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Uncategorized - Therapy

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World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is held on 21 March. Since its official recognition by the United Nations in 2012, this day has created an abundance of awareness and celebrated the Down Syndrome community on a worldwide scale. 

The date for World Down Syndrome Day; being observed on the 21st day of the 3rd month, is to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. 

This year the theme is: End the stereotypes. Unfortunately, individuals with Down Syndrome often face unfair treatment due to these stereotypes. From denied access to quality education and healthcare to limited career opportunities, their voices are often silenced. That’s why spreading awareness and challenging these stereotypes is crucial.

We have many wonderful members of our community living with Down Syndrome. They are each invaluable, and words can’t express the joy they bring to the lives of those around them on a daily basis. 

Luke and Karlee are two of them! To acknowledge World Down Syndrome Day, they were generous enough to share their insights (with the help of their parents), for us to gain a deeper understanding of down syndrome, and what we can do as a community to increase accessibility and as this year’s theme calls for; end stereotypes.

Luke

25 year old Luke lives life to the max! He manages to make time to keep social and stay fit, while balancing his five-day work week. Luke’s goals are based on health and well-being, making new friendships and maintaining his current role.

His NDIS plan supports these goals, as Luke continues to receive allied health therapies that keep his health and wellbeing goals on track, and attending group programs supports his desire to form meaningful friendships.

Luke’s mum Angela, says, “Through Therapy Care Luke has matured, made new friendships and connections. Being a part of the Therapy Care community has given Luke the opportunity to create a social life away from family – all while looking after his fitness goals.”

She continues, “Luke loves going to the gym and going away with support workers (buddies) for holidays or weekends. He particularly loves the activities he partakes in during these trips such as surfing. A recent highlight has been his stay at the zoo where he got to feed a giraffe!”

When asked about what he wants people to know about living with Down Syndrome, Luke said, “I want everyone to know that people with down syndrome are happy, caring, loving and always eager to please.”

Karlee 

24 year old Karlee has a big heart and cheeky attitude! 

“I love music, making TikTok videos and I love hanging out with my friends and family. I also like to party and have a few alcoholic drinks too,” she says.

Karlee sometimes finds it frustrating that she is unable to do things or be as independent as her older sister. Karlee talks about one day getting her drivers licence and having a baby of her own. 

Like Luke, Karlee lives a very full, colourful life. She loves her job, where she works three days a week, and in 2023 won Employee of the year! She attends Therapy Care’s day program three days a week and goes to exercise physiology and gym sessions five days a week (where she especially enjoys boxing).

Karlee’s current goals are getting fitter and healthier. She also is hoping one day to be able to catch public transport on her own, to and from work.

Karlee is currently making progress toward this goal with Therapy Care’s support. Karlee is undertaking travel training, where she’s learning how to use her travel card, locate transit points and travel routes, and time trips.

Karlee loves attending day programs and going to the gym with Therapy Care. She says, “I really love all the great support workers and friends I’ve made over the years since joining the Therapy Care community.”

When asked what Karlee wants people to know about Down Syndrome, her mum Kelly said, “I think the main thing that Karlee would like people to know about living with Down Syndrome is that they just want to be treated the same as everyone else. They have a big heart, are very loving, they are non judgemental, very caring and have a great sense of humour.”

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a condition where an individual has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes may be classed as “packages” of genes in the body that determine how a baby forms and how it grows. 

In Australia, approximately 1 in every 1,158 babies will be born with Down Syndrome and while the cause remains a mystery, the impact is clear. Down Syndrome can present a range of challenges, both intellectual and physical, alongside some related medical conditions. 

To learn more about our range of allied health services and daily living supports at Therapy Care, get in contact with our team: 

1800 861 898

info@therapycare.com.au 


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February is a special month – it’s Recreational Therapy (RT) Awareness Month! At Therapy Care, we’re excited to join the celebration of this incredible therapy, our dedicated RT therapists, and the participants who benefit from Recreational Therapy support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Why Recreational Therapy Matters
Recreational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities recover and heal through engaging activities. They work towards various goals, including:

✔ Community Entry and Re-Entry (Individual and Group-Based)
✔ Functional Skill-Building (from shoelace tying to numeracy and literacy goals)
✔ Problem Solving and Memory Skills Enhancement
✔ Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills
✔ Promoting Engagement and Shared Attention

Recreational Therapy Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of participating in activities that aid people with disabilities in their journey to recovery.

