January 2016. For further
information about the changes at
NSW Trustee & Guardian visit www.
tag.nsw.gov.au/transformation, email
questions to 2017andbeyond@tag.
nsw.gov.au or call 02 8688 5862.
Case studies
Paul is a client under financial
management
Paul is worried his new Client Service
Officer does not understand his
circumstances.
In the future
Paul is looked after by a team of six
Client Service Officers, so there is
always someone available who knows
his personal circumstances. He is not
affected if one Client Service Officer
Paul has an acquired brain injury.
leaves or is away. Paul can contact his
He has been under Financial
Client Service Team directly by phone,
Management for five years, and is
email and mail.
managed by his nearest NSW Trustee
Paul can also contact his Client
& Guardian branch.
Service Team by phone from his
Paul has been allocated a new Client
local Service NSW office. If Paul has
Service Officer (as his previous Client a complex issue, he is able to speak
Service Officer left) and he has had
with his Client Service Team via
difficulty adapting to the change. He is videoconference when NSW Trustee
struggling to build a relationship with
& Guardian conducts outreach where
his new Client Service Officer.
he lives.
Current situation
Paul would like to speak to his Client
Eloise is a private manager for her
Service Officer in person, but can’t get mother Carol
to his branch as he is unable to drive.
Paul contacts his Client Service Officer
by phone, email and mail when he
needs to discuss an issue or make a
request for funds.
Paul finds that when he calls his Client
Service Officer is often unavailable
and he has to wait for them to return
Eloise lives in regional NSW and has
his call. It is also hard when Paul’s
recently been appointed the financial
Client Service Officer is on leave
manager for her mother Carol, who
because other Client Service Officers lives in a nursing home.
aren’t familiar with his circumstances. Eloise is assisted in managing her
mother’s affairs by the NSW Trustee &
Guardian Head Office in Parramatta.
Eloise works full time and is time-poor.
Current situation
Eloise contacts her Client Service
Officer in Parramatta by phone and by
email. She lodges documents by mail
and as attachments to email.
Eloise finds she cannot always reach
her Client Service Officer by phone,
which means she needs to leave a
voicemail and await a return call. This
can be challenging as Eloise cannot
take calls at work easily.
Eloise would like the opportunity to
discuss issues in person, however her
Client Service Officer is in Parramatta
and the nearest NSW Trustee &
Guardian branch does not provide
services for private managers.
In the future
Eloise is looked after by a team of six
Client Service Officers she can contact
directly, so there is always someone
available who knows her personal
circumstances.
When Eloise has more complex
issues to discuss, she is able to meet
face-to-face when her nearest branch
conducts outreach where she works
or lives.
Eloise is able to lodge documents
through the NSW Trustee & Guardian
online portal and by email.
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Looking After Yourself
Share the care:
Falls prevention is everyone’s business
The theme for April Falls month 2016
is Share the care: Falls prevention is
everyone’s business®. Throughout
April Falls month 2016 the Clinical
Excellence Commission (CEC), NSW
Falls Prevention Program, is aiming
to involve everyone in the care of an
older person; family, carers, doctors,
nurses and allied health staff to help
to prevent falls and keep older people
safe.
More than one in three people aged
65 or over fall at least once a year
and many fall more often. Falls are
even more common among residents
of aged care facilities, up to half of
whom fall at least once a year.
The Clinical Excellence Commission,
NSW Falls Prevention Program has
developed a range of resources for
patients and consumers which are
available on the Clinical Excellence
Commission website www.cec.
health.nsw.gov.au/programs/fallsprevention/falls-one-page-flyers
have of keeping our muscles strong
and our joints mobile.
Webster pack to help you manage
them.
What you can do
Have an up-to-date list of your
medications, a medication card can
be useful.
Be involved in an exercise program
in a group or in your own home.
