AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT SERVICES - GOVERNMENT, CHARITIES ETC

[Googsta]

This thread is for AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS ONLY.

Most of the contacts are from the state I live in Victoria, if members from other states could add their resources we might be able to really help each other out. I'll try to add more when I can, it's a long list.
Alot of the contacts are from a booklet I bought from the VIC ME/CFS Society. It's called 'Support Services for People With ME/CFS' in Victoria & it cost $5.

AIDS & EQUIPMENT

There are many aids available for the chronically ill, including:
- Shower Chairs
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs (manual, electric, power, reclining)
- Commodes (loo chair)
- Bedding, including hospital beds: regular hospital mattresses: special soft mattresses or air mattresses
- Wigs (for those with CFS related baldness)
Ring your local public hospital or public rehabilitation centre.

OR


OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Victoria: http://www.otausvic.com.au/
http://www.disability.vic.gov.au

Be sure to ask any OTs you contact if they are Medicare registered providers. There is usually no charge.
- Explain that you are incapacitated by ME/CFS and ask for an appointment for assessment.

DHS DISABILITY & RESPONSE SERVICE 1800 783 783
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/

Provides info about supports & services & can also provide assistance with planning & support to people with disabilities, their families & Carers in their local area.

DHS FUTURES FOR YOUNG ADULTS 1800 783 783 (also)
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/

Provides support to students with a disability to make the transistion to post-school options. It is available to eligible students from when they complete their schooling until they turn 21.

DHS VICTORIAN PATIENT TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (VPTAS)
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/aservices/vptas.htm
Assistance with the costs of transport for those who reside more than 100km from the nearest medical specialist. Call the Department of Human Services Regional Office:
Geelong (03) 5226 4540
Ballarat (03) 5333 6530
Bendigo (03) 5434 5555
Wangaratta (03) 5722 0555
Traralgon (03) 5177 2500
Application forms can be downloaded from the website.

VICTORIAN TAXI DIRECTORATE, MULTIPURPOSE TAXI PROGRAM
http://www.taxi.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9320 4360
MPTP Program is a state funded subsidy program that provides a 50% discount on taxi fares (up to a maximum of $30 discount per trip). It is available to people who have ME/CFS who have severely limited mobility & cannot use public transport independently.
- Use Myalgic Encephalomyelitis on the application as CFS is not listed as one of MPTP accepted disabilities. Using M.E gives you a better chances of being granted a card.
- Cost: Free to apply

 

[taniaaust1]

thanks for this thread.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
I really hope some people from SA post on it as Im been wanting to put together something for the SA ME/CFS org for a while to send them on all the support services here, so hopefully they could put the info on their site.

It is near impossible to find out about most of them, Ive been working hard for years to sort out that mess and still wading thick in it. I'll add some of the places here when I can find the numbers again (I have them copied somewhere) but for now put in the ones I can think of
.........................................................................

- DisabilitySA is know known as "Disability Services". This is our statewide disability org. Disability Services can help and provides government funding to other organisations to assist you once you are a client of theirs

Note.. expect you may have a fight on your hands as they first kept denying me.. as they thought ME/CFS was a mental health condition and kept trivalizing my issues, their assessment person (my case worker) was a psych who didnt know anything about ME/CFS.

If they reject you keep trying and insist on a proper investigation of your case (it took 2 years or so and 2-3 rejections before I managed to get funding from them, just so another org could assist me with home help, shopping etc).

- Community Living and Support Services Inc (CLASS)
Eligibility is "People 15 years and over with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, living in the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and City of Onkaparinga. Referral required from Disability SA" http://sacommunity.org/org/201826-Community_Living_%26_Support_Services_Inc.
Im getting my home support thou this org.

- Local Council some do services for those with disability (but they can have rules on ones age.. my local council dont cover anyone disabled under 55 years). They may have gardening service for the disabled or may be able to provide transport if you fit their age requirements.

- Community health places

eg The gov. Mt Barker Community Heath Service (may be suitable to provide transport for "some" or other health services. The Mt Barker Service is no good for transport for those with MCS who need to get to the city for medical appointments, as they pack the car with others (usually elderly drowning in perfume). They will not change what they are doing with this and refuse to ask people not to wear perfumes for those who cant be around them.

- There is also a Disability Info line over here

-Surgical and Medical Supplies Pty Ltd
16 Kensington Rd, Rose Park.
phone (08) 8332 1666
email: sales@surmed.com.au
With a doctors referal and you usually also need to book an appointment with them, they will measure up support stockings and teach you how to put them on properly. They usually have what you need as far as that goes in stock. (they probably are useful in some other areas too)

Independant Living Centre
http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/default.asp
Caters both for children and adults with disability and helps as far as working out useful aids and other things one may need. free service, staffed by health professions. They also have an outreach service.
"The Independent Living Centre has an extensive range of equipment for the public to browse and trial"
11 Blacks Rd, Gilles Plains
phone: (08) 8266 5260
or 1300 885 886 (SA and NT callers only)

..................