The Role of Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapists are skilled professionals who work with individuals of all ages and abilities. They design and facilitate leisure and recreation programs tailored to support, challenge, and enhance each person’s social, spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical well-being. These therapists are instrumental in healthcare, utilising evidence-based practices to help individuals reach their goals.

Spotlight on Our Talented Recreational Therapists

Therapy Care’s Recreational Therapist, Hussen, shares her journey into Recreational Therapy:

What led you to pursue a career in Recreational Therapy?
I was drawn to Recreational Therapy through my passion for combining leisure activities with reaching goals, creating a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Critical skills for participant support:
My critical skills involve tailoring activities to individual needs, fostering a supportive environment, and adapting plans as necessary.

What I love most about being a Recreational Therapist:
The most fulfilling part is witnessing participants discover joy, resilience, and progress through leisure and recreational activities.

Being part of the Therapy Care community:
Being part of Therapy Care provides a collaborative space where ideas and experiences are shared, enriching our collective knowledge and approach.

Thoughts on Recreational Therapy Awareness Month:
During Recreational Therapy Awareness Month, I celebrate the transformative power of recreational therapy in enhancing lives and promoting overall health and well-being.

Therapy Care’s Operations Manager, Karlie, reflects on her journey:

What led you to pursue a career in Recreational Therapy?
I initially started with a bachelor of health science as a health promotion officer. After meeting with a career advisor, I added recreational therapy as a second major. This combination allowed me to work directly with clients and understand diverse health needs.

Critical skills in daily support:
My skills as a recreational therapist help me make critical decisions around incident management, problem-solving, and understanding NDIS services. These skills support my role as operations manager.

What I love most about being a Recreational Therapist:
I appreciate how it has taught me to work with participants and problem-solve challenges. These skills are transferable and help support the team when needed.

Being part of the Therapy Care community:
Therapy Care understands both client and staffing needs, providing employment opportunities and valuing innovative ideas. The community has an excellent reputation for support provision.

Thoughts on Recreational Therapy Awareness Month:
Recreational therapists can support participants and staff in numerous ways, promoting positive mental well-being through leisure and recreational engagement.

If you’re interested in learning more about our recreational therapy and our wide range of allied health services at Therapy Care, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:

Phone: 1800 861 898
Email: info@therapycare.com.au


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The NDIA is currently rolling out the NDIS PACE system; a new billing system that comes with a wealth of knowledge. You may be wondering about the implications or asking yourself, “How does this affect me? Do I need to do anything?”

We are going to dive into how the new NDIS PACE billing system impacts participants and the most important things you should know. 

What Is It and What Are The Changes?

The role of the new PACE system will change how NDIS providers bill for services you receive via your NDIS funding. This means that your providers will need to access the new PACE system.

The new PACE system and my NDIS Provider Portal have been designed to replace the current online system and My Place Portal. This roll out commenced at the end of October 2023 and is projected to be completed by February 2024. 

Throughout the implementation of the PACE program, you can continue to work with your current providers. 

The system will provide an option for you to give providers consent to view various aspects of your plan instead of the entire plan. 

NDIS Plan Changes

You may be wondering how this new billing system may impact your NDIS plan and what changes will be a result of this. 

There should be no changes to your allocated amount of funding within your NDIS plan or any future plans you may hold within the PACE system. 

All current NDIS plans will remain unchanged alongside those that have a rollout before February 2024. After February 2024, all new NDIS plans will utilize the new PACE formatting. This formatting will not change any of the information within your plan, rather, it will be an easier read. 

Overall, the new PACE plans will offer greater flexibility for participants as the funding in NDIS plans will be built at the support category level. 

The four support types in the PACE system are:

  1. Core
  2. Capacity Building 
  3. Capital 
  4. Recurring 

As well as this, PACE will see an increase from 15 support categories to 21. The change in support categories has been implemented to ensure it is easier for participants to understand and keep track of their funding and support services under each category. 

The additional six support categories are all stated support, which means they can only be utilized for specific supports. 