Activities which are good for
improving balance and flexibility
include Tai Chi, Stepping On and
gentle exercise classes that include
balance and strength exercises. To
find an exercise program in your local
area go to www.activeandhealthy.
nsw.gov.au
Ask a physiotherapist or an exercise
physiologist to design a suitable
exercise program for you. If you are in
any doubt about exercises, please talk
to your doctor.
Preventing falls: Medication
Do not use out-of-date medications.
Return them to your pharmacist.
Prevention Falls: Vision
Have you had your eyes checked
recently?
As we grow older our vision changes.
We do not see as clearly, are less
able to judge distance and depth, and
adjust to sudden changes in light.
Have your eyes checked by an
optometrist every two years.
Preventing falls: Feet and footwear
What you should know
Some medications can increase your
risk of falls, especially those taken
for anxiety, depression or difficulty
sleeping. Medication may make
you feel, drowsy, unsteady, dizzy or
confused.
To reduce the risk of injury from a fall
it is important to include activities that
improve your balance and increase
your strength. The more active we
remain, the better the chance we
Read medication labels in good light
and follow the instructions carefully.
What you can do
Preventing falls: Balance and
strength exercises
Staying physically active is the single
most important thing we can do to
remain fit and independent. As we
grow older we lose muscle strength
and our sense of balance, this can
lead to a fall.
Do not take anyone else’s prescribed
medication.
If you take anticoagulant medicines
(blood thinners), always see your
doctor if you have a fall. You may be
at risk of severe injury and bleeding.
What you can do
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
regularly to review your medications,
including any herbs or supplements.
Ask your pharmacist about packaging
your medications in a dosette box or
Feet can change shape and lose
some feeling. Painful and swollen feet
make it difficult to walk and some
shoes or slippers may cause you to
stumble or trip.
What you can do
Have your feet checked and wear
comfortable, firm-fitting and flat shoes.
More information is available in
the Staying active and on your feet
booklet, please download a copy or
order through the Active and Healthy
website www.activeandhealthy.nsw.
gov.au
This information was originally
published on the Clinical Excellence
Commission website. For more
information on falls prevention,
visit www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/
programs/falls-prevention/falls-onepage-flyers
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Looking After Yourself
Mind-full or Mindful?
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Mindfulness is a form of selfawareness training adapted from
Buddhist mindfulness meditation.
It involves a focus or awareness of
what is happening in the present,
acknowledging the sights, sounds
and smells around you then letting
them leave your thoughts without
judgement or engagement.
It works by cultivating our ability to
pay attention in the present moment,
disengaging from mental clutter and
clearing the mind.
Watch the clock
Sit comfortably in front of a clock or
watch with a second hand. Whilst
watching the seconds tick by, focus
your attention on your breathing, and
nothing else, for a whole minute. If
any other thoughts enter your head,
just acknowledge them then let them
float away. With practice, you should
be able to increase the amount of
time you can spend in this activity to
5 or even 10 minutes.
Besides thoughts, there may be
sounds you hear, sensations that
Leave your home or office and go for you are aware of. If you find yourself
constantly elaborating on thoughts,
a short stroll. As you walk, feel your
breath go in and out. Observe what is rather than labelling them and letting
around you as you walk but don’t let them float away, try and focus on
your breathing.
your thoughts take you any further.
Stay in the present. Look at the sky,
When emotions or memories of
the view and other walkers. Feel the
painful events occur, don’t allow
wind or the temperature but don’t
yourself to become caught up
react to your observations. If your
by them. Give these emotions or
mind turns to stressful or distressing
memories short labels such as
thoughts, acknowledge them, then let “that’s a sad feeling”, “that’s an angry
them go. Focus on what is happening feeling” and then allow them to drift
around you in that instant, everything or float away.
else can just wait.
