All About Taking Care

What a remarkable start to 2020 it has been. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, I hope you are all keeping safe, well and calm during these challenging times. I am so pleased South Australia has been progressively seeing some good results. Rest assured, we are following all advice from Government and health officials, following increased precautions, client screenings and hygiene practices to ensure we can continue to deliver our services during this time. 
 
In this edition, we have some great news and product updates to share. More about those below, but first I’d also like to highlight an issue that participants may need to consider when using Assistive Technology that has been funded by the NDIS.
 
Under the scheme, the NDIS provides the funding to enable participants to access reasonable and necessary Assistive Technology (AT) to reach their potential and improve participation in the home, community and the workplace. It’s important to understand that once the AT is supplied, the participant is the owner of that AT, not the Scheme or the Agency. 
 
It is then the participant’s responsibility to maintain and care for the AT. Like any item you own that has worth or is of great importance, you would take reasonable steps to protect and care for it. This approach should also be considered for AT that has been funded and is key to your daily needs. 
 
The NDIA will support the participant to do this and, as required, will cover ongoing reasonable and necessary expenses associated with the maintenance and care of the AT. Participants should always think about how the equipment should be cared for and if they require support to do this, discuss it with the NDIS planner, particularly when a new plan is being considered. This is typically seen as a repairs and maintenance budget included in the plan, or a replacement item for one that is identified as outgrown or worn out. Other ways to do this may include listing the item in household contents or vehicle insurance policies in case anything unforeseen should happen.
 
What plans should I put into place to cover me if my AT equipment is damaged or stolen?
 
Being prepared and having a plan in place in case something goes wrong is particularly important, as it will save you time and stress. Thinking about the “what if” situations, and the impact it would have if you lost access to your AT, is worthwhile. We encourage you to talk with your NDIS planner and the other people who support you to discuss what protections and plans need to be put into place to suit your individual situation. It is important to take control of your circumstances and not leave things to chance. AT plays an important part in your life and finding yourself suddenly without it can be stressful. Ensuring that you are prepared and having a plan in place will put you in the best position to overcome the loss or damage of your AT in a timely manner. 
 
If you have equipment funded by an organisation other than the NDIS, different circumstances will likely apply. You will need to contact the funding body to confirm what this means for you.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any enquiries.

Spotlight on: Chill Out Chairs

Are you looking for a seating solution that promotes relaxation? When it’s time to sit back and chill out, here are three different products providing support and comfort. 
 
The Gravity Chair by Medifab features a deep seat well, which utilises the natural pull of gravity to support the child into the seat. The design features a snug fit around the hips and high sides to provide lateral support with comfortable contact and security in the chair. The makeup of the chair is soft enough to absorb any spasms and gently brings the child back to a corrected posture as they relax. The new fabric range provide a stylish upgrade and offers a breathable or wipedown option.
 
The P Pod provides excellent postural support for young children, while allowing them to actively participate with the family. With a bean bag design and vibrant colours, the P Pod features a moulded foam liner that provides excellent positional support and comfort. The seat consists of three components: the Positioning Pod, a moulded foam liner that provides optimal postural support; the Bolster Support, which assists with upright positioning; and a bean bag base. A range of accessories are also available, including a foot support, activity frame and different tray options.
 
The new Recliner Support System from Special Tomato is an innovative solution that can provide extra support for children with special needs when using an ordinary household recliner. The system attaches to your recliner to provide a firm yet comfortable platform for positioning the hips and pelvis. The adjustable 5-Point Chest Harness and 3-Point Pelvic Harness assist to safely maintain a stable, well-aligned position and the adjustable height headrest promotes a midline position of the head. The leg supports discourage excessive adduction/abduction and rotation of the hips and hyperextension of the knees. The easy to clean drape is secured to protect furniture and can also be integrated with Soft Touch Liners to provide additional support.

In Detail: Carrot Car Seats