The new support categories are:

  1. Home and Living – Core
  2. Behavior Support – Core
  3. Assistive Technology Repairs and Rental – Capital 
  4. Specialist Disability Accommodation – Capital 
  5. Recurring Transport – Recurring 
  6. Specialist Disability Young People Living in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) – Cross Billing Core

What do NDIS Participants need to do

When using funds, all participants with specialist disability accommodation, home and living supports including SIL and behavior supports will need to have their providers nominated as My Providers in the PACE system, otherwise their claims will be rejected automatically. 

Plan Reviews

All existing NDIS plans will continue as usual with no impacts due to the introduction of the PACE system. When you have a new plan, you will automatically be enrolled into the PACE system with the new plan. 

Benefits of the new PACE System 

You will receive more flexibility on how you spend your funding through your NDIS plans due to the category-level funding. Due to this, you will have greater control over how you utilize your NDIS plan and be able work alongside your  provider to ensure you are utilizing your plan to best meet your NDIS goals. 

The introduction of the PACE system represents a significant step forward in streamlining the billing process for NDIS participants and providers. Although initially there is a substantial change, the end goal is to enhance the participant experience and offer greater flexibility within NDIS plans. 

As always, if we can help support you in any way, please reach out to us via: 

1800 861 898

info@therapycare.com.au 


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International Day of People With Disability is held on December 3, 2023. The theme for this year is: ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’ 

This day is a great opportunity to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community for the 4.4 million Australians with disability. In Australia, on International Day of People with Disability, the government, schools, individuals, businesses, community groups and organizations come together to focus on how to strive for inclusivity with the annual theme in mind. 

The goal of International Day of People with Disability is to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. Therapy Care is championing these efforts to continue to raise awareness and take the necessary steps to create a more inclusive environment for all people with disability. 

As International Day of People with Disability is an awareness day that is very close to our hearts, the Therapy Care team and community would like to celebrate the day by shining the light on some of our participants at Therapy Care. 

We asked participants for some information about them and their disability, their current goals, what they enjoy about Therapy Care and for some fun, if they could have any superpower what it would be!

Our participant, Leanne said:

Could you please give us an introduction on who you are?

My name is Leanne and I have cerebral palsy.

What do you wish people knew about your disability?

It’s just the way I am, it’s what I’ve got.

What are your current goals?

I would like to be able to go shopping! I would like to learn to read more because I always have baby books and I just get upset with myself and I give up. So that is what I would like to be able to do. 

What do you like about being a part of Therapy Care?

It’s excellent, everyone is helping me out, they’re all good people and I like being here. It is the best thing that I am doing. 

If you were a superhero, what would you want your superpower to be? 

No flying, I’m scared of heights! I would want to be strong!

Our participant, Milton, said:

Could you please give us an introduction on who you are?

My name is Milton and I’ve got a learning disability with reading and writing. 

What are your current goals?

I would like to go away and travel.

What do you like about being a part of Therapy Care?

I like day program.

If you were a superhero, what would you want your superpower to be? 

I’d be superman. 

Thank you to some of our valued participants here at Therapy Care for assisting us in understanding life with disability and raising awareness. To learn more about our support services, day group program, respite and range of allied health services at Therapy Care, get in contact with our team: 

1800 861 898

info@therapycare.com.au 


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This year Occupational Therapy Awareness Week runs from 23 October – 29 October 2023. The theme for this year is: Unity Through Community.

The goal of Occupational Therapy Awareness Week for 2023 is to celebrate occupational therapists, highlight the role they play within society and the allied health space, and embrace our occupational therapy community. 

All over the world, occupational therapists play a critical role in helping people participate and engage with their community through many different means. 

Whether delivered under the NDIS or privately, occupational therapy ensures an individual’s daily living environment is safe, supportive and functional, and that the equipment they access is performing adequately. Our team of dedicated occupational therapists work collaboratively to provide quality support to assist participants in achieving their NDIS goals. 

With each participant, our occupational therapists conduct functional capacity assessments to identify the most suitable form or forms of therapeutic intervention  for each client. This includes therapy and assisted living support aids. This approach ensures we find the right support and equipment for each participant.

There are a multitude of benefits that come from engaging in regular occupational therapy services such as access to home modifications and adaptive equipment, an increase in cognitive function, assistance with life transitions, assistance provided to caregivers and improved strength and endurance for functional tasks.