These memories and feelings will
gradually decrease in intensity and
frequency and more importantly,
De-stressing
you will begin to identify yourself
Bring yourself into the present by
as an objective observer or
deliberately adopting an erect and
witness rather than a person who
dignified posture, then ask yourself:
is disturbed by these thoughts and
“What is going on with me at the
feelings. This requires practise but
moment?”
these techniques can then be used
whenever you are stressed.
Allow yourself to observe whatever
happens. Label any thoughts that you For more mindfulness exercises or
have and then leave them alone... just short meditation tracks, go to www.
be prepared to let them float away.
blackdoginstitute.org.au/factsheets
Attend to your breathing or simply
or www.biteback.org.au
take in your surroundings instead.
Walking the walk
How can mindfulness help?
With practice, mindfulness improves
our ability to respond rather than
react to situations, thus improving
decision making and potential for
mental and physical relaxation.
It encourages you to absorb and
enjoy the moment, enhancing your
pleasure in everyday situations.
Research by Black Dog Institute, and
others, has shown that mindfulness
can be of great benefit to people
experiencing bipolar disorder by
improving emotional regulation
and reducing the symptoms of
depression and anxiety.
How do I do it?
The beauty of mindfulness training
is that it can be done anywhere,
anytime. You don’t need to go to a
special retreat or contort yourself
into a challenging yoga pose. All you
need is a relatively quiet spot and a
few minutes on your own.
Here are a couple of short and sweet
mindfulness techniques that anyone
can do.
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Inform Yourself
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA)
Independence Expo
Why was the SCIA Independence
Expo developed?
At the time of the SCIA
Independence Expo’s inception,
the events on offer for people with
a disability were quite general,
mostly focusing on intellectual
disability and aging. They targeted
disability professionals and often the
information was not useful to people
living with a physical disability.
SCIA wanted to create an event that
shared its extensive knowledge and
experience with its community and
to connect people with the products
and services that would make the
most difference to them.
Today, with the rollout of the NDIS
across NSW, the spotlight is firmly
on disability. The challenge is sorting
through the plethora of information
about disability products and
services and making a decision that
is right for you.
How is the SCIA Independence
Expo different to anything else on
the market?
How do people find out more
about the SCIA Independence
Expo?
The SCIA Independence Expo is the
only expo that caters specifically for
physical disability, offering a diverse
range of exhibitors and information
in a relaxed and accessible venue.
The event itself is very diverse
and this year there will be craft
markets where visitors will be able
to purchase anything from jewellery
to ceramics, four artists will also
be exhibiting their work. SCIA
recognises that many people will
be travelling a long way and want to
make the expo as informative and as
enjoyable as possible.
Register to attend the SCIA
Independence Expo online
www.scia.org.au/expo or by calling
1800 819 775.
Who is the target group for your
product/service?
The Independence Expo is free for
everyone with physical disabilities,
their family and carers. Professionals
and students interested in physical
disability are also welcome to attend.
What are the core features and
benefits of the SCIA Independence What makes the SCIA
Independence Expo so accessible?
Expo?
Over two days, this free expo
will touch on all aspects of daily
life, including technology, social
life, relationships, work and other
aspirations. There will be a full
program of workshops that will be
live streamed over the internet,
even if you cannot attend in person
you will have access to all of the
information at www.scia.org.au/
events/scia-independenceexpo-2016. The Independence Expo
will be held on 15 – 16 April at the
Australian Technology Park, a fully
accessible venue with free parking
available.
SCIA has some of the friendliest
and most knowledgeable staff in the
sector, all ready to assist in a central
and accessible venue. Funding is
available to help cover the cost
of attending, if you can’t make it
you can still have your questions
answered in our live streamed
workshops.
Have you received any feedback
on the SCIA Independence Expo?
Each year SCIA receives
overwhelmingly positive feedback
about the Independence Expo
and the difference it has made to
the lives of those who attend. The
helpfulness of staff, the variety of
information, the accessibility of the
venue and the growth in attendee’s
confidence are listed as some of the
main benefits of attending the SCIA
Independence Expo.
