At AHC, we believe in the power of creativity for personal growth. With our support, Damien has been able to tap into his artistic talents.

For Damien, art is a way to embrace his cultural roots. With our assistance, he’s on a journey to reconnect with his Indigenous heritage, and it’s making a positive impact on his life.

You’re welcome to visit our Whyalla office to see Damien’s artwork in person.

Join us in celebrating Damien’s journey and learn more about our services on our website. Together, we’re here to empower individuals to thrive and embrace their heritage.

AHC has been fortunate to secure some housing options in Whyalla which are ideal options for Supported Independent Living participants. Three houses are now available for NDIS participants in< Whyalla and they have the following characteristics:

• 4 Bedrooms, Ratio 1:1 or 1:2, Wheelchair accessible
• 4 Bedrooms, Ratio 1:1 or 1:2, No wheelchair accessible
• 2 Bedrooms, Ratio 1:1 or 1:2, No wheelchair accessible

NDIS participants and their families are welcome to enquire about these options and how AHC can better support them with different options, services, and pricing. Support Coordinators in the Eyre Peninsula region are encouraged to contact the AHC team to visit the houses and discuss any potential referrals from their clients.

All AHC’s vacancies can be found here: AHC’s SIL Vacancies
AHC can also support NDIS participants who need access to the community, additional assistance with in-home services or need Support Coordination or Plan Management. The team at AHC can be reached
at 08 83742444 or enquiries@assuredhomecare.com.au.

“It was not really a normal day”, Michael states, “I dropped Julie off at Ashford hospital for a day procedure, and I woke up feeling unwell. I told myself I would head back to bed once I drop her off and sleep it off”.

“When she called a few hours later to be picked up, I knew something was wrong. At that stage, I wasn’t sure, but I thought it could be having a stroke. Since nobody was home, and I couldn’t talk nor could I use my mobile, I made the decision to drive to the hospital to get help. 

“In hindsight,” Michael says ”It probably wasn’t the best decision, as I could have had an accident, however, I was thankful I made it to the hospital”. 

Once at the hospital the nursing staff recognised the signs straight away and called an ambulance. They also administered some medication, and Michael was rush to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

“After I was admitted to hospital, it was confirmed that I had, indeed, had a stroke. At that stage, the hospital staff wanted to urgently identify the time that the stroke had started happening, because this, as I was later to learn, is a critical factor in what treatment you receive and how effective it will be.” Michael shares.

“As his wife, I felt helpless, scared and confused “, Julie said, “I guess I was in shock, I didn’t really know what was happening, and what to expect. The hospital staff were very supportive, and they had a dedicated stroke nurse who kept me informed on what the doctors were saying. It was a confusing time, because Michael couldn’t identify what a simple object was, for example, when the doctor pointed to his watch, and asked Michael what it was, he said it was a cup.” I thought he was being silly, I didn’t really know what to think, it was very confronting and scary”.

Michael spent the next 2 weeks in the royal Adelaide hospital and was then transferred to FMC for 2 more weeks. During his hospital stays he had lots of care, and rehabilitation and rest. 

“You don’t realise how tired a stroke victim gets “ Julie said, “they have had an injury to their brain, the doctors describe it as having a bruise on their brain that needs rest and time to recover”. 

The first 6 months is when the most healing happens, however it can take 2 years to fully recover from a stroke, or at least to get to a new normal.

Michael is home now and has resumed a slower lifestyle to the one prior to the stroke. Before the stroke, Michael was very busy, besides working fulltime at Assured Home Care, he was also heavily involved in his church community, his grandson’s basketball team, as well as doing charitable work in the community such as bread deliveries to those in need and serving in the aboriginal and youth ministry in Ceduna.  

“As much as he would love to resume these activities again, he simply hasn’t got the capacity to do even half of what he used to”, Julie said. “He needs to ensure rest is a major part of his daily routine, otherwise he struggles with major fatigue which can affect his mood and cause irritation. It’s certainly an adjustment for us both, and we are learning and adapting to this new pace.”

Michael would like to bring awareness to all our support workers about the signs and symptoms of a stroke, but also the lifestyle factors that can lead to it. Please check out the stroke Australia website for more information.

The shoes, made in Germany, draw on the skills of orthopaedic specialists, sports physicians, biomechanics and orthopaedic footwear technicians.

Why Foot Mechanic Orthotics ?