To celebrate Occupational Therapy Awareness Week, we would like to shine the light on one of our newest occupational therapists, Jaspar and the work that he does here at Therapy Care. 

Jaspar has a Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Occupational Therapy and through his career, has obtained a wealth of knowledge and experience in both hospital and community clinics.

Growing up with siblings living with disability ignited Jaspar’s passion to find a career that allowed him to support people. But it wasn’t until Jaspar became a qualified occupational therapist that he realised just how much of a difference he can now make in people’s lives. Jaspar loves supporting people toward regaining or enhancing their daily living and work skills.

Jaspar is passionate about working in the disability sector as he believes that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves to feel confident and respected. He enjoys helping people realise they have an important place in our community and that their unique experiences and perspectives matter. Jaspar has always wanted to be part of the movement that encourages everyone to see the value and potential in each person, disability or not.

Jaspar has been working closely with one of our lovely participants, Cooper. We spoke to Cooper’s mother to learn more about Cooper’s experience at Therapy Care and what he enjoys about his occupational therapy sessions with Jaspar.

Why do you like Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy assists with everyday activities other people take for granted. I know without the additional support Jaspar provides to Cooper he would still be the shy, quiet, non-engaging little boy he was prior to meeting Jaspar. By teaching him things like toileting, writing/fine motor skills, he also helps to build his confidence with navigating uneven surfaces.

What is your favourite thing about Therapy Care?

Therapy Care has listened to our concerns with Cooper and prepared a Therapy plan to combat all his challenges. Jaspar is so patient with Cooper and extremely kind to him even when he is having a bad day, that makes it a lot easier for Cooper to process what is required from him to complete the set tasks Jaspar has given him.

What is your favourite thing about playing with Jaspar?

Jaspar makes learning fun, and he knows how to get the best result out of a child who previously would not cope with strangers in his presence. Jaspar knows when he can push the limits with Cooper and when to pull back. This is a great quality for any therapist who can get these results after such a short period of time with any client, especially one as young and on the spectrum as Cooper is. I could not have found a better suited therapist for Cooper.

Therapy Care ensures our allied health services are tailored to each individual need in order to provide essential support and assistance to help you reach your NDIS goals. To find out more about our Allied Health services, feel free to contact our team via: 

1800 861 898

info@therapycare.com.au 


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This week (August 20-26) is Speech Pathology Week 2023. Therapy Care is championing Speech Pathology Australia‘s efforts to spread awareness about communication disabilities and the role of speech pathologists. Communication is a basic human right, which is why the work that Therapy Care’s speech pathologists and speech pathologists everywhere do everyday should be recognised.

The theme for Speech Pathology Week 2023 is, ‘Communicating for life’. This year Speech Pathology Australia is highlighting the skillset, qualifications and dedication speech pathologists bring to their role in providing more than 1.2 million people with support to more effectively communicate. 

To celebrate and raise awareness of speech pathology week at Therapy Care, we spoke to two of our talented speech pathologists, Kira and Teena. We asked the duo about their thoughts on speech pathology, their passion and what led them to pursue a career in speech pathology. We also touched on the skills they implement to support their patients toward better communication, what they love about being a speech pathologist and asked them what it’s like being part of the Therapy Care community.

Kira, our Allied Health Manager and Speech Pathologist at Therapy Care said:

What led you to pursue a career in speech pathology?

I wanted to work with people in a career where I can develop long-standing relationships with participants I see. Witnessing the progress and growth of clients can be immensely satisfying and create a sense of fulfilments. I wanted to be able to support communication and give others a voice.

What are the critical skills you implement daily that support your patients to increase their communication?

Our therapists support a multimodal approach to communication so can support communication through verbal means, written, signs and gestures and visuals. We look at using a variety of stimuli to support someone’s communication.

What do you love most about being a Speech Pathologist?

Being able to increase someone’s access to the world around them. I love that working on communication and literacy can allow someone to access information that may have previously not been possible.

I love the impact of what we do, communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and participation in society. SLPs play a crucial role in enabling individuals to communicate effectively, express themselves, and understand others. This impact can be profound, especially for those who were previously struggling to communicate.