If you would like to know more
about a particular product/service,
please send your suggestions to
[email protected] or
PO Box 20156 World Square NSW
2002.
Carers NSW is an independent
organisation and does not endorse
any product or service provided by a
third party. It is important to research
alternative options and thoroughly
understand the terms and conditions
associated with a product/service
before signing an agreement.
How will the SCIA Independence
Expo benefit carers?
With a diverse range of information
on offer, carers will find products and
services to support the everyday
independent living of their loved one.
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Reading Corner
Go with love
Written by: Kate Ramsay
What happens when, just as you
think that the life you’ve worked so
hard to create is perfect in every
way, you discover that the love of
your life is going to die?
Go with love: a memoir about love,
loss and learning is Kate Ramsay’s
first book. She has previously
been published as a community
health nurse, an equal opportunity
consultant and a leadership coach.
This is the story of a vibrant,
courageous woman living her life
on her terms. It’s a love story of
Kate and Des as they meet the
challenges of life together.
However in 2000, Des was
diagnosed with a rare neurological
degenerative disease, Corticobasal
Degeneration, and was told he only
had another five - six years to live.
Kate was born and brought up in
Adelaide in what she describes
as a comfortable, middle-class
upbringing. Marrying her first
boyfriend at a young age, soon
becoming a mother of two children.
It seemed like a perfect life, but
Kate found it unfulfilling and trained
as a registered nurse before taking
on part-time work at a Community
Health Centre.
Following his diagnosis, Kate
decided that she would look after
Des at home. Pragmatic in her
approach to her caring role, she
continued her business to bring
in the much-needed income to
support the household and medical
expenses.
Kate first met Des at a dinner party
in the late 70s where Des was the
only single man. She was strongly
attracted to this very tall hippylooking man, as he was to her. It
wasn’t until after Kate’s marriage
was over that their paths crossed
again. Soon into their relationship, it
was clear to both that they wanted
to spend as much time together as
possible.
Kate takes the reader with her on
her caring journey, describing vividly
the challenges of Des’ deteriorating
condition. She is forthright in
expressing the raw emotions she
feels when the situation seemed
to go beyond her capabilities,
describing it as “the end of her
elastic band”.
This is the story of a vibrant,
courageous woman who lives life
to the full, who builds a career
while juggling mothering, as well as
learning from her loving partnership;
and who then survives and goes on
loving after his premature death.
By mid 1990s their work
commitments kept them apart, so
Kate and Des decided to merge
The book is an authentic and
their individual businesses and move
informative read with great appeal
to the home of their dreams on an
for carers.
acreage in the Byron Bay hinterland.
Book Giveaway:
Carers NSW has a FREE copy of Kate Ramsay’s debut novel Go with love to give
away. For a chance to win, send your name and address to Carers News by email
to [email protected] or to Carers News, Carers NSW, PO Box 20156,
World Square NSW 2002 by 22 April 2016.
Book Giveaway Winner:
Congratulations to Mr Neil Billing from Waterloo who is the winner of Flesh Wounds by Richard Glover.
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Talk to Others
Carer support groups allow
carers to meet on a regular
basis to discuss their caring
situation, socialise, share
information and offer each
other support.
The groups are free, although
sometimes contributions may be
sought for refreshments. To find your
nearest carer support group visit www.
carersnsw.org.au/groups or www.
togethersupportgroups.net.au for
disability specific carer support groups.
Alternatively you can contact Carers
NSW on 1800 242 636 (free call from
landlines, mobile calls charged at mobile
rates) for details of your local carer
support group or to request a printed
listing of support groups in your region.
