EASY USER GUIDE - Sunnyfield Independence
Contents
1. a E 21 NATTIONAL REEAY SERVICE 22 TAXI TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME TTSS 22 COMPANION GARD 23 Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander ATSI Culturally Linguistically Diverse CALD 24 INDIGENOUS CALE CENTRES 24 RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE 24 TRANSLATING AND INTERPRETING SERVICE TIS NATIONAL FOR NON ENGLISH SPEAKERG 25 2 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Ageing Disability and Home Care ADHC ADHC Information Referral and Intake For all funded NSW Day Programs Community Participation Individualised Funding Active Ageing Supported Accommodation Respite and other ADHC NSW services contact the Information referral and intake officer in your Region ADHC Region Metro South covers Sydney Strathfield Bankstown see all Metro North covers Parramatta Blue Mountains Ryde see all Hunter covers Gosford Newcastle see all Northern covers Lismore Coffs Harbour Armidale see all Southern covers Wollongong Queanbeyan see all Western covers Lithgow Dubbo Albury see all Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Contact details Phone 02 9334 3700 Information Referral facs nsw gov au Phone 02 9841 9350 MetroNorth Intake facs nsw2. Disability Support Pension Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance job seeker if you are single caring for a dependent child and looking for work Parenting Payment single Benefit A Pensioner Concession Card entitles you to reduced cost medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS You may also be entitled to various concessions from the Australian Government these could include bulk billing for doctor s appointments this is your doctor s decision more refunds for medical expenses through the Medicare Safety Net assistance with hearing services through the Office of Hearing Services discounted mail redirection through Australia Post Note You may get some of these Australian Government concessions for a dependent child You may also be entitled to various concession from State and Territory Governments and local councils these could include reductions on property and water rates reductions on energy bills a telephone allowance reduced fares on public transport reductions on motor vehicle registration free rail journeys Note Pensioner Concession Card concessions are different in each State and Territory and vary between local councils ee 17 Web email www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments conc cards pcc htm contact 6 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 PENSIONER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT Eligibility Centrelink payment You may be eligible for Pensioner Educat
3. Other allied health professionals work privately and charge a fee Sometimes Medicare can help with this where a GP makes the referral Allied health services include physiotherapists psychologists social workers and Dieticians advise about diet including healthy food choices This is important if the person has a weight or swallowing problem or has diabetes Occupational therapists advise on equipment like wheel chairs and rails in bathrooms Exercise physiologists advise about exercise and sport Podiatrists treat foot and toenail problems and can recommend footwear Speech pathologists help with communication and swallowing problems Optometrists check vision and provide glasses Eye examinations by optometrists are covered by Medicare Audiologists test hearing and provide hearing aids The Australian Hearing Services provides free hearing assessments for pensioners Drug and alcohol services Aboriginal health services Multicultural health services these help people from non English speaking backgrounds They provide some health services and help people to use ordinary health services Women s health services for women s health issues eg menstruation problems Screening services check people for some health risks eg breast cancer and bowel cancer Alternative treatment providers such as osteopaths naturopaths and chiropractors the person uses these treatments you should let the GP know
4. Allied health services For example speech pathologists psychologists and occupational therapists Some of these are available for free in community health centres and hospitals and in community support teams of Ageing Disability and Home Care ADHC For children aged under 6 there are early intervention services You can find out about these by ringing the Early Childhood Intervention Infoline see below Other allied health professionals work privately and charge a fee Sometimes the Federal Government can help with this where a GP makes the referral This includes specific programs for Children under 13 with autism and similar conditions Children with Down and Fragile X syndromes cerebral palsy and major vision or hearing impaitments See Getting the most out of Medicare fact sheet Allied health services include physiotherapists psychologists social workers and Dieticians advise about diet including healthy food choices Occupational therapists advise on equipment like wheel chairs and rails in bathrooms Speech pathologists help with communication and swallowing problems Exercise physiologists advise about exercise and sport Podiatrists treat foot and toenail problems and can recommend footwear Optometrists check vision and provide glasses Eye examinations by optometrists are covered by Medicare 18 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Audiologists test hearing and provide he
5. a job seeker full time student or Australian Apprentice or receiving ABSTUDY as a full time student or Australian Apprentice If you are receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY you must e have an illness injury or disability which prevents you from working 30 or more hours per week and is expected to last for more than 2 years and e have aJob Capacity Assessment If you are receiving Disability Support Pension and you are under 21 the Youth Disability Supplement will be automatically included in your Disability Support Pension payment 110 per fortnight 13 2717 Web email http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments disability supplemen contact t htm 9 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 DISABILITY AND CARER PAYMENT RATES Eligibility FACT SHEET Disability and Carer Payment Rates For Disability Support Pension Sickness Allowance Mobility Allowance Carer Payment Carer Allowance Various 13 27 17 Web email http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf filestores co031 1109 Sfile coO contact 31 1109en pdf 10 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 MEDICARE GETTING THE MOST OUT OF MEDICARE Medicare has been extended a lot in recent years For many people it now covers much more than just going to the doctor when you are sick Read the Annual health assessments fact sheet to find out about Medicare health checks by GPs Other new parts of Medicare will also be useful to many pe
6. anyway In some cases the ambulance service will also transport people to medical appointments There may be a cost for some services Transition to adult health services This is a difficult issue for young people with complex health needs They may have a regular paediatrician whose role will end when the person turns 18 The role of the GP then becomes more important and so it is important to keep the GP involved throughout childhood Young people cannot access children s hospitals after age 16 The young person may have other specialists who only work with children eg a neurologist for epilepsy and a child psychiatrist These doctors should be able to help with transition to adult specialists It is best not to wait until the person is nearly 18 to start the transition process It is better to get to know the adult medical team when the young person is well rather than when there is a medical crisis Transition Co ordinators in some major hospitals can assist with organising transition Sometimes a specialist health service for adults with intellectual disability can help with complex health issues Contact For more information Aboriginal health services www healthinfonet ecu edu au health systems health workers organisations map of aboriginal medical services in australia Australian Hearing www hearing com au home Phone 02 9412 6800 or TTY 02 9412 6802 Community health centres and public hospitals www health nsw gov au service
7. disability Shoulder to shoulder is booklet containing information about disability services respite services and Aboriginal organisations that can support you if you have a child with a disability You ll also read about how other Aboriginal families have been able to cope with caring for a child with a disability e Shoulder to shoulder Information for Aboriginal families who have a child or young person with a disability PDF e Shoulder to shoulder brochure PDF e Shoulder to shoulder A3 poster PDF Carers and respite Information for Aboriginal families who are caring for an older person or a person with a disability e Aboriginal carers support guide PDF http www adhc nsw gov au publications aboriginal Contact 24 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 TRANSLATING AND INTERPRETING SERVICE TIS NATIONAL FOR NON ENGLISH SPEAKERS To access an interpreter immediately telephone TIS National Telephone 131 450 Non English speakers who telephone TIS National should tell the operator the language they speak as well as the name and phone number of who they wish to contact Telephone interpreting is available 24 hours a day seven days a week However the person or organisation they wish to speak to may not always be available on weekends or after business hours Centrelink Non English speakers wishing to speak