What do you love most about being a part of the Therapy Care community?

I love that the community is diverse and has a wide range of people with different backgrounds and stories. I love that the Therapy Care community works toward a more inclusive and accessible society. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say about Speech Pathology Week?

I feel this is a very important day to increase exposure and awareness about speech pathology. This will help to:

  • Enable the early identification and intervention of communication disorders in children, ensuring timely support. 
  • Break down the stigma associated with seeking help for communication challenges, promoting a more accepting and understanding society. 
  • Raising public awareness educates people about the profound impact of speech pathology on communication skills and overall quality of life. Additionally, heightened awareness leads to increased advocacy, encouraging support, funding, and resources for speech-language services. 
  • Moreover, it empowers individuals to seek assistance, fostering improved self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Teena, our Speech Pathologist at Therapy Care said:

What led you to pursue a career in Speech Pathology?

I was unfamiliar with the field of speech pathology until my younger brother encountered challenges with articulation. My inclination toward speech therapy grew after participating in those sessions and seeing the progress. In the same year I graduated from high school and decided to pursue a degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology. 

This choice was very much influenced by the guidance of the speech therapist who had assisted my brother. After completing my Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology, I decided to explore this field even more and decided to pursue my Master’s degree. 

What are the critical skills you implement daily that support your patients to increase their communication?

I believe that growth and learning takes time, therefore, speech therapists should be equipped with patience, acknowledging small steps and gradual improvements. Another skill I firmly uphold is consistency. Through maintaining a consistent presence and interaction with our participants, we cultivate a foundation of trust, reliability, and a feeling of security.

What do you love most about being a speech pathologist?

When it comes to what I like about practicing speech therapy, it would undoubtedly be the creativity that this field demands. One of my lecturers once stated that speech therapy is akin to an art form, seamlessly blending science, research, and the act of creation. He says art, as every therapist contributes their distinctive touch, shaping the practice in diverse and meaningful ways. 

What do you love most about being a part of the Therapy Care community?

Therapy Care has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from allied health fields such as occupational therapy and recreational therapy. This collaboration enhanced my ability to offer comprehensive and well-rounded support to my clients.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about Speech Pathology Week?

I would like to say that Speech Therapy has not only allowed me to make a positive impact, but it has also been a journey of personal growth and development. Witnessing the progress and transformation in those I’ve worked with has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve found immense satisfaction in being able to contribute to their communication skills and overall well-being.

To learn more about our speech pathology and range of allied health services at Therapy Care, get in contact with our team

1800 861 898

info@therapycare.com.au 


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We’re thrilled to announce Therapy Care has a new Group Program Centre! The Whalan-based residence will initially host our Enrichment Club, and in the coming months, will welcome our Life-Skills and Mind-Full program participants.

We chose this private space based on its ability to accommodate our participant’s needs and its potential to host an extensive roster of activities. Our hope is that this safe space will increase our participants’ abilities to engage, connect and learn.

We’ve also refloored, refurnished and repainted, to make the space more accessible and inviting. We know our participants thrive in a familiar and homely environment, so it was a no brainer to invest in making this space exactly that!

The facility has a spacious indoor area and fully functioning kitchen. Our team has filled the facility with interactive games, a painting area and construction stations. This array of inviting activities provides participants with multiple opportunities to explore their creativity, learn something new, or engage in an activity they know and love. The full-functioning kitchen is the ideal space for participants to work with our Chef, Stephen. Together, they will prepare healthy and nutritious meals.

Outside, we have installed an interactive area, which includes a sandpit and veggie patch. While our participants are already involved in caretaker duties – where they’re learning so much about growing produce, we have big plans for the coming months. Participants will work together to transform the current veggie patch into a fully thriving vegetable garden! Participants will then continue to care for and harvest from the garden in the many cooking activities that will follow.

There will also be a collective of animals that participants can interact with on a regular basis. We already have our beloved resident, Ginger Spice, who sparks lots of joy and indulges in many pats!

As you may have picked up on, one of the focus areas of this space is to play out ‘from-pasture-to-plate’. Through this journey, participants will take care of animals and the garden with tangible outcomes. They will see how rewarding it can be to grow produce and care for animals (particularly of the egg laying nature), and develop the confidence and skillset to cook nutritious meals in the kitchen.

