Annie in wonderland

  Hey all so I live with two other housemates many people live in shared houses these days well into adulthood, but mine is what they call in Australia a Sil (supported independent living). The NDIS (national disability insurance scheme) fund it, and we have in the house beings called support workers that help us in what they call ADL (Activities of daily living) But watching and observing support staff, do there jobs one thing I see is major is not something you would expect but some staff in this area have great attention to detail, and just in general, to the point that I am moving a teddy bear by stealth and all but one member of staff have noticed, But I have let the housing manager know and they are going to do something brilliant they are going to use at about how attention to detail is so important in support.  But as my housemates have complex needs, they are responsible for dressing them and their level of hygiene. These are some outfit ideas, and I know that cho...

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about why I don’t dive into “on-the-ground activism” in the disability community. While I respect the passion behind it, my approach centers on accountability, respect for support staff, and a focus on the bigger picture. Here’s why I’ve chosen a different path. Accountability vs. Excuses In my experience, accountability is often misinterpreted as negativity. My approach emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Yet, I’ve noticed that when I bring up the need for accountability in disability support structures, it often rubs some people the wrong way. Instead of acknowledging areas where we could improve, disagreements are often dismissed as ableist. But accountability isn’t criticism for the sake of it—it’s a crucial part of ensuring that services work as they should. Respecting Support Staff A big part of advocacy should be about building respect and understanding for support staff, who work hard within the l...

Introduction In my recent video, I explore a phrase we hear far too often in disability support: "in the best interest of the client." On the surface, it is a guiding principle for thoughtful, respectful care. But in reality, it’s often used to justify choices that leave clients out of the conversation entirely. In this blog post, I want to expand on the video’s key points, exploring how this phrase can shift from an empowering concept to a way to control or dismiss people’s choices—especially when cultural, medical, and disability-specific viewpoints clash. "Best Interests": A Weaponized Phrase In the video, I discuss how this phrase is frequently weaponized, turning what should be a supportive idea into a tool for restriction. When someone claims to be acting "in the best interest of the client," they may mean well, but it’s often used to make decisions without the client’s input. Instead of empowering choice, it limits autonomy, favoring assumptions ove...

 In support work, knowing your clients is key to providing effective and respectful care. This begins with reading their care plans before meeting them, asking thoughtful questions, observing their responses, and understanding their living situations. Your role is to work with their environment, not against it—a principle that some support staff, unfortunately, overlook. Take, for instance, clients who live in a family home. It's important to build a professional relationship with the family while recognizing that supporting the client means, to some extent, supporting the family as well. At the same time, situational awareness is critical—you must know your boundaries. Helping clients with tasks, like chores, is part of fostering their independence. However, it's equally important not to overstep and be seen as the housekeeper. In cases where the family or client has the necessary funding, suggesting they hire a cleaner might be a more appropriate solution. Situational awarene...

Understanding the Recent NDIS Changes: What They Mean for Clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has undergone significant legislative changes, and it’s important to understand how these will impact clients moving forward. These changes were introduced through the NDIS Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Act 2022 and reflect updates designed to streamline services, enhance participant outcomes, and prepare for the future of disability support. In addition to these changes, discussions around the role of support coordinators evolving into navigators are a key feature in the National Disability Roadmap . In this post, we’ll break down the most significant changes to the NDIS, what the potential shift to navigators means, and how this fits into the overall disability support strategy. 1. Participant Service Guarantee The Participant Service Guarantee is a cornerstone of the recent NDIS changes, ensuring quicker and clearer processes for decisi...

Every day is a new journey in the world of support work and community nursing. What better way to capture those moments than with a playlist that fits the vibe of each task? From housing duties to night shifts, here’s a soundtrack that’ll keep you going through it all. **Housing** – *All the Small Things* by Blink-182   For all the tiny tasks that keep things running smoothly, from missing slippers to remembering the milk. Small things matter! **Day Centers** – *Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous* by Good Charlotte   On those long days, you might imagine trading in for a life with no paperwork and a little more luxury. You deserve it, right? **Day Trips** – *On the Road Again* by Willie Nelson   Nothing captures the joy and unpredictability of day trips like this classic. Whether it’s a road trip to a local park or a big outing, you’re always back on the road again! **Sail-Ability** – *We Go Sailing* by Rod Stewart   For days on the water, this son...