Featured Carer Support Groups:
Group Name: Motor Neurone Disease
Support Group (Liverpool)
When:Every Month 10:30am –
12:30pm, next meeting is on
Monday 18 April
Where:Education Centre, Liverpool
Hospital, Liverpool, 2170
Contact:Motor Neurone Disease
Association on 1800 777 175
or [email protected]
Events Calendar
April - May 2016
EventDate
NSW Seniors Week
1-10 April 2016
World Autism Awareness Day
2 April 2016
World Health Diabetes Awareness Day World Health Organisation (WHO)
7 April 2016
Pause4Parkinson’s / World Parkinson’s Day Shake It Up Australia
11 April 2016
World Immunisation Week World Health Organisation (WHO)
24-30 April 2016
Thyroid Awareness Month
1-31 May 2016
65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis Month
1-31 May 2016
World Asthma Day
3 May 2016
World Lupus Day
10 May 2016
Food Allergy Awareness Week 15-21 May 2016
World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day19 May 2016
Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
22-28 May 2016
Kidney Health Week
22-28 May 2016
National Palliative Care Week
22-28 May 2016
Exercise Right Week
22-28 May 2016
World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2016
Group Name: Motor Neurone Disease Support Group (Hamilton)
When:Every Second month from 10.00am - 12.00pm, next meeting
is on Wednesday 20 April
Where:Hunter Dementia and Memory Resource Centre,
2 Percy Street, Hamilton, 2303
Contact: Motor Neurone Disease Association on 1800 777 175 or
[email protected]
The Motor Neurone Disease Support Groups support carers of people
living with a motor neurone disease illness.
If you run a carer support group and would like to be featured
in Carers News or on the Carers NSW website, please contact
[email protected].
Thank
you!
Thank you to the following
corporate supporter, Cause
Film Festival who showed
their support for carers by
donating to Carers NSW. We
sincerely appreciate your
donation.
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Noticeboard
Decisions, Decisions…
On Thursday 4 February 2016
Carers NSW piloted a Supported
Decision Making workshop, to a
group of carers from the Autism
Community Network. The pilot, held
in Illawong, was attended by carers of
young people with an acquired brain
injury and parents and grandparents
of children on the autism spectrum.
Seven carers provided feedback
about the workshop which will
be delivered to carers and young
people with disability, aged 14-18,
in 60 locations around metro and
regional NSW.
By providing information about
supported decision making principles
and processes, the workshop
enables families and carers of young
people to identify the benefits and
challenges involved in supporting the
person they care for make decisions
in preparation for their transition to
the NDIS.
Carers NSW 2016 Carer
Survey
The Carers NSW 2016 Carer
Survey is now live, this is your
chance to have your say and to
help us speak up for carers.
The Carer Survey is available
online at www.carersnsw.
org.au/research/survey
alternatively you will find a hard
copy of the survey enclosed
with this edition of Carers News.
If you have any questions
regarding the survey or would
like to order additional copies
for your organisation or carer
support group, contact our
Research team on research@
carersnsw.org.au or 02 9280
4744.
If you decide to complete the
carer survey online, please
return the blank copy to us
using the enclosed envelope
and we will pass this on to
another carer.
You can find out more about
the Supported Decision Making
workshops, by emailing Carers NSW
on [email protected] or calling
02 9280 4744. The Supported
Decision Making workshops
are open to young people with
disabilities, aged 14-18, and their
families and carers. The workshops
run from 10.00am – 2.00pm and
are free to attend, morning tea and
lunch are provided.
$1 movie tickets for carers
In the February/March edition of
Carers News, we informed you of
a partnership with Hoyts which
entitles carers in possession of
a Carers Association card, or
any other card with governmentrecognised carer identification, $1
movie tickets when accompanying
the person they care for.
If you are not in possession of
government-recognised carer
identification, we can issue a letter
confirming your membership with
Carers NSW.
To obtain a letter, please email
[email protected] or
call 02 9280 4744.
For movie session times and
information, visit www.hoyts.com.au
or contact your local cinema.