I noticed you have DHS VICTORIAN PATIENT TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME ... there appears to be nothing like this for those in SA. Its an area Ive been hugely stuck for years and seems no solution.. no agency has an idea on how I can be helped get to my medical appointments

In SA you end up having to fight the very disability system which is meant to help you, you are treated differently to other illnesses like MS etc
(The CFS specialist who just retired over here..Dr Buttfield, told me none of his patients had ever managed to get home help and all the crap around CFS was one of the reasons he was retiring.. he was fed up with of how this illness is seen and ignored).

 

[Googsta]

Thanks Tania, it means alot as I cooked my brain copying the info , that would be great

ME/CFS LIVE CHAT ROOM

http://www.mecfs-vic.org.au/mecfs-live-chat-room-tasmania

Thursdays 4-5pm.
I have joined the chat room a few times including today, it's moderated so a nice safe environment especially if you are shy.


2012 DISABILITY DIRECTORY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
http://www.dircsa.org.au/directory/

There is a charge to download but it is free to use online & search for services/supports.

DISABILITY GOVERNMENT SOUTH AUSTRALIA
http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Community+support/Disability/Adults+with+disability

 

[taniaaust1]

Googsta. I just thought of something missing from my list. Independant Living Centre and I just checked and they have for Victoria too http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/default.asp

I only been to the Adelaide one once nearly 20 years ago now due to having disabled daughter... and it was huge place which was like a showcase of all different disability things catering for both children and adults.. like every brand about the place of some things. eg Incontience pants or whatever, the range they had was crazy.

I cant remember if it was only just displays of products or if I used to buy from there too but it was great, like a one stop shop, for gaining info on various disablity things one could need and they will help you with that.

Anyway I suggest to check it out and add to your list where you have the aids mentioned. (I got to go and lay down so will add to the SA list later)

 

[Googsta]

Thanks Tania, will do

BUILDING BIOLOGISTS, BUILDING WELLNESS (03) 9725 9976
http://buildingwellness.com.au/

Perform building wellness field testing and shielding, phone tower and radio frequency testing & shielding; moisture detection & visual mould inspection; indoor air quality assessment & air sampling; geomancy (geopathic stress assessment); pre-purchase & pre-lease inspection of buildings & vacant land; and water filter recommendations.

ALLERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY & SUPPORT RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (AESSRA)
http://www.aessra.org or phone (03) 9888 1382

AESSRA is a support group for people with allergies & sensitivities, particularly chemical sensitivities.

HAIRDRESSERSI have the name & number of two Mobile Hairdressers, I dont know their exact location but I gather it would be Melbourne. Nikki has a very gentle touch, is very quiet in her speech & manner, very flexible (able to cut hair outside if necessary due to MCS/late afternoon appointments).

 

[alex3619]

There is a federal support program that is run everywhere, though delivery is by local services which vary:

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/hacc/
The Home and Community Care (HACC) Program - helping you stay at home and in your community
The HACC Program is a joint Commonwealth, State and Territory initiative. It funds basic maintenance and support services to help frail older people and younger people with disabilities to continue living in their community.

 

[Googsta]

Aussie Farmers Direct

Aussie Farmers Direct is a free home delivery service providing fresh products that are 100% Australian owned and produced. Products include meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables and breads. See their website at http://www.aussiefarmersdirect.com.au for the full range.
Aussie Farmers Direct supports ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) by donating $20 a year back into the organisation when you purchase regularly from them.
If you are placing an order with Aussie Farmers Direct, please make sure that you indicate that you are a member of ME/CFS Australia (Victoria).
To contact Aussie Farmers Direct:
Phone: 1300 64 55 62

CHANGE FOR ME
Doctors Lists: http://www.changeforme.net/page11.php

It is very early days for us here at Change for ME and so we are currently still surveying the Australian patient community to find out just what sort of assistance people really need. It would a great help to us if you could send a short message using the 'Request Assistance' tab over on the left to tell us what would help you. It may be someone to run errands for you or to take you to Doctors appointments, or perhaps you'd appreciate having some frozen meals provided to you, or financial assistance to pay for Doctors or tests? Whatever it is, just let us know. Once we have enough feedback we can work out where best to focus our energy and start organizing and training volunteers to ultimately HELP YOU.

http://www.changeforme.net/page14.php