STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND

STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers. I thought this quote was an interesting one but relevant to many situations including our MSWA journey. We kept moving forward when there was uncertainty about the NDIS and which model would be selected. This put us in good stead and has seen us help so many Members and Clients get their best from the NDIS. Albeit the process is often protracted which is not within our control. When we built Treendale Gardens and included a respite facility, there was no funding guaranteed for respite, but our Board approved the use of MSWA funds to support Members to access this wonderful facility. We are now turning the corner thanks to those Members and Clients with NDIS funding to purchase their respite stays. Over the years we have significantly topped up our government grant funding, allowing more Members to access at least some of the supports they needed when individual funding was limited, and HACC hours just weren’t enough. Obviously the NDIS has really changed the game and so many are able to access the funding they need, and have it reviewed when their needs are changing. As we well know, the over 65s aren’t eligible for the NDIS, however, we recently received great news that the Federal Government Continuity of Support Program funding will be available for those Members who have accessed Disability Services Funded Programs and packages! This is fantastic news and as an approved provider, we will soon contact those identified by the program as recipients of the funding based on their eligibility criteria. The year continues to fly past. Each year we wonder where the time goes but I think that reflects how busy we all are. MSWA has had another fabulous year and we continue to kick so many goals in so many areas. Our events, raffles and lotteries; our research funding allocation; our Member and Client service delivery hours; and of course, our supported accommodation and respite options. I can’t quite believe that Butler has now been open for 10 months, and what a fantastic complex it is. At the official opening held in October, the guests couldn’t quite believe how luxurious our accommodation units and surrounds really are. They were blown away! The residents proudly showed off their wonderful homes to several special guests including the Hon Minister for Disability Stephen Dawson MLA. I would like to personally acknowledge the hard work and creative input from Senior Manager Andrea Taylor and our architect Alec Whyte. We are so proud of all our MSWA high support accommodation locations and of course, the respite facilities – not just for the actual facilities, but for the real difference the staff make in the lives of the Members and Clients who reside or stay in them. I am looking forward to our coming projects in Albany and Shenton Park. With more funding through the NDIS and word of our great facilities spreading, we have a growing waitlist of potential residents. As the year draws to a close, we will remain busy working towards ensuring our full compliance with the NDIS Safety and Quality Commission which rolls out next July and with Aged Care Provider compliance. I wish you and yours a safe and happy break over the Christmas and New Year period; stay cool as I suspect it’s going to be a warm summer! 4

MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES NICOLA WASHINGTON GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES Welcome to the summer edition of Bulletin. As I started to write this summer update, I realised I have been with MSWA for a year – how fast time has passed. I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my experiences of the past 12 months. I don’t think there would be any surprises if I said it has been busy, very busy, but it has been an interesting journey. The NDIS has brought about significant change, both positive and not so positive, but always very interesting. There is no doubt that we have seen some fantastic benefits for people who are now able to obtain and manage their own services, but we have also experienced difficulties with the roll out of the NDIS and unfortunate delays in the activation of funded plans. As I reflect on the past year, what is a standout for me, is the passion, commitment and hard work I see every day from our wonderful staff. Whether it is through our allied health services, in-home care or assistance through NDIS planning, I have been amazed at the dedication of the people who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all our Customers. Joining MSWA was a big change for me and since starting, we have continued on the path of transformation with the implementation of the NDIS. Our focus remains on building and delivering our Customer-centric model that enables us to put you, the Customer, at the centre of everything we do. Our mission is to be here to help you with understanding and accessing the NDIS. If you have any concerns or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team at ndisenquiries@mswa.org.au. It was a pleasure to attend the graduation ceremony for 10 staff members who completed their Certificate III and IV in Disability. This is a fantastic program that MSWA provides to support our Care Support Workers to gain further skills and deliver quality service to our Customers. Congratulations to all those who graduated. The Butler Services Centre and Supported Accommodation facility official opening was held on 3 October and it was fantastic to see so many people attend and enjoy a tour around our wonderful Centre. We have received fantastic feedback regarding the outstanding quality and design of the site. It was a very enjoyable morning and a big thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of this event. We are now running events for our newly diagnosed Customers at our Belmont facility. Several Members, partners and family members took part in an informal session at MSWA Belmont for two hours one evening in October. MSWA Nurse Rosie Hunt gave information about MS and stories were shared about living and working with the condition. These groups are run throughout the year. Please contact Sabena Lund at Sabena.Lund@mswa.org.au to find out more. It has been wonderful to meet and talk with so many of you over the past twelve months. I always appreciate hearing about your journey and your feedback is important to ensure we continuously improve our services, so if you would like to provide any feedback please email customerservice@mswa.org.au. As we draw a close to 2019, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy start to the New Year. 5