Month: October 2023

Self-Care for Carers

Raising a child with a disability can be incredibly stressful. It is well known that chronic stress can cause many health issues, ranging from sleeping difficulties, chronic anxiety, clinical depression and a weakened immune system. While anything medical should be seen to by a doctor, it is also important to look at your life holistically and practice some self-care when you can.

For example:

  • Taking at least one hour of time to yourself a week to do things you enjoy – get a massage, read a book, watch a show/movie,
  • Incorporating a short practice of mindfulness into your daily routine – Box Breathing can help reduce stress and calm feelings of anxiety.
  • Mapping out your network of support so you know who to call upon when you’re in need of some assistance
  • Engaging in a practice of self-reflective journaling

NDIS – When Reviews Don’t Go As Planned (Part 1)

PART 1

I’ve recently been in the position where a scheduled plan review did not go as planned for my son. The LAC (Local Area Coordinator) was vocal in her opinion that my son’s plan had been well funded previously and he “wouldn’t be getting that again”. True to her word, his plan was slashed by 36%, leaving not enough funding for essential therapies, not even core supplies for incontinence.

The journey to rectify his plan is not yet over as will be explained in coming posts. However, he has now been given a plan that is substantially more suitable for his needs.

I would like to share the recommendations and advice that has been given to me in hopes of helping other families finding themselves in the same position.