Having lost a grandfather to Alzheimer’s, Leah decided to pursue a career in neuroscience.

Early in her career she become involved in studies exploring the relationship between the olfactory system and neurodegeneration, in particular pre-clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Cases of Parkinson’s have doubled in the last 20 years and researchers are expecting those numbers to double again in the next 20 years, mainly due to lifestyle and environmental factors.

However, Leah and her colleague Professor Kevin Barnham, recently published a paper in the Journal of Parkinson’s disease warning there may be an even sharper spike than previously predicted, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loss of smell, one of the key symptoms of COVID-19, is also one of the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Witnessed in 90% of patients it indicates potential inflammation of the olfactory bulb in the brain.

Within the team at the Florey, it was Leah herself who identified COVID-19 as a potential primer for Parkinson’s disease.

“We already know that many viruses can induce Parkinson’s by causing inflammation to the brain,” she explains.

While a mosaic of genetic and environmental factors are understood to increase a person’s risk of Parkinson’s disease, the exact cause of the disease remains elusive and is supported by a theory known as the dual-hit hypothesis.

This hypothesis suggests illnesses (such as COVID-19) or injury cause an initial inflammation of the brain which is then further aggravated many years later by either a secondary illness, environmental triggers, such as pollutants and pesticides, or simply old age causing further inflammation to the previously damaged tissues and potentially leading to the development of Parkinson’s.

There is already some evidence for this as a dramatic spike in Parkinson’s cases was witnessed in the years following the Spanish Flu outbreak in the 1920s.

“Loss of smell is often one of the earliest indicators of Parkinson’s. Usually appearing more than a decade before motor symptoms,” Leah explains.

“The co-existence of other symptoms such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and constipation can also be a sign of early Parkinson’s,” she explains.

Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s and treatment solely focuses on managing symptoms. However, Leah and her team are hopeful new research may lead to breakthroughs in early diagnosis and intervention for Parkinson’s.

“With early diagnosis we can start to halt the speed of brain cells deteriorating, potentially preventing some of the more debilitating symptoms.”

The Florey institute are also working on multiple bids to access government funding to conduct further research into this possible connection between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s and establish national screening tools that could make early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease a reality.

Outside of her research, Leah continues to do what she can to support Parkinson’s research. Participating in Parkinson’s Victoria’s, 27 for Parkinson’s Fundraiser. Committing to walk once a day for 17 days in October [link: https://www.parkinsonswalk.org.au/my-fundraising/2546/leah-beauchamp].

Regular exercise has been proven to be one of the best ways to help manage symptoms.

Leah’s advice for those who suspect they may be at risk?…

“If you’ve had COVID-19 and aren’t recovering as quickly as you’d like, particularly if you experienced loss of smell, we recommend speaking to your GP as soon as possible.”

If you would like to find out more about Parkinson’s or support Leah in her fundraising campaign please see the links below.

Parkinson’s SA
Parkinson’s Australia

The Florey Institute

Leah’s 27 for Parkinson’s fundraiser

The recent release of the new NDIS

Participant Service Charter, including Participant Service Guarantee, and Participant Service Improvement Plan provides a road map for how the NDIA will better serve Participants, the service timeframes that will be met, and changes to be made to ensure the Scheme meets community expectations into the future.

The Participant Service Charter outlines the NDIA’s commitment to providing Participants with a service that is:

• Transparent – making it easy to access and understand information and decisions.

• Responsive –responding to individual needs and circumstances.

• Respectful – Recognising individual experiences and acknowledging that Participants are experts in their own lives.

• Empowering – Making it easy to access information and be supported.

• And, Connected – Allowing Participants to access the services and supports they need.

Included in the Participant Service Charter are new timeframes for NDIS service delivery processes, known as the Participant Service Guarantee.

The Service Guarantee is intended to provide Participants with a guide as to how quickly they should expect a response decision from the NDIA regarding services, plan approval, plan reviews and nominee changes.

The NDIA will retrospectively measure itself (where possible) against the proposed Participant Service Guarantee timeframes from 1 July 2020, ahead of the anticipated legislative change.

The NDIS Service Improvement Plan details Scheme changes and improvements to be made in the next two years. It details the practical steps that will be taken to ensure the NDIS lives up to the expectations of Participants, their families and carers, their providers, the broader community, and the NDIA.

The NDIA will continue to work with service providers and the disability community to facilitate ongoing advice and feedback and has outlined a commitment to transparency through the process.

We look forward to seeing the changes taking place over the coming years.

Downloads:
Participant Improvement Plan
Participant Service Charter

For Carol, the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious concern. Having previously suffered a stroke that left her with some memory loss and a suppressed immune system, Carol was one of many clients considered high-risk.

Confined to the home since the start of the pandemic, she has been unable to attend the regular art therapy classes, mahjong and bridge club meetings that she loves, activities that provided her with a chance to get out of the house, socialise and as Carol puts it, ”keep the mind sharp”.

Keen to fill the gap, Carol has since been tutoring Assured Support Worker Josh in regular sessions of “virtual” bridge.

During a casual conversation – prior to the enforcement of serious self-isolation restrictions – Josh, one of her regular support workers, expressed an interest in learning bridge.

