For some they are primary carers.  A primary carer is the person who takes most of the responsibility for providing care for the person requiring support. This involves being ‘oncall’ 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days a year and most primary carers never EVER get a day off. Carers may assist with the tasks of daily living: feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, or administering medications.

There are 856,000 primary carers in Australia and many of them never get a break.

A national survey of carers health and wellbeing revealed: Carers have the lowest levels of wellbeing of any Australian group. Over half reported some level of depression, with one third found to be severely or extremely depressed. More than one third of carers are experiencing severe or extreme stress. Caring does not get easier with time. Caring compounds the effect of any other factor that leads to reduced wellbeing.

With this in mind, Lifebridge Australia are holding a Caring for Carers Information Session and Morning tea where participants can listen to discussions about being a carer and what they may experience.

The session will be held on Thursday 27th April, 2023 at the Kingscliff Cottage, Cudgen Road, Kingscliff from 10am to 11am.  The guest speaker is Lifebridge Customer Care Manager, Stefany Stockwin-Wunsch.

If you would like to attend, please call 1800 043 186 to register your attendance by Monday 24th April 2023.

This information session will also be held virtually via ZOOM for those who cannot attend.  If you would like to participate online, please email Colleen Lonnie, Program Development Officer – Colleen.Lonnie@lifebridge.org.au and she can email you the Zoom meeting link.

The post Caring for Carers Information Session and Morning Tea appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

Due to public demand ‘Mystery Road Trip 2 hit the road on Saturday, 4th December 2021.  The ‘Mystery Road Trips’ will continue right throughout 2022!

Staff Member Warren Hanley provided the following account of Mystery Road Trip 2.

We woke to a beautiful sunny day creating a positive vibe for our second exciting integrated group mystery tour day out.

After successfully picking up all participants we enjoyed the picturesque journey through the hinterland to our first mystery destination – the Crystal Creek Cafe where the staff were very helpful and accommodating. There is an order at the counter process which was all part of the fun for the group coming up and, with a little support, ordering their own choice of drinks and snacks.

For our enjoyment, carafes of beautiful crystal creek water were supplied to our table, it was so nice to have water straight from the source. From our relaxed position perched straight above the creek, everyone thoroughly enjoyed conversations and laughter. The lovely Sophie and Jannah took some happy snaps.
We all worked off our morning tea by with a little bit of exercise by taking one of the short walks along the creek to the amenities down the back of the cafe and spotted turtles and a friendly water dragon lizard sunning himself on the rock.

Before departure our trivia games were introduced, which once again were a hit with participants busy searching out their targets. We ventured on another majestic drive through the mountains and rain forest out the back of Murwillumbah through the village of Uki to our second destination, the gorgeous Crams Farm Reserve where many a positive comment was expressed with the rolling hills, waterway and Mount Warning backdrop.

With assistance from group members we donned the tables with their covers and prepared our delicious barbecue lunch which consisted of a generous range of salads and meats. Everyone delighted in their lunch before finishing off with some Tiramisu Ice cream slices for desert.  We created some really fun group photos with Jannah suggesting a great spot with the glory of Mount Warning as a backdrop.

After loading up the buses for departure it was unanimous a drive by the lake viewing area at the bottom of the property was a good idea so off we went on our return journey via the lake through the rain forests and creeks, valleys and ranges safely returning all our wonderful guests to their homes.  Our guests showed their elation for a great day out with all looking forward to next time, our third Integrated social group mystery day out. Bring on the fun times!

Big thanks to the team for a well planned, thoroughly enjoyable, safe day of mystery and trivia.

For more Information on the new Integrated Services activities, feel free to call Janelle Egas or Andrew Weir on 1800 043 186.

The post Group Integration Mystery Road Trip appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

The Expo will offer South East Queensland residents with a disability and their families the opportunity to:

• Find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment.
• Talk with Government, NDIS, advocacy and consumer rights organisations.
• Connect with charities and service providers covering specialist care and support.
• Listen to NDIS presentations and Q&A sessions from a range of local speakers and organisations.

Lifebridge Australia will be in attendance at the Expo, showcasing our range of Disability Programs. Our expert Team will be on site ready to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.

