EBL Carer Advisory Group
We are fortunate that South
Australians have dealt with Covid 19 well and our lives are returning to some normality . We are now accustomed to the hand sanitiser , temperature checks , social distancing , restricted numbers at our favourite Cafe ’ s , sports and many other events . However , we must not become too complacent therefore EBL services with be continuing the same hygiene practices at all of their facilities to keep clients and families safe .
It is a relief to have our children returning to their Day Options and now EBL has been able to increase the numbers attending respite . EBL , along with other providers , have had to make some adjustments to their services whether for safety reasons or to bring more efficiency within the service . The Day Options my daughter was attending prior to Covid 19 were no longer offering a service that was suitable to her needs so a change was necessary . While changes are possible under NDIS if required it does not mean it is easy for our children to cope with .
While NDIS is now established in all states of Australia there are still constant changes with the system . We are seeing many new businesses offering services to the disability sector who are not registered with NDIS . While not all businesses have to be registered this also means they do not have to adhere to the same compliance and audits of a larger organisation . We must ask ourselves whether this puts our child at more risk if using one of these services . I would have thought the death of Ann Marie Smith earlier this year would have bought about improved compliance so we can feel assured our children are being cared for and all services are following the same guidelines . In late 2019 EBL received the results of their NDIS audit . The outcome of the NDIS Commission was Zero non-conformity – an impressive result and one which is unusual for NDIS service providers . I feel very comforted that I know my daughter is in excellent care .
I do hope that next year we are able to provide the usual 4 Carers morning tea ’ s . If you would like to get in touch about any concerns you may have please don ’ t hesitate to call me on 0411483976 . I would like to finish with some feedback I have received recently from a mother who uses EBL respite on a regular basis .
“ A few months ago , I fell at home and ended up in hospital with fractures and cracks to numerous bones and was in rehabilitation for many weeks . EBL was so helpful and organised my daughters respite for the weekdays and arranged for her day options to collect and return her to the respite house . EBL organised with my extended family on what was needed for her to feel secure and still carry on with her normal routine . Weekends with her Aunts and Uncles meant that I was able to see my daughter . It was a relief to me that EBL Program Manager , Tanya Gallas was able to work with my family to secure the assistance I required at short notice .” - Jane .
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of the Carers Advisory Group ( CAG ).
Dawn Brodie
Convenor EBL Carer Advisory Group
EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 5