Your Monthly Dose of Care (May 2024)

Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter.

It’s been another busy month filled with exciting industry news, team celebrations and more. Before we get into it, here’s some other highlights and mentions we thought you might like:

Running for a cause: Dan Boardman, one of Perry Cross’s carers, has been running 30km a day to commemorate 30 years since Perry’s injury and to raise awareness for those living with spinal cord injuries. Support Dan’s incredible cause and donate here (there’s only 2 days left!).

Happy Mother’s Day: We hope all the mothers, mums-to-be, and those on the journey to motherhood, had a great Mother’s Day earlier this month.

Spotlight on “Disabled Mums” group: After overcoming stigma, bias, and a lack of services, Louise Koch, who acquired a brain injury in 2015, founded “Disabled Mums” – an online community where mothers can share stories, ask questions, and find a sense of belonging. Discover more about the Disabled Mums group.

Inclusive employment opportunities: Looking for an inclusive employer or are you an inclusive employer looking to hire? theField.jobs is a revolutionary job site created by, and for, people with disabilities. This platform connects job seekers with disabilities to opportunities offered by inclusive employers. Check out theField.jobs

Great news for CareMatch: We are proud to announce that CareMatch has been re-voted as the Onsite Shared Support (OSS) provider at East Palm Beach for another 12 months! Since launching our OSS service within Accessible Homes Australia’s (AHA) Specialist Disability Project in 2022, we’ve been re-voted back in twice. This is a testament to our incredible staff, and we are grateful to continue providing 24/7 onsite assistance to those with high physical requirements.

Join us at Making Stride’s Open Day

Mark your calendars! On Saturday July 27 from 1-3pm, the Making Strides Ormeau team are hosting their Open Day.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with food, drinks, entertainment, massages, a group session, and gait training – there’s something for everyone.

In the chance you haven’t heard of them yet, Making Strides is an NDIS-approved provider dedicated to delivering a safe space for people to exercise and maintain optimal health throughout their lives. They offer exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and a range of allied health services, all while fostering community integration and social support networks.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event marking their first birthday. RSVP via their Facebook event below.

RSVP

Disability advocacy with Chithrani Palipana

Advocacy is a powerful tool for supporting people with disabilities, providing a voice to overcome barriers and ensuring that rights are protected and upheld.

Whether you, or someone you know, is trying to access the NDIS, obtain necessary services, or appeal an NDIS decision, having an advocate can make a significant difference in achieving the best outcomes for your needs.

Chithrani Palipana is a dedicated disability advocate who devotes her life to promoting inclusivity and championing the rights of people with disabilities.

Learn more about Chithrani, what she does, and how she might be able to help by visiting her website below.

Discover More

Empowering our CareMatch team with enhanced training opportunities

Last July, we made the move to invest in the growth and development of our CareMatch team when we launched our partnership with National Disability Services (NDS) and etrainu. This collaboration provides our staff with access to 100+ training assets developed by NDS experts, that are mapped to meet the 4 core NDIS practice standards.

With an objective to upskill staff and provide better care and support for our clients, it’s now being monitored by our Nursing Manager Fiona Schenk, and supported by our Compliance and Admin Officer Asher Weddell.

Fiona will manage and monitor the platform on a weekly basis to keep everyone up to speed with online theory training. Asher will send out all training in relation to the supports being delivered on a daily basis. If any of our staff require assistance logging into or navigating the platform, please reach out to Asher (asher.weddell@carematchaustralia.com.au)

Apple launches eye-tracking tech

In case you missed this exciting news – Apple just announced they are launching built-in eye-tracking to iPhones and iPads later this year, to help those with a physical disability.

With device control serviced by eye movement, vocal shortcuts and music haptics, we can all use the same iPhone or iPad, with whatever access method is suited to us.

Farewell to Lloyd (for now!)

We are both excited and sad to announce that one of our Team Leaders, Lloyd Johansson, is taking a six-month sabbatical to Greece!

Lloyd has been an integral part of our CareMatch leadership team for the past three years, leading his team with autonomy, dedication and skill. His proactive approach and streamlined management style have made him an invaluable asset.

While we’ll miss his dedication and support, we’re excited for Lloyd and his family to head off on this adventure. We wish Lloyd all the best during his time away, and look forward to his return later this year.

Safe travels Lloyd! Your job will be waiting for you when you get back.

Around the CareMatch grounds

May not only marked Mother’s Day, but more birthdays and work anniversaries to be celebrated. Join us in celebrating the birthdays of Abbie Taylor who turned 28 this month, and Henry Bradford who turned 36! Grace Townley has met her first CareMatch milestone of 6 months, and Brooke Roach has been here for an incredible 4 years!

Carer of the month for May goes to Julie Wolsey. Julie has been a standout team member who goes above and beyond to help us out with shifts, while also providing office assistance. Julie – your hard work is always appreciated.