The facility has plenty of parking and is close to a bus stop, a suite of local shops and multiple venues. Our day programs will be making use of the local community and venues for day trips.

We believe this space will be the base of many life-long learnings, meaningful friendships and memorable moments.

Introducing Therapy Care


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At Therapy Care one of our core values is ‘building enduring relationships’. This value is carried out in all aspects of the support we offer, including comprehensive plan management, daily living supports, social supports, therapy supports and in our group programs. Our team considers each participant’s core values, interests and personality traits, and matches them with a support worker or therapist who they will not only feel comfortable with, but has the specific skill set to meet their needs.

Today we will be spotlighting the enduring relationship between support worker Sarah and NDIS participant Joseph and Sarah have been working together for the last two years.

“Joseph and I have built a strong and trusting friendship over the past two years. I’m able to comfort Joseph in his times of need and celebrate special milestones with him,” says Sarah.

Joseph lives with renal failure, a history of stroke, and early dementia. Under the NDIS he currently receives therapy gym sessions twice a week, personal care, transportation and social outings.

“I have found that Joseph’s health both physically and mentally has dramatically increased since joining Therapy Care,” says Sarah.

Joseph’s current NDIS goals include:
✅ Building independence
✅ Increasing communication skills
✅ Utilising different equipment in gym sessions
✅ Building strength

Joseph’s journey has been a bumpy road due to his health conditions but he still always manages to stay motivated. In the last eight months, Joseph has gained an understanding of how receiving consistent support under the NDIS can benefit his lifestyle. For example, his social outings have encouraged him to communicate with people within the community and socialize with others outside of his family network.

“Joseph and I love to have a good laugh together and go out for lunch with one another. Joseph has a caring personality and is willing to help make anyone happy,” says Sarah.

Joseph’s philosophy is, “if you have the opportunity to help someone take it, because you never know when you may be the one needing help.”

We’re so proud of how far you’ve come Joseph, and are excited to continue watching you on your journey.

 


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It is Schizophrenia Awareness Week this week (May 22-28) and this year’s theme is ‘connecting with hope’. The theme aims to provide a platform for those living with Schizophrenia and share important information so that everyone can better understand the condition and break down harmful stigmas surrounding mental illness.

At Therapy Care, we understand how important it is for many people living with schizophrenia to find connections that form a strong support system. This is why we’re passionate about providing holistic support that includes daily living support, social support, therapy support and plan management, rather than isolated and disjointed sessions.

Today we will be shining the spotlight on two of Therapy Care’s participants, Lloyd and Lee who both live with Schizophrenia. Lloyd and Lee have both been a part of the Therapy Care community for a number of years and are outstanding advocates for the achievements of people living with disability. During their time at Therapy Care, Lloyd and Lee have formed a close friendship and use their NDIS funding to partake in programs such as the Mind-Full group day program and short term getaways together. These programs allow their friendship to grow in a safe, supported, and fun environment that strengthens both men’s support systems.

Lloyd has been a Therapy Care participant for 3 years, Lloyd’s NDIS funding allows him to attend both exercise physiology sessions and the group day program five times a week. Lloyd also sees Therapy Care’s psychologist and dietitian fortnightly. Jai, one of Therapy Care’s Exercise Physiologists, has been working with Lloyd to achieve his NDIS goals in the gym.

“Lloyd’s adherence to exercise has improved significantly and he has mentioned that he feels better physically and mentally every time he completes a gym session. Lloyd’s attitude and purpose in life have improved as he works to the best of his ability to enhance his overall wellbeing,” says Jai.

One of Lloyd’s long-term goals is to gain employment in order to increase his independence and social skills. Therapy Care Allied Health assistants Helen and Jas have been working through the employment process with Lloyd including writing a reference letter, submitting his resume, and finding appropriate jobs that Lloyd is enthusiastic about.

Lloyd’s current NDIS goals are:
✅ Maintaining a healthy weight
✅ Gaining employment
✅ Increasing independence

Inspired by Lloyd’s dedication to his daily gym sessions, Lloyd’s friend and NDIS participant Lee has decided to begin weekly gym sessions. The two men constantly support each other to remain motivated and explore new forms of therapy. Lloyd and Lee have built an enduring relationship during their time at Therapy Care. Often people living with disability can find it difficult to find friends who can relate to their journey and are truly understanding of the challenges they face. However, once these friendships grow, they can provide the encouragement, confidence and support needed for one another to achieve goals they never thought possible.