“I grew up playing 500 with my family,” Josh explains.

“Bridge is basically a more complicated version of that, so I’ve been wanting to give it a go for a while now.”

As a long-time member of the Unley Bridge Club, Carol offered to teach him to play online using a website called Bridge Base. The ability to play online has provided an excellent opportunity to continue socialising safely in isolation, while also sharing her expertise.

“Carol’s been very patient with me throughout,” Josh laughs.

“There are a lot of rules in Bridge, and many of the meanings behind the cards aren’t always obvious,” he says.

“It requires a lot of strategy and a good memory. The best players remember every card that’s been played.”

“But, I’m slowly getting up to speed.”

Accessibility isn’t always easy

Previously a high-level competitive player, Carol’s condition was already restricting her ability to participate prior to COVID-19 restrictions.

Having recently lost a leg due to complications with blood clots, Carol now requires the use of a wheelchair.

“I will be able to walk again with a prosthetic, but because of the virus, my rehabilitation had to be put on hold,” she says.

Even before COVID-19, “It’s not been easy to get around!” she explains with frustration.

That’s where Josh came in, providing transport assistance.

“He’s got a big car, which is a huge help.” explains Carol.

“And he’s a strong young lad so he can handle it [the wheelchair].”

Making an impact

While relatively new to the team, having only started at Assured in December last year, Josh is already making an impact.

“He’s booked solid!” laughs Assured Disability Support Partner Meridee as she looks over his roster.

“He has a knack for building a rapport with clients. Often, after one or two shifts they’ll ask for him to return!” she says.

Josh is very humble about this.

“I think I’ve just been very lucky in who the coordinators have matched me with. Good coordinators matching me to good clients,” he says.

Having previously worked in the hospitality industry, Josh decided to get into community support after a conversation with a family friend who also works in the industry.

“I worked in kitchens for about 18 years,” Josh explains.

“But it takes a toll on you physically and I wanted a role that allowed me to be more sociable. To do more for the community, otherwise life gets a bit stagnant.”

“Initially, youth work was where I was heading and I might come back to that. But, at the moment, I’m enjoying just seeing where life goes.”

And, for now that includes two hours every Thursday online with Carol, something she is very much enjoying.

“He’s very quick, got a young brain, so he picks it up quickly,” she says.

“It’s good! Helps test you, and gets the brain working!”

Undertaking new study or changing career paths later in life, however, can be stressful for many reasons. Aspiring Support Worker, Megan, is just one example of someone who is overcoming their fears to make a career change that will see her contribute in a meaningful way to the community.

Already interested in a career change, Megan saw the offer Assured sent out to workers to upgrade their skills to the Cert IV Disability as part of a collaboration with ETEA training and the SA Government.

“I wanted to do it to get involved with helping people more than just simply cleaning their houses,” she says.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions the first half of her course work would have to be completed remotely.

As a mature student with very limited experience using a computer, Megan wasn’t sure if online study was for her.

‘Full of fear’

“I didn’t think it was possible for me. I’d never used a laptop in my life before,” she says.

After voicing her concerns to Assured and ETEA, “They encouraged me to go ahead,” she says.

“They let me know that I am not on my own in having no computer knowledge and that other people in a similar situation have succeeded with this.”

Family support

Despite her concerns and intimidated by using unfamiliar technology, Megan took the plunge and went out and bought a laptop.

With the purchase complete, she took it straight to the people she knew could help her best, her adult children.

“I’d set myself up in either my son or daughter’s house,” she says.

“They taught me how to set it [the laptop] up, how to access the course, and now, 4 weeks down the track, I’ve mastered the computer and am successfully completing my studies.”

“Something I didn’t think was possible!”

For anyone undertaking study, having a strong support network is invaluable.

Megan now feels confident using her laptop and admits she could study at home.

“I actually feel capable enough now to get my son to set up WiFi at my own house…but, maybe not just yet,” she says.

“Studying at my children’s houses, I can also enjoy their company and spend time with my grandchildren.”

Our Support Workers come from all sorts of backgrounds.

As an essential service, the disability and aged care support sector continues to grow, despite global uncertainty around COVID-19. This means we are regularly looking to hire and train new support workers to help us in providing assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

For organisations like Assured, staff diversity is an asset as it means we are better able to match clients to support workers who can connect with them socially, as well as meet their needs physically.

Receiving support is a very personal experience so being able to connect with someone of a similar age with similar interests, someone they can relate to, even for only a few hours a week, can make a huge difference to the general wellbeing of our clients.

This is just one of the reasons we like to encourage interested people to transition to support work at any stage of life. No matter what obstacles, perceived or otherwise, may stand in the way.

Megan, for one, is certainly glad she challenged herself.

“I’ve proved all my fears wrong,” she says.

“You can learn anything at any age. You just need to have a go.”

—-

If you’re interested in a career change and willing to challenge yourself like Megan, ETEA are now taking expressions of interest for their next round of study.
Visit the ETEA website to find out more:
https://www.etea.edu.au/certificate-iv-in-mental-health/
https://www.etea.edu.au/certificate-iv-in-disability/

The changes mean that, from the 1st March, NDIS Participants will be able to use their core support funding more flexibly to claim costs of transport to and from NDIS funded community-based activities.