Foot Mechanic Orthotics provides specialised knowledge of shoes for specific conditions and Mr Scott says the shoes can help anyone with foot pain including Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Diabetes.

“The shoes have a wide toe box and helps those with diabetes because of the depth in the shoes, especially when one considers how those with diabetes can suffer a lot of ulcers. There are also shoes to help with aches and ligament damage,” Mr Scott said.

“The high-ankle boots and shoes are really strong and if a patient has a foot deformity, or leans inwards, these shoes support the ankle and stop the feet from rolling in,” he said.

“They also help with easing aches and providing support for ligament damage. What we insert into the shoes provides so much support. These are very strong shoes. We work with anyone from aches and pains to foot deformities.

“We also understand that the underlying problem may not always be located around the area of the body that develops the pain or symptoms. In some cases, the problem may lie in a number of areas, such as poor posture, leg length discrepancies, tight or poorly toned muscles.

“We will assess you to find the best shoes to support your daily needs,” Mr. Scott said.
 
Foot Mechanic Orthotics will provide you with the style of Foot Orthoses that best meets your needs. Some of these may also include:

· The treatment and follow-up of surgically and conservatively treated Capsular Ligament

Lesions of the Ankle

·  Certain Bony injuries of the Ankle and Foot, such as stress Fractures

·   Ankle Sprains

·   Ankle Arthritis

·   Loose stiffness

·   Prevention of frequent Ankle injuries

There are a range ORTHOTECH ACTIVE SHOES also designed for:

·   Health-conscious athletes

·   45/50+ and active seniors

·   Standing and walking professions (for example, physicians in clinic/ practice)

·   Therapy and rehabilitation measures (for example, after hip surgery)

Mr. Scott said he runs his business from Adelaide and will cater to every individual. “We custom make the shoes. I measure the feet and over many years have found these shoes to offer the best support to the ankle” he said.

“ORTHOTECH combine high-tech and design with the experience and medical know-how of Orthopedic Shoe technology.”

Foot Mechanic Orthotics can provide you with a Foot Orthoses to address your biomechanical issues.

 To discuss this or any conditions, call Mr. Scott on 0413 135 002 to assess which shoes may best suit your feet or email admin@footmechanicorthotics.com.au

Jeshua’s love of drama and acting started in primary school with school concerts and Wakakkri Competitions, however it was his role as the ‘boy who cried wolf’, where the flame really ignited.

In high school he performed in the school choir as well as with the Tutti Ensemble at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre a disability inclusive group as part of a special collaborative schools’ performance.

Disability No Barrier for Drama Teacher

Jeshuas mother Annette, explained that in year 10 Jeshua discovered the lunch time drama club. The drama teacher had a rule of no watching and asked him to leave but he refused. Seeing, Jeshua had a disability, she decided to let him stay and watch. The next week he returned to the club and Jeshua could recall everything they had practiced. Seeing his talent, regardless of his disability, the teacher asked Jeshua to join the drama class. This teacher nurtured his talents looking at what he could do rather than what he couldn’t, becoming her star pupil.

Jeshua enjoyed many performances with the club as well as taking on drama as a subject. In year 12 Jeshua had a lead role in his drama class performance, earning himself a non-modified A, which his former drama teacher notes as one of her teaching highlights.

Jeshua’s love of theatre lead him to backstage work experience at Hopgood Theatre, as well as backstage crew for Stage25s 2012 Camp Rock and 2019 Venture Company’s production of The Mister Misty Mystery.

Jeshua however loves to perform and is a highlight at Grow Church with each year performing at least one monolog at Christmas. The church congregation look forward to him performing and encourage him greatly. At church he is a valued member also serving on the host team welcoming everyone, the cleaning team as well as the data team. Annette told me being included gives Jeshua a since of value and he thoroughly enjoys it.

Jeshua is extremely busy following his passion of drama and is a member of No Strings Attached theatre company one of South Australia’s premier disability drama company. Jeshua also performed with the Phoenix Variety and Music Group where he performed in their last production of Robin Hood as Alan A Dale, Clein Tell and King Richard.

Jeshua is currently rehearsing for end of year productions and has a lead role in one of them.

Assured Home Care has Support Workers available to assist you with social and community participation. To book a support worker call 08 8374 2444 or email enquiries@assuredhomecare.com.au or visit our contact page.

