Living with a disability or recovering from an injury can be a challenge. Canberra is home to a selection of support services that can make life a little easier, whether it is from home or beyond.

Living with a disability, or recovering from an injury, can be a challenging time for anyone. 

Simple tasks can become onerous and the ability to travel to seek help isn’t always the easiest option.

Canberra is home to a selection of support services that can make life a little easier, whether it is from home or beyond.

A decade helping people with complex needs

Committed to supporting a better life for people living with complex needs and disabilities, Greenleaf Care Services founder and CEO Joby George says they are proud to be coming up to almost 10 years of service to the Canberra community.

“We are a registered provider in the ACT for NDIS services,” he says.

“Our vision is to become one of the best community service organisations in the region, while maintaining our ethos as a value-based organisation.”

Initially established in Canberra, Greenleaf now has houses in Canberra, Goulburn, the Hunter Valley, the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

According to Joby, Greenleaf offers several home services, supporting independent living in an individual’s own home and within their housing accommodations.

Their home support services include additional support to assist NDIS participants with personal care and domestic assistance, such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, recreation and transportation.

“We believe our responsibilities extend beyond the day-to-day activities in the home,” says Joby.

“Greenleaf’s staff are passionate, innovative and dedicated to supporting people with a disability so that they can lead an independent life.

“Our mission is to provide high-quality service to all of our customers.”

Currently, Joby says they have some vacancies in their shared housing accommodations across Canberra.

Greenleaf Care Services. Ground floor, Suite 2/17 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 1800 800777 or visit glds.com.au

Reliable help for people in pain

Those living with chronic pain or a disability shouldn’t find themselves stuck without access to reliable help, says Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. 

“We have an occupational therapist (OT) who can do home modifications, home assessments and driving assessments,” she says. 

“We can also assist people with their assistive technology needs, which includes wheelchairs and scooters.”

According to Rebecca, an OT helps people retain their autonomy in daily tasks, such as personal care, movement and driving. 

“It’s a rewarding experience to see the difference Arthritis ACT’s services make in the day-to-day lives of those who require them,” she says. 

An allied health practice with a difference, Rebecca says they have physios, exercise physiologists and OTs available, as well as a team of peer workers, many of whom have lived experience of the conditions they support others with. 

“Arthritis ACT offers ongoing programs for people who need any type of support with their chronic pain or debilitating fatigue conditions,” she says. 

“These kinds of services make such a big difference in people’s lives, and help open up doors,” says Rebecca.

“We want to provide them the support they need so they can participate fully in the community.”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

 

All the help with diabetes support at home

Managing diabetes is easier with the support of a healthcare team, says Diabetes Australia general manager, NSW & ACT Health Service Operations, Natalie Smith.

Diabetes Australia’s ACT clinic provides telehealth appointments that offer a clinic visit to be conducted via video or a phone call with a diabetes educator or dietitian. 

“You can have a consultation with a qualified health professional who will assess your needs, offer expert advice and help you manage diabetes from the comfort of your home,” she says. 

“If you’re looking for dietary advice, support with prediabetes or practical health strategies, our virtual clinic is designed to provide additional high-quality care without having to leave home.” 

Ongoing high blood glucose levels can damage body parts, including feet, heart and eyes, which is why Natalie says it is important to seek the right support to prevent or delay many of these effects. 

“If you want to make a change but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help,” she says. 

Natalie says those living with diabetes qualify as those living with a chronic health condition and are therefore entitled to a Medicare rebate on five allied health service appointments every calendar year. 

“If you want to access these services, talk to your GP who can create a Chronic Disease Management Plan and provide you with referral letters,” she says. 

Diabetes Australia. 19 Moore Street, Turner. Call 1800 177055, or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

Helping seniors remain informed and connected

Ageing can bring challenges, but no matter where you are on your ageing journey, Council on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) can help, says CEO Jenny Mobbs. 

“With a range of programs and services, we can assist you to remain informed, connected and inspired to live life to the fullest,” she says. 

COTA ACT has a free Housing and Ageing Options program that provides individual advice and information on housing and aged-care support options. 

“Practical support is the cornerstone of what we do,” says Jenny. 

“Our office is a busy hub of activity and our team deals with hundreds of phone calls, walk-ins and enquiries each week.

“We know that what works for one person, isn’t right for another, so our knowledgeable housing advisers are able to explain your options so you can make the right decision based on individual circumstances.” 

Jenny says the program is designed to explore a range of options for seniors, from staying in their own homes, moving to another home or retirement village to accessing support to help seniors stay at home, as well as care options such as dementia-specific care, respite care and residential aged care.

COTA ACT. Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes. Call 6282 3777 or visit cotaact.org.au

Tailored services for compassionate support

Providing in-home support services across the Canberra, Queanbeyan and Yass regions, Simply Helping ACT and Queanbeyan managing director, Ann Avci, says: “Whether it’s helping someone get out in the community, maintain a safe and clean home, or simply have companionship, we’re here to support.” 

With tailored services for each individual, Ann says they cover everything from aged care, disability support (NDIS), domestic assistance, gardening and home maintenance, personal care, social support, respite, ironing, decluttering, dog walking to much more. 

“We take the stress off families by providing reliable, compassionate help, whether it’s for a few hours a week or ongoing daily support,” she says. 

“We also provide ourselves with quick response times and personalised care.

“You’re never just a number to us.” 

Ultimately, Ann says their support helps people stay in their own homes safely, feel more connected and live with dignity.

“Sometimes it’s the small things, such as a friendly chat, a clean kitchen, or a tidy yard, that has the biggest impact,” she says. 

Offering free in-home consultations to chat about different support services, Ann says their goal is to make life easier, safer and more enjoyable for the people they serve. 

“Our team is made up of experienced, kind and culturally diverse staff who reflect the communities we serve,” she says.

“We understand the importance of language, culture and connection, and always do our best to match clients with the right support worker.”

Simply Helping ACT and Queanbeyan. 540/15 Moore Street, Canberra. Call 5101 4043 or visit simplyhelping.com.au

Retirement village offers independence and support

ADRIA Care combines access to important facilities with a feel of privacy, making it the perfect place for retirement, a spokesman for the village says. 

“There’s close access to Cooleman Court and Woden Westfield, but we are surrounded by reserves and parklands making it a very peaceful atmosphere for residents,” he says.

Located in the heart of Weston Creek, Adria Care, which has two dedicated respite rooms and a special care unit, offers residential care for 42 residents. The village also contains 36 independent living units.

It offers residents a wide range of things to do, and that they can get involved as little or as much as they’d like.

“We have an active residents’ committee who organise lots of get-togethers. Residents can play cards, go to morning teas and happy hours, enjoy exercise, and much more,” he says.

Established in 1994 by volunteers of the Croatian community of Canberra and Queanbeyan, the village is home to a multicultural group of people.

“We have residents [from] Australia, Croatia, China, France, Macedonia, Hungary and more,” he says.

“There are great residents and great staff committed to the best outcomes for the community.”

Adria Care, 89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. Call 6288 0198, or visit adria.org.au