“Lloyd has become my best and most trusted friend. We recently went on a Therapy Care short term getaway together that took us out of our comfort zones and to new and exciting places. I see Lloyd as a younger brother to me, I have his back, and know that he has mine,” says Lee.

Lee is currently in the process of writing a book that focuses on his personal experience of living with Schizophrenia. Therapy Care has been working with Lee to support him in the process of writing and finding resources for publishing.

“I hope that through my book others gain insight into what it is like to live with Schizophrenia. I hope that my book can connect with others and provide them with some sort of hope.

“To me, writing is therapeutic and a way for me to express my emotions and experiences,” says Lee.
Lee’s current NDIS goals are:

✅ Working with his clinical psychologist to gain a greater understanding of his mental health
✅ Increasing confidence with technology and computer skills
✅ Increasing health and fitness

We are so proud of Lloyd and Lee and how far they’ve both come. We look forward to continue supporting them on their journey.


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It’s National Pain Week (July 25-31) and this year’s theme is about increasing awareness of the Triple-A Standard of Care:

  • Awareness
  • Accessibility
  • Affordability

The theme aims to recognize the importance of chronic pain sufferers receiving holistic support in all aspects of their life, and advocates for those living with chronic pain.

Living with chronic pain can often be debilitating and extremely isolating for individuals, making it critical for those living with these conditions to build a strong support system. That is why at Therapy Care, we’re passionate about providing holistic support that includes daily living support, social support, therapy support and plan management. We know how important continuity of support, rather than isolated and disjointed sessions, is. We also advocate for innovative developments in our local community and broader society that increase accessibility options for those living with disability.

Today we will be shining the spotlight on Therapy Care participant Dianne. Dianne lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic pain disease that causes painful swelling of the joints. Dianne has been a part of the Therapy Care community for five years. Under the NDIS, Dianne receives daily living supports, household cleaning and one-on-one social supports.

Dianne explains, “My support workers Martha and Sarah assist me with showering and household cleaning as well as other everyday tasks around the house. This type of support gives me a sense of independence and allows me to complete activities in a safe and comfortable manner.”

“It is very important that my relationships with my support workers are built on trust and that I have confidence in their ability to listen to my requests and understand my needs,” says Dianne.

One-on-one social supports give participants the opportunity to increase social interaction through building an enduring relationship with their support workers. These supports can also provide participants transport to and from social interactions, as well as companionship and support while they complete everyday tasks such as grocery shopping.

“During my one-on-one social support, my support workers assist with taking me to various activities and appointments such as weekly bingo, catching up with friends and grocery shopping. I enjoy the social element of this time as I can relax and engage in conversations with the support worker outside of my normal daily routine,” says Dianne.

Dianne’s current NDIS goals are:

✅Improving fitness levels

✅ Maintaining exercise routines

✅Increasing social opportunities

“It is so important for me to have independence in my daily life, especially as my husband is my main career. Little things, that I would not be able to do alone; like shopping with my support worker to buy him a valentine’s day present have become so important and fundamental to my sense of self and our relationship,” says Dianne.

This National Chronic Pain Week Dianne wants to spread awareness about the importance of the triple As of care.

“Listening to the limitations and fragility of those living with chronic pain conditions is vital. When the needs of people living with chronic pain are taken seriously, awareness, accessibility and affordability genuinely improve and we see positive change in our society,” says Dianne.

Although there is currently no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, it’s so important that Dianne has support on hand to reduce the severity of her symptoms.

If you have a chronic pain condition and need support living day to day and managing your symptoms, feel free to reach out to us via:

info@therapycare.com.au

02 9626 8119


Therapy Care Western Sydney
2/55 Campbell St
Blacktown, NSW 2148

Therapy Care Brisbane
5/1472 Boundary Rd
Wacol, QLD 4076
Spic N Span Gold Coast
13/99 West Burleigh Rd
Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Thrive on Therapy
Suite 15-16, 49-51 Thomas Dr
Chevron Island QLD 4217
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