The decision reverses an unpopular earlier mandate that ‘blocked’ participants from using funds in this way, enabling Participants to reallocate costs of transport, including those who already receive a periodic payment for transport.

The NDIS will soon release an updated Price Guide, including transport rates and costs, which have been set as the following:

• up to $0.85 a kilometre for a standard vehicle not modified for accessibility;
• up to $2.40 a kilometre for a vehicle that is modified for accessibility or a bus; and
• other forms of transport or associated costs up to the full amount, such as road tolls, parking, public transport fares.

Further Information:

Visit the NDIS website, click here

Our Director, Michael de Jong, spent some of his holiday time supporting indigenous communities around the Eyre Peninsula region.

Michael has an enduring love of the Eyre Peninsula and Ceduna district, and a fascination with local indigenous communities, having visited the area many years ago and meeting with some inspiring folk from the local Oasis Church.

The church, and participating groups, have been running a successful school holiday program for many years, providing free entertainment and performance opportunities, arts and crafts, games and activities for around 200 underprivileged kids and youth in the Ceduna area and surrounds.

Michael volunteered his time to transport kids from Koonibba, an Aboriginal community 40kms out of Ceduna to attend the program daily.

Assured Home Care also sponsored 12 indigenous girls from the Far West region to represent the State at the National Indigenous Netball Championships on the Gold Coast in late January.

Through the support of donations, which went to cover uniforms, shoes, transport and accommodation, the girls had the opportunity to test themselves against some of Australia’s best, achieving good results across all divisions. It was a pleasure to play our part in helping the girls succeed.

Back at home base, we were pleased to lend support to some other worthy causes.

We had a visit from the Kindness Kombi in December in the lead-up to their ‘A Merry Kindmas’ event celebrations.

Held at Semaphore on Christmas Day, the event is designed to provide a safe, inclusive space for all to enjoy, with free food, drinks, games, chill-out areas, and entertainment. Christmas can be a challenging time for some, and these guys did their bit to spread the kindness around, providing a fun place to hang out with lots of other kind people!

It was our pleasure to donate a gazebo and beach shades for the event, as well as a $100 Coles/Myer gift voucher.

We also continued to support local radio station, 1079 Life, through their annual 15-Can Christmas Challenge and outdoor broadcast in Mosely Square in December. It’s our way of supporting a station whose community values align with Assured’s, and to continue to reach out to the local community.

Congratulations to our Christmas raffle winner, Christine, who couldn’t be more excited to receive all of her favourite SA food goodies in the one hamper, “Thank you soooooo much for that awesome prize!! You’ve made my Christmas!”

Ahh, back to work!

Further Information

To find out more about the Ceduna School Holiday program, visit: https://www.cedunaoasis.com/
Get ready for next year’s National Indigenous Netball Championships at https://www.facebook.com/pg/sanunga.netball/posts/

Help spread the kindness vibes at:
instagram: @kindnesskombi
facebook: facebook.com.au/thekindnesskombi

A popular annual event since 2006, the MS Mighty Swim is an amateur relay race, with teams of up to 30 people swimming continuously over a 24-hour period. It is the largest fundraiser event for the MS Society SA/NT, raising awareness and supporting people living with MS in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

This year, around 20 teams took part in the event, which was held at the Unley Swimming Pool on February 8 and 9.

Nevin and his team ‘Nev’s Snorkellers’ took out the honours, completing a massive 733 laps (73.3kms), beating the previously held record of 719 laps, and raising $11,043 in donations!

It’s the first year that Nevin has participated in the event and, with this year’s incredible performance and the enjoyment had by all, will certainly not be his last.

“I was involved with other activities through the MS Society, and had been encouraged to give it a go,” he says.

“Fortunately, I spoke with my Aunty, who is a Lifeguard and she helped me to put together the team and get the word out.”

Speaking of breaking records, Nev says, “We treated it as a bit of a joke in the leadup.”

“My Aunty is also a Junior School Principal and maths whiz, so we looked closely at the stats before the event to see what was achievable,” he says.

“It was a team effort, and I’m really proud of everyone.”

There were many people living with MS who participated in the event, each with varying abilities. Included within Nev’s own team of 19, were 3 swimmers with MS.

“I think it was great for many of our team members who didn’t have much awareness of MS before, to see people having a go,” says Nevin.

“The crowd support was amazing, with people camping out and lots of activities going on poolside,” he says.

“It was a humbling experience for me, being invited to swim the first and final laps for the team, with the sounds of the crowd cheering and clapping,” he says.

“It was just a really wonderful experience.”

Well done, and a huge congratulations to Nevin and everyone on his team!

Overall, this year’s event raised close to $115,000 for the MS Society.

Assured Home Care lent support to the team, sponsoring Nev’s Snorkellers banners and t-shirts.

Further Information

To find out more about the work of the MS Society SA/NT, or to donate, visit https://www.ms.asn.au/
Keep an eye out for next year’s event https://www.teammssant.org.au/mightyswim