Owner Maggie Domarecki and her dedicated team of artists assist people with all different types of abilities, to create an array of artworks.

Maggie’s classes accommodate individual passions and abilities to assist meet creative aspirations.

“Our team helps develop and enhance creative skills, and interests in a variety of mediums for people with a disability,” Maggie said.

“We also encourage people with a disability to pursue their own style. From traditional to contemporary art. We teach skills across a wide range of mediums and subject matter,” she said.

“This is also a fun environment where anyone can come in and spend time painting, or drawing, or doing whatever type of art they most prefer.”

The Glenelg-based studio in Adelaide is a hive of color and activity where many life events are celebrated such as art birthday parties and Kids Art classes.

There are also a variety of school holiday workshops as well as ‘paint and sip’ classes. With art proving to be a relaxing activity, many use their time at the studio to relax and unwind from their daily stresses.

“We have students of different abilities from many different age groups. We have had people paint with their mouth and feet and are flexible in accommodating them to be comfortable as possible when creating art,” Maggie said.

“We also encourage people to pursue their own style. From traditional to contemporary art. We teach skills across a wide range of mediums and subject matter,” she said.

“This is also a fun environment where anyone can come in and spend time painting, or drawing, or doing whatever type of art they most prefer.”

The Glenelg-based studio in Adelaide is a hive of color and activity where many life events are celebrated such as art birthday parties and Kids Art classes.

Disability Art Classes

There are also a variety of school holiday workshops as well as ‘paint and sip’ classes. With art proving to be a relaxing activity, many use their time at the studio to relax and unwind from their daily stresses.

“We have students of different abilities from many different age groups. We have had people paint with their mouth and feet and are flexible in accommodating them to be comfortable as possible when creating art,” Maggie said.

“We teach all forms of art to all types of people. We have had some blind students create art and we will work with people of any ability, to keep them motivated. We cater to all types of art, at any level,” she said.

Not only is art in play, Maggie also organizes ‘Crafternoons’ where craft is created from makeshift items.

“For example, we were painting a denim jacket. We could use furniture, we create collages and we’ve even made old bags out of jeans.

The Changing Canvas Glenelg offers a selection of classes, art supplies, workshops, art parties, and commissioned art for any occasion or project.

Call on 08 8295 7922 or (0409)196 619 to find out about the many different Art classes and workshops on offer daily, from Monday to Saturday or visit their Facebook page.

Social inclusion is something we believe strongly in at Assured Home Care, and if art is something you are interested in then we can assist. Assured Home Care can make available support workers to assist clients to attend class. To book a support worker contact Assured Home Care on 83742444 or email enquiries@assuredhomecare.com.au

Dignity for Disabilities was the Motivation

Catchy Covers Clothing specialise in making fashionable, adaptive and dignified clothing for people of all ages with disabilities and more senior citizens, that enable clients to eat, work and play with dignity.

Owner Erika Pfaff started the business after a friend who was support worker in the disability sector, showed her a clothing protector used in her organisation when adult clients had their meals at home and dining out in public.

Erika explained ‘’The garment was essentially a large baby blue coloured “baby bib”. We were both saddened and horrified that the client be subjected to such undignified apparel. My friend asked if I could develop anything that looked better but was still functional.” we needed to find fashion that provided dignity for disabilities.

Erika took up the challenge, and commenced her journey of developing innovative, aged appropriate, respectful items for people with disability of all ages and aged care clients.

The clothing line is designed to assist clients retain self-esteem and dignity but also feel fashionable and comfortable. The garments are made with durable quality fabrics with a variety of different options available including waterproof or towel backings on some garments.

Types of garments Erika produces include:

CLOTHING PROTECTORS: Fashionable, Trendy, Clothing Protector Covers in  T- Shirt Designs. Individually handmade, designed especially for Aged Care and Disability of all ages to blend in with everyday clothing. An assortment of trendy T-Shirt designs, with towel or waterproof backing.  Made with 100% Cotton, will last going through many Hot Washes and Hot Dryer and still looking amazing. Slip over the head or have open back with adjustable snaps.

BANDANA BIBS: Triangle style, neck ribbing style or made to your size, length and needs as every one is different. Towel or water proof backing, can be made with more absorbency with a premium cotton lining inside.