Simply visit our stall and say ‘hello’ – we would love to meet you!

• When: Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June 2019
• Where: Gold Coast Event Centre, cnr Jim Griffiths Way and Racecourse Drive, Bundall QLD 4217
• Times: 9am – 3pm
• Cost: Free entry, which includes a free showbag
• Register: You can register your attendance at www.goldcoastdisabilityexpo.com.au

The post Gold Coast Disability Expo 2019 appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

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Equally reassuring is the commitment to increase funding to the NDIS by 23% between 2018 and 2021. It is intended that all Australians will be able to access the NDIS by 2020. The benefits of having a National Scheme means consistency across borders and hopefully less complications and confusion across the States. Currently 140,000 Australians receive NDIS funding in regions where the scheme has been rolled out.

We are pleased to announce that Lifebridge has recently attained NDIS provider registration in Queensland. The National Disability Insurance Scheme commences roll-out in Queensland effective 1st July 2018. We will provide further information regarding our Queensland services and programs in future newsletters.

The result of these announcements is an opportunity for providers to adapt and grow. To provide services differently and to be innovative in a changing marketplace. At Lifebridge, there are many changes happening both internally and externally to accommodate the changing environment. All of these changes are intended to build upon the services and experience you receive at Lifebridge.

We’re passionate about what we do and we enjoy being a part of your journey and I would like to thank you for sharing them with us. We’re very proud to be your provider of choice in this new market.

The post CEO Update – May 2018 appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

And to this point, an additional 14,000 Home Care Packages would be released over a four-year period. The announcement of these additional Packages is very welcomed and at Lifebridge we are excited by the commitment given to in-home aged care. With an ageing population it is somewhat comforting to see focus being placed, where it is needed.

Australians are now expected to live almost ten years longer than they were 50 years ago. This move by the Government seeks to maximise the opportunities that a longer life brings.

What’s less than pleasing however, is that there are still are over 100,000 Australians in the queue to receive a Home Care Package. There is a real need to reduce the wait times for aged individuals, their family members and their carers, so that they can receive the services they need now and not at a time when it’s too late.

These services are fundamental for thousands of Australians who require additional support to remain in their homes.

Looking at Disability Services sector, the Government has committed $43 billion of Commonwealth money over the next four years for the NDIS. This is just over half the $83.2 billion cost of the scheme over this period, consistent with the Commonwealth’s share.

In a Government statement, “Funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme is in place and always will be, ensuring that Australians living with disability can access the lifetime care and support they need.”

In supporting the roll-out of the NDIS, the Government is also committing over $64 million over 3 years to establish an NDIS Jobs and Market Fund. The purpose of which is to raise awareness of NDIS Job opportunities, overcome market barriers, address service difficulties in rural and remote areas and help businesses build their capacity.

While its expected this fund will help, it will require additional support to more closely align growth with demand.

For those who receive supports but are ineligible for the NDIS, the Department of Social Services will establish additional continuity of support arrangements at a cost of $92 million over 5 years. The Budget says that “eligible recipients will receive a level of support that is consistent with that which they currently receive.”

There are five separate elements:

1. The programs Better Start, Helping Children with Autism, Work-Based Personal Assistance, Remote Hearing and Vision Services for Children, Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker Program, Australian Disability Enterprises, and Outside School Hours Care for Teenagers will cease mid-2019. People receiving support from these programs who are ineligible for the NDIS will have access to funding to enable them to continue to receive assistance.
2. People who are 65 years and over, not an NDIS participant and need access to Auslan will have continued access to the Auslan Booking Service.
3. The Mobility Allowance will cease in mid-2020. People receiving it at that time (who are not NDIS-eligible) will be grandfathered and continue to receive it but there will be no new entrants. The Government hopes that this change will enable parliament to approve a Bill that is encountering resistance.
4. People receiving assistance from Partners in Recovery, Personal Helpers and Mentors, and Day to Day Living support will continue to do so through arrangements being put in place with the Primary Health Networks.
5. Four carers programs will be incorporated into the Integrated Carer Support Services.