  An open letter to support staff and I want to say that this is not all support staff and care givers but I have to express this frustration that isn't just mine alone it is at boiling point when we have asked for change and the only way to get it is to wear the labels with pride, dignity and to not give up the fight.  If your having a negative reaction to this letter I would ask you to open your mind and heart and question why, as this is my lived experence of having " well trained expert,"s caring for me in my own home.    Dear Support Staff I understand that this is your job and I am your responsibility, but can I tell you my side of the story and why in your words I don’t “engage,” It is on your terms because of a myriad of reasons that I can understand yet when I speak up, directly to staff I am considered the problem, I live to hear and yet I am needing to put up with clients you favor when I am needing help. You seem to have no situational awareness to ho...

Support work is a complex dance of assistance, respect, and mutual understanding. However, within this intricate interplay, there lurks a troublesome specter: the "too posh to wash" attitude, which can manifest on both sides of the support equation. It's time to confront this issue head-on and pave the way for a more balanced and effective approach. Let's start with support workers. It's not uncommon for us to occasionally slip into the trap of feeling "too posh to wash." We may find ourselves hesitating at tasks we deem beneath us, forgetting that our primary role is to support, not to be served. But here's the wake-up call: if we're asking our clients to step up, we need to lead by example. Every task, no matter how mundane, contributes to the well-being of those we assist. However, if these tasks become overwhelming or too frequent, it might be time to consider alternative solutions, such as introducing a professional cleaning service into the...

    So this has been on my mind for a while now and it’s the outright misinformation that is out there about disability and the NDIS, I am finding despite the chorus of content creators trying to educate people the legacy media seems to be louder and more persistent, but at the core lets be real the system is broken and we need to do better for everyone from support staff to Allied health professionals that write the reports to get us the funding we need at times that funding isn’t enough and then that is where the blame game starts around cost blowouts and people gaming the systems. So that brings me to the hairy end of the topic is the blame game and people thinking that participants have it easy( if you’re your decision maker it’s not) it can seem like a full-time job and this is where people get so wrong about who to blame as there is not an easy fix but there is several that are starting to emerge, the cost guide cap is a big one. Cracking down on dodgy providers and ...

  In the intricate dance of navigating life with invisible disabilities, there's a crucial partner often overlooked: support workers. These individuals play a vital role in providing assistance and ensuring that those with disabilities can navigate daily life with as much ease as possible. However, when support workers fail to understand the unique needs of individuals like myself, it can lead to frustration and challenges that could easily be avoided. Let's take a closer look at my own experience. Living with ADHD, epilepsy, minimal brain damage, Shojrin's syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy presents its fair share of obstacles. Yet, it's not just the disabilities themselves that pose challenges; it's the lack of understanding from those tasked with providing support. Despite my efforts to communicate my needs, some support workers have struggled to grasp the nuances of my disabilities. For instance, ADHD isn't just about being easily distracted; it encompasses...

In the realm of home care and support services, the presence of illness can significantly alter the dynamics of caregiving. When a person falls ill within the confines of their home, the need for assistance and support amplifies, highlighting the indispensable role of support workers in such situations. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which support workers can offer invaluable aid and comfort when illness strikes in a household. Provision of Physical Assistance: Support workers are adept at providing physical assistance to individuals who are sick. This can include helping with mobility issues, transferring the person from one place to another, or assisting with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing and dressing. Their training enables them to handle various medical equipment and aids effectively, ensuring the comfort and safety of the individual under their care. Administration of Medications: When someone falls ill at home, managing medications becomes crucial. Suppor...