ONSIES: Made to your needs and requirements. Zip is sewn in the back to make it hard to reach to avoid undressing behaviour. All different lengths can be made with snaps in the crotch or shoulders. Full Length with feet for Winter, to keep Cosy and warm when the bed covers come off. Helps preventing wandering hands up the legs. Longer, snug fitting elastic ribbing used for arm cuffs, also to deter wandering hands up the arms.

SNUGGIES: Ideal for wheelchairs to wrap around with arms free, keeping snug and warm, relaxing watching TV etc.

SPLIT BACKS: Pretty nighties, t-shirts, wind cheaters for greater ease of dressing.

FRONT FLAP IN PANTS: Great for catheter uses, no problem!

Check out more of the range at https://www.catchycoversclothing.com.au/

Catchy Covers Clothing is a registered NDIS provider and can be contacted by calling

 0427 549 985 or emailing catchycoversbyerika@gmail.com

Assured Home Care is passionate about providing dignity for people with disabilities and this is one of the many ways this can be achieved, in a simple practical way. In our training, we instil into our support workers the importance of treating people with respect and dignity, this is a basic human right.

Personal presentation and style effects not only how people treat and respond to the individual but it also has been shown through various studies to effect the way a person feels about them self. Author of the book Love my Shape states that “Physical appearance speaks first when impressions are being formed and empowers you by building self- confidence and self-esteem which then influences the other areas of your life; same holds true for persons with a disability. Clothing is an area that is often overlooked when people think about dignity for people with disabilities.

To book a support worker that provides dignity for people with disabilities contact us.

Often students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those with intellectual disabilities can struggle at some schools with average student attendance prior to enrolling at Indie school sitting at 40%.

Head of School at Indie School Elizabeth, Scott Dirix, who is a trained Primary and Middle school teacher, said they are there for ‘kids who don’t have a chance’.

Mr Dirix said feedback from parents of students attending the Indie school has been extremely positive.

“The parents are so happy about the positive mental health of students. They tell us, for example, ‘we are so grateful to have our son back’, since the school provides a nurturing learning environment, triggering positive changes in their home life too,” Mr Dirix said.

With dynamic learning techniques available, the school caters to students with all styles of learning abilities and fosters a flexible educational experience. The school is federally funded and doesn’t charge parents any fees, including for school excursions.

Autism Specific Learning Techniques

The school liaises with Royal Life Saving South Australia in order for students to obtain the Bronze Medallion. Students can also avail themselves of extracurricular activities and vocational skills including Certificate I in Hospitality and Certificate II in Digital Media.

Curriculum areas such as English can see the utilization of video gaming technology and pop culture as the basis for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) & Australian Curriculum (AC) English at the school.

“We try to be really engaging and interactive in the way we teach and students learn. We want the curriculum to be fun and are gamifying the curriculum means it may also include playing video games during some English lessons as well as writing journals, reviews, and reflections,” Mr Dirix said.

“The school operates under three core pillars meant to bridge the gap for students with ASD and other intellectual disabilities, who have struggled at other schools in the past,” he said.

Operating under the pillars of ‘wellbeing, learning, and agency’, wellbeing is seen as the central pillar of the program, where they believe everything staff and students do is impacted by their current state of wellbeing.

After surveying our students about their needs, it became apparent that a range of issues that could be encompassed under the banner of ‘wellbeing’ needed to be addressed for students quickly to remove barriers to engagement in learning, and also to help them live happy, safe and successful lives.

Learning is the core business and at Indie School Elizabeth, they strive to ensure the curriculum is fun, engaging, and accessible to all students.

Agency is the third pillar that exists in order for students to build life skills that enable them to be successful and independent adults.

The school incorporates eSports and is expanding with a Salisbury campus due later this year. For more information on the school, contact Scott Dirix on 0409895911 or at Scott.dirix@indie.edu.au or go to the website www.indieschool.edu.au

At Assured Home Care, we believe in making a positive difference to peoples lives everyday, including those on the Autism Spectrum. Assured Home Care provides services that can assist people on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to engage and be active in the community. If you are an NDIS participant and would like to learn more about our range of services and how we might best be about to assist you drop us an email at enquiries@assuredhomecare.com.au or call us on 08 83742444.

http://www.indieschool.edu.au

“We have seasonal classes for people to book and over time, the school has also helped foster friendships. For example, two women met at their first cooking class and now ask to cook together at the same bench,” Ms Krollig said.

Sprout Cooking School manager, Emilee Krollig said the instructors break the cooking demonstration down to make it easier for participants.