We are on the move
In June 2016 our Sydney head
office will transition from the Sydney
CBD to 213 Miller Street, North
Sydney. During the move there
will be minimal disruption to carer
services offered via the Carer Line
and all other services will continue
as usual.
We will provide another update
on the relocation in the June/July
edition of Carers News.
Carer Wellbeing: Talk-Link
Carers NSW is running two Talk-Link programs commencing in May. Each
Talk-Link program runs for six weeks and is facilitated over the phone by a
professional counsellor.
Grief and loss in partnership
with Motor Neurone Disease
Association of NSW
Who:Former carers of people
with Motor Neurone
Disease
When:Weekly for six weeks,
commencing Thursday
19 May, from 11.00am –
12.00pm
This Talk-Link group will explore
grief and loss, identify support
systems, teach carers how to
rebuild following a loss and discuss
changing roles, coping with stress
and expressing feelings.
Wellbeing and mindfulness for male
carers
Who: Male carers living in NSW
When:Weekly for six weeks,
commencing Tuesday
17 May, from 10.00am –
11.00am
This Talk-Link group will strengthen
carer resilience by discussing
individual coping strategies,
develop a deeper awareness of
personal stressors, teach strategies
to reduce stress and help carers
understand the benefits of
mindfulness activities.
You can connect to either Talk-Link session by landline (free of charge) or
mobile phone (rates apply).
For more information or to register for either Talk-Link group, call the Carers
NSW Carer Line on 1800 242 636.
15 | CARERSnews | APR/MAY 2016
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Membership Donations
HELP US
SUPPORT
EVEN
MORE
CARERS
IN NSW
Carers NSW is the voice of all carers in NSW. Our vision is an Australia that
values and supports all carers.
To help us make this vision a reality for the 850,000 carers in NSW, you may like to
consider making a financial or in-kind donation to Carers NSW. Some of the ways in
which you could help are through a bequest to Carers NSW in your will, making a
donation using the form below, or by simply donating your time by volunteering with
us. Whichever way you choose to be involved, you can be sure that your valuable
contribution will help us to reach out to and support even more carers.
For a confidential discussion about making a bequest or donation to Carers NSW,
please telephone our CEO, Elena Katrakis on 02 9280 4744. Donations can also be
made using the form below, and are tax deductible for amounts over $2. All donors
will be suitably acknowledged according to their wishes.
For more information about volunteering with Carers NSW please contact our
volunteer coordinator on 02 9280 4744.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO SUPPORT EVEN MORE CARERS IN NSW.
New member application/donation form
Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms): ________________________________________________________________________________
Organisation: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Postcode: ______________________ Date of birth: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________
Membership
carer/individual: FREE carer/support group: FREE
non-profit organisation: 1 year $66 corporate/government: 1 year $165
I am a primary unpaid carer YES/NO I would like to join Carers NSW YES/NO
I would like to make a donation of $ ___________ Total amount payable $ ___________
I am happy to have my donation recognised in Carers News and the Annual Report (name only) YES/NO
Please find enclosed:
Credit card details:
Cheque/money order or
Visa
Charge my credit card. Amount payable: $ _____
MasterCard
Card name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Acc. No. ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / Exp Date ___ ___ / ___ ___
Signature __________________________________________________________________Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ / ___ ___
Please return to Carers NSW, PO Box 20156, World Square NSW 2002 or fax to 02 9280 4755
Privacy Statement: The right to confidentiality and privacy of members of Carers NSW is recognised, respected and protected by Carers NSW in accordance with the
Privacy Amendment (Privacy Sector) Act 2000.
Information contained in this newsletter is believed by Carers NSW, Inc. to be accurate at the time of publication. Whilst every care has been taken in its preparation
checks should be made with the relevant people/organisations regarding any of the services/products contained therein and professional advice should be sought
where necessary. Carers NSW, Inc. cannot be liable for any error or omission in this newsletter or for damages arising from its supply, performance or use, and makes
no warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to this publication.
carersnsw.org.au
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