GREAT SOUTHERN REGIONAL

GREAT SOUTHERN REGIONAL NEWS Our trip to Esperance and surrounds Earlier this year, Community Access Nurse, Rosie Hunt and Senior Social Welfare Officer, Kath Knights travelled to the south coast of WA for three days. Travelling to Esperance, Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun, their days were scheduled with home visits to Members and their families as well as visits to various health facilities in the region. Informative and interactive presentations were delivered in Esperance, providing allied health professionals, care support workers and Local Area Coordinators with an overview of MS, as well as information and resources on the services available to MSWA Members. TAKE A BREAK IN THE SOUTH WEST FROM TREENDALE GARDENS Rosie presented an overview of MS, existing and emerging treatments, symptom and relapse management, whilst Kath discussed the management of MS from a welfare perspective – discussing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) programs. These sessions aimed to increase the awareness and knowledge of MS to health care and service providers, supporting them to develop their MS management strategies. These regional trips occur annually with visits from other MSWA staff scheduled for Geraldton and Kalgoorlie. Please contact MSWA if you would like further information on the next visit. Take a break in the South West Treendale Gardens is proud to have been up and running as a supported accommodation and residential respite facility since April 2012. Our accommodation area is fully occupied with wonderful residents who have their own units and are assisted with their daily needs by wonderful staff. All residents have access to 24-hour support, a wonderful evening meal prepared by our cooks, activities organised by recreation Care Support Workers (CSW) and out and about with their social support staff. Treendale Respite is a wonderful purpose-built facility with six rooms, all equipped with a hospital-style bed and overhead hoist, TV and DVD player, as well as cupboards and high-backed chairs for those who would like to sit in their rooms. Each pair of rooms has a shared bathroom with lockable doors. The spacious communal area has a large screen TV and electric recliner chairs that are enjoyed by many of our Clients who would like to stretch out on a comfortable reclining chair. There is also a dining area that doubles as a games and conversation area where Clients can enjoy a lovely meal cooked by talented care support workers, chat with others who are staying, or enjoy a selection of board games that are available. For those who also enjoy a bit of peace and quiet there is a courtyard to sit in as well as an airy undercover area with outdoor tables and chairs; perfect to sit with others including family and friends who are always welcome to visit during the day. There is a lovely park complete with fountain and wheelchair accessible pathways right next door and an ever-growing shopping centre just across the road with a variety of shops. Attached to Respite is our recently refurbished 3-bedroom holiday unit which is a wonderful idea for a break away with family or friends. There are two hospital-style beds, regular single, and a queen size bed in the different bedrooms as well as a spacious living area and good-sized kitchen. The lounge area has a 3-seater sofa as well a recliner chair but also space for a wheelchair to sit comfortably. The laundry is fully equipped with washing machine and dryer and the private courtyard has a washing line. When you stay there you have your own garage and doors to the holiday unit. Everyone who has stayed has said they enjoyed the freedom of a holiday in an apartment style accommodation, purposebuilt for people with a disability, but knowing that staff are on hand to assist with personal care in the morning and getting into bed at night if needed. If you would like to enquire about a booking or have questions you would like to ask please contact Paula Kennedy or Linda Kidd on 9725 9209 or 9725 9994 Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm. We look forward to hearing from you. Treendale is only 20 minutes from Bunbury, located next to a small parkland with wheelchair friendly paths and a shopping centre nearby. Treendale is our 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom purpose built, accessible respite home. Our staff are onsite 24/7 and are experienced in supporting people living with MS. Located next to our respite home is our wonderful 3-bedroom family holiday unit where family can get away from the routines, whilst accessing support for their loved ones if needed. We may even be able to assist you with transportation. Funding to cover your stay may be available through the Commonwealth Carer Respite Program or through your DSC or NDIS individual packages. Speak with our friendly team to chat about your individual needs. For more information or to book your stay at Treendale Gardens, phone us on 9725 9994 34 | MSWA BULLETIN WINTER 2018 MSWA BULLETIN WINTER 2018 | 35