“In the classes we break the demonstration down into more manageable pieces. We do sweet and savoury dishes and after creating the savoury dish, we’ll go into the dining room and eat, then head back in to do a sweet course,” Ms Krollig said. I’m told eating was Jett’s favourite part.

Ms Krollig said the classes were designed to equip anyone to prepare fresh healthy meals at home.

“The hands-on cooking classes are tailored to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, allowing participants to learn new skills and become more confident in the kitchen.”

Inclusive Classes

The classes are smaller in size with maximum 12 participants, and run for 2.5 hours. They run in the morning and afternoon so everyone has the opportunity to come along

“Besides culinary skills, it’s been great for people to meet others in similar circumstances to them.

The Sprout kitchen incorporates improved disability accessibility including wheelchair access and adaptable kitchen equipment. Sprout Inclusive cooking classes are available for both NDIS participants, as well as non-NDIS participants who may require additional support and assistance.

Carers and Support Workers are encouraged to attend.

People can book ahead for classes by visiting

Sprout.edu.au, then select ‘Sprout Cooking School Inclusive Cooking classes’

for more information on the Sprout inclusive classes.

For more information, you can also call 08 8443 4343 or email hello@sprout.edu.au

Assured Home Care can provide Support Workers to assist you to attend inclusive classes at Sprout. Contact us at enqiries@assuredhomecare.com.au

Since Isaac loves to clean and serve, this energetic Adelaide teenager originally thought he would volunteer to work in the club’s canteen but after acquiring his First Aid certificate, he has continued training to become a lifesaver.

“Isaac is on course to become a lifesaver. His main athletic goal now is to complete the Bronze Medallion,” Annie said.

Isaac’s steps to becoming a lifesaver, including attaining his first-aid certificate, have been possible due to the ongoing encouragement of his parents. Annie in particular has been Isaac’s main support in encouraging him to achieve his lifesaver dreams.

Annie said she also utilized the services of support workers. This in turn has rewarded Annie with some much-needed time to herself as well as a hearty home-cooked meal once or twice a week.

“Isaac loves to cook so with the help of his Support worker, he has cooked us dinner a couple of times. He also helps his dad with cleaning.”

Support services tailored to specific individual interests

Support services such as Assured Home Care in South Australia provides a break for parents and also customise their support services towards the individual and family needs and hobbies.

“We go out of our way to understand what the individual needs and interests are and will align our support workers with that individual’s passions and hobbies. Some have a ‘one size fits all’ mentality when it comes to support workers but Assured is dedicated to purpose recruit for needs,” said Business Development Manager, Nerida Lamprill.

“If we don’t have a worker to meet those particular individual interests, we will purposely recruit workers to cater for those different areas of interests,” she said.

Ms Lamprill said they offered support services to those in the community who have a disability and who may have needed extra support to maintain their independence at home.

Annie has no regrets about using carers to help Isaac in his journey to becoming a surf lifesaver.

“I helped Isaac as he was learning First Aid so he could pass the test. He is a very determined young man who has also been involved in swimming for years. He also worked as a waiter at a restaurant on Saturday mornings,” Annie said. 

Semaphore Life Saving Club secretary and Inclusion officer Kate Newman saw the potential in Isaac and helped develop his skills. 

“Isaac’s mother Annie contacted us to see if Isaac could join the Nippers but since the highest age for that team is 14, I had him hang out with me for a day and he observed the surf lifesavers on patrol,” Kate said.

“We thought since he was open to it, he could train to become a lifesaver. Why should his Down syndrome be a barrier? He’s signed on as a First Aider and he’s had his first-ever official patrol. We’re supporting him with the next step and ultimate aim of achieving the Bronze Medallion.”

The Bronze Medallion means Isaac will be able to participate in Surf Life Saving patrol operations. This is the core award to be a surf lifesaver in Australia.

Since Isaac is also looking for employment opportunities, Kate said there could be scope for him to work in the canteen’s kitchen, in paid employment, where her husband Greg is the Canteen Manager.

“It’s wonderful to have Isaac here. He’s personable and a bit cheeky as well as meticulous and very orderly. 

Assured Home Care is a family-owned and operated company. They provide care support services to organisations and individuals within the community, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and with support workers located throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Get in contact with a specialist carer here: wordpress-607614-2142536.cloudwaysapps.com/contact