Some other key facts:

NDIS in states and territories – Over the coming year, state and territory governments will benefit from the transfer of almost $3.4 billion from the DisabilityCare Australia Fund – established in 2014 to assist governments to implement the NDIS.

Carers Allowance – The Carers Allowance will be means-tested for the first time, with the government setting a $250,000 income test threshold. The money saved will be directed to Integrated Carer Support Service consisting of early intervention for carers.

Mental health – There will be an increase of $338M over four years in mental health funding, which will focus on suicide prevention, research and older Australians.

NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission – $43M will establish the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This funding will establish the national office and a regional office for NSW and SA.

If you would like more information about what this budgetary announcement means or would like to speak about how this may impact you, please contact Lifebridge on 1800 043 186.

The post Federal Budget Review: Disability & Aged Care appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

As of February 1, 2018, Lifebridge will only offer a minimum Service Agreement length of six months and from July 1, 2018, Lifebridge will only offer a minimum Service Agreement length of twelve months.

Please note, that the duration of the Service Agreement doesn’t impact your right to have choice. There is a clause in the Service Agreement that allows both, participants and Lifebridge to evoke a four-week notice period to end a Service Agreement. This is still an option for both parties.

By increasing the length of Service Agreements, Lifebridge will be able to focus on delivering supports that are beneficial to all involved.

For customers who already have a Service Agreement in place, this is still valid, and the changes will only take place when your current Service Agreement expires.

If you have any questions or concerns about the change to Service Agreements, please contact Lifebridge on 1800 043 186.

The post Changes to Lifebridge Service Agreements appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

As such, Lifebridge is currently going through some big changes and although people can grow accustomed to schedules and routines as it gives them a feeling of comfort, this way of operating isn’t sustainable. We’re required to be agile, flexible and opportunistic to provide the best possible supports to our customers.

We’re humbled by the positive attitudes and how many of our customers are already embracing the changes to date.  Where possible many of our customers have had the opportunity to be a part of the change and to provide feedback. Prior to the launch of our new Murwillumbah Hub, many customers visited the site and provided comments on the design, location and fit out. Which was a very positive experience.

People are excited by being in the community and the opportunity for increased capacity building.

Both our Chinderah and Murwillumbah Hubs are proving to be a huge success and we’re excited for the launch of our West Tweed hub as well.  Establishing hubs within the local community, is very much in the spirit of the NDIS. The scheme is fundamentally about increasing capacity and community integration. Our hubs are a step towards achieving just that and will provide our customers with increased:

• integration with the local communities
• access to mainstream activities
• opportunities to meet individual goals
• range of choices
• time participating in activities

As we embark on this new adventure, let’s take a moment to reflect.  Lifebridge have a long history in the Tweed Shire and during that time we have built up quite a reputation for our customer service. We have seen many changes happen during our 30 years in operation. Customers and staff have come and gone, our locations have changed, but throughout it all we have always stood strong and proud and we will continue to do so for many years to come.

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By March 31, 2018 all services previously at Caloola, will be operating from other venues. A change that focuses on greater opportunity for capacity building and community integration.

Our shift from Caloola, sees the launch of three new and expanded Hubs, at Chinderah, West Tweed and at Murwillumbah. The response and feedback we’ve received from our customers already has been very positive and it’s encouraging to see many embracing the change, welcoming the opportunity it presents and being genuinely excited.

Under the NDIS transport arrangements will also change. Funding is limited and maintaining an extensive vehicle fleet is costly. As such, we will need to downsize. However, in the spirit of the NDIS the opportunity to build capacity will be introduced wherever possible utilising public transport. Other arrangements will be discussed with participants as changes are introduced.

Over the coming weeks we will continue to communicate these changes with you and what they may involve.

The reforms are a steep learning curve for both providers and customers and we’re evolving rapidly. With that comes learnings, and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Together we will learn and develop solutions that meet the needs of all.

On behalf of the entire Lifebridge team, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual customer surveys. The response has been outstanding. We will be analysing these results shortly, sharing the highlights with you in future newsletters and looking at opportunities for improvement.

The post CEO Update Feb 2018 appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.