CONVERSATIONS 2 Although the benefits of pottering around in the garden are well documented, physical limitations and other medical conditions can make gardening difficult. But one Aussie invention is revolutionising the way we garden, to make it more accessible than ever. Say hello to Vegepod - the world’s most accessible and pain-free raised garden beds. Not only is the garden maintenance minimal, these compact, waistheight garden beds reduce the need for bending and help to support older people who may be at risk of falls or other injuries. Here are just some of the benefits of Vegepods: • Self-watering technology - plants can last for weeks without watering Amazing growth rates producing nutritious home-grown produce • No chemicals needed to keep pests away • Portable - optional stand, wheels and shade covering 300 - 400 varieties of vegies and herbs can be grown Whilst the government have unfortunately excluded raised garden beds from being purchased using Support at Home funds, we want to show you this great product which you can purchase privately if you wish. Your funding can instead be used for a regular Support Worker or volunteer to spend some pleasant time together with you, tending to your vegetables in your Vegepod. Please contact us to make sure you have the required approvals in place for in-home respite or social support services. Ph: 1800 428 431 vegepod.com.au Maintaining our physical health and mobility is so important as we age, and many older people living at home are keen to improve their strength, balance and independence. There is a range of tailored support available for people living with age-related health conditions and reduced mobility, focusing on low-impact and low-intensity exercises. Your Support at Home budget can potentially cover the costs of recommended assessments, services and equipment to ensure you receive the right type of assistance for your needs. Engaging in regular exercise under the guidance of a health professional can have both physical and mental benefits, improving overall wellbeing and boosting mood. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can create an individualised plan, either in your home or in a group setting, which can also provide a great opportunity to socialise. Having someone present, such as a family member or support worker, is recommended to guide and assist during exercises. We can arrange an assessment that focuses on maintaining your wellbeing and independence while making the process enjoyable. In most cases, Support at Home funds can be used to support your physical health as long as it aligns with your assessed needs, and there are no contributions required for physio-related services. If you believe you could benefit from exercises or physiotherapy, please get in touch for a chat. Product Spotlight: Vegepod raised garden beds Care Plans are a necessary and important part of receiving a Support at Home funding package. A good care plan begins with a range of comprehensive assessments to help build a picture of each individual participant, followed by matching suitable services and supports to meet those assessed needs. Your assessments, goals, care plan and quarterly budget are all inter-connected, and they guide the way your funds are allocated across each quarter. Here are the Top 10 things you most need to know about Care Plans: 1.1 As your provider, we must work in partnership with you to develop and agree on your care plan goals and actions. 2.2 We must provide you with a copy of your initial care plan before or on the day your first care service starts. 3.3 Your SAS assessment and our care assessments are the joint foundations for your care plan development. It doesn’t matter how long ago your SAS assessment occurred - those issues you discussed with the assessor are the reason you were approved for the funding level you have today. 4.4 Your goals, needs and preferences should be reflected in your care plan, and because everyone is different, it must be individually tailored to your specific needs. 5.5 Your care plan must be reviewed and updated at least once every 12 months or as your needs change, for example, if you have been in hospital, experienced a deterioration in health, or if other circumstances have changed for you. 6.6 Your funding level and quarterly budget is matched to your care needs and is meant to be fully utilised to meet those assessed needs. 7.7 Your care plan should include your goals, and the actions and services in place to help you meet those goals. 8.8 It should include all the informal care and supports you receive to help you meet your goals including the help your family, friends and others provide to you, even if your quarterly budget funding doesn’t pay directly for them. 9.9 Relevant parts of your care plan should be shared with people who will be helping you to meet your goals, such as support workers, nurses etc. 10.1 It should be a flexible document that changes and updates when new supports and services are recommended for you. All your quarterly budget spending needs to be aligned with your care plan. You can help to keep your care plan up-todate by ensuring your support workers and care partner are aware of any changes, and by participating in the necessary reviews and updates when new services and supports are recommended or required. Please contact your care partner for a chat about your care plan goals and to make sure your quarterly budget is being fully utilised to meet your assessed care needs. for understanding your Care Plans Maintaining an Active Body Top 10 tips
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