Your Monthly Dose of Care (October 2024)

Every month feels action-packed here at CareMatch, but this month, the energy is through the roof! Let’s dive into the highlights from the disability and mental wellbeing sectors, before CareMatch, as October brought monumental changes and awareness.

A world-first human clinical trial to cure paralysis

BIG NEWS: On Monday, October 21, the world-first clinical trial for treating spinal cord injuries (SCI) was announced throughout the media, offering hope to individuals with SCI. Check out more about this incredible news on the human clinical trial for spinal cord injuries.

The NDIS updates its pricing arrangements for complex behaviour supports

October 1 marked a significant update from the NDIS, which revised pricing arrangements to include claims for complex behaviour high-intensity supports.

A month of health recognition

Additionally, we celebrated three important initiatives: World Mental Health Day (October 10), National Carers Week (October 13-19), and Invisible Disabilities Week (October 20-26).

World Mental Health Day highlighted the importance of mental fitness – embracing brain health by avoiding harmful habits, engaging in beneficial activities, and fueling our minds with brain-friendly foods. National Carers Week paid tribute to the dedicated unpaid and paid carers across Australia – our unsung heroes who provide invaluable support to those living with disability. Invisible Disabilities Week served as a reminder that disabilities often extend beyond what is visible, including mental health challenges and chronic fatigue syndrome. Check out initiatives like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

Ability Fest

To top it off, October 26 brought the Ability Fest to Brisbane – a pioneering not-for-profit festival promoting access and inclusion in the music industry, allowing everyone to enjoy the magic of live music. Be sure to check out Ability Fest next year.

Henry’s four years at CareMatch

On the CareMatch front, we celebrated Henry’s incredible four-year journey with us, transitioning from support worker to General Manager. Henry embodies our mission with his goal to “make a real difference – to help people with disabilities live more fulfilling lives while breaking down barriers.” A big shoutout to Henry for his dedication and expertise. We’re excited for what lies ahead as we continue this journey together!

Now, check out everything CareMatch has been up to this month, below.

CareMatch attends Steps to a Cure and The Annual Legends fundraising lunches

On October 19, Tori supported Perry Cross as a guest at the Steps to a Cure Long Lunch event at Cloudland in Fortitude Valley. Hosted by April Coulson, the event is a fundraising initiative for the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation (PCSRF) filled with special guest entertainment, a live auction and inspiring speakers.

Not long after on October 24, Tori and Henry joined the likes of Perry and Linsday Nott at The Annual Legends Lunch, also raising funds to cure paralysis. Held at Black Hide Queens Wharf in Brisbane, the lunch raised an impressive $150K, all while guests savoured delicious food and gained invaluable insights from sports legends like Tim Horan.

Tori and Perry speak at The Southport School’s final senior assembly

On 17 October, both Tori and Perry had the honour of speaking at The Southport School’s final senior assembly.

Returning to their old stomping grounds, Tori and Perry shared insights about their unique journeys including CareMatch, the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation and Accessible Homes Australia. The Q&A session highlighted how full-circle events shape our lives, from their shared school history to their efforts in the disability sector.

Coincidentally, this assembly took place during National Carers Week, allowing them to shine a light on the vital work done by both paid and unpaid carers.

Fiona attends the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association 2024 Conference

Also coinciding with National Carers Week, Fiona (our Nursing Manager) attended the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association (ARNA) 2024 conference on October 17-18 here on the Gold Coast.

The event was a fantastic opportunity to hear all the new ways in which we can implement strategies to help our clients and optimise their wellbeing. Fiona’s favourite updates included autonomic dysreflexia, complications from catheters and the impact of PTSD in recovering from trauma. Not only is this an exceptional update on Fiona’s knowledge, but it places our wider team in a great position as she passes this knowledge down.

Building expertise: Fiona and our team expand their skills

Fiona has been training one of our teams specifically on how to support our C2 clients. Caring for a C2 client requires specialised skills, including ventilator management, suctioning of the tracheostomy, skin integrity monitoring, and manual handling techniques.

As part of this, we arranged Matt Malt from the GCUH Spinal Supports Unit to facilitate expert onsite training for this team, focusing on tracheostomy care and emergency management. The training covered critical skills, including how to respond to a blocked tracheostomy, assess the need for assistance, and safely bag a tracheostomy. This session provided invaluable insights from Matt’s extensive experience and expertise.

Overall, these past weeks have been pivotal in enhancing our team’s knowledge and skills to ensure the safest care for our C2 clients.

Super/Man, you have to see it!

This month, Super/Man hit the cinemas. This inspiring film chronicles the life of Christopher Reeve, the iconic actor who portrayed Superman before his life took a dramatic turn following a spinal cord injury from a horse riding accident.

Reeve’s journey and resilience not only shaped his own legacy but also inspired Perry, who many of you will know, to establish the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation (PCSRF), driven by their shared hope of finding a cure for paralysis.

Naturally, Tori, Henry, Fiona and Asher took the opportunity to watch the new documentary together at HOTA. The documentary is incredible, check out the Super/Man trailer and go see it!

Illustration depicting a team celebrating.

Around the CareMatch grounds

Congratulations to Sian Johnston, our October Carer of the Month! Your incredible growth in your role has not gone unnoticed. Described as kind, patient, and humorous, you consistently demonstrate 100% reliability. Your willingness to step up and support your teammates by filling shifts is commendable. We are grateful to have you on our team! Please sing out to us to receive your gift.

Join us in celebrating our October birthdays for Merit Bente (24), Lily Gray (24) and Julian Knap (24) too! We hope you each had a great day. And once again, happy 4 years to Henry Bradford, our General Manager.

Whether you’re a team member, participant, or part of our wider network, thank you for being a part of our CareMatch community. Stay connected with us for more updates, stories, and highlights of the incredible individuals who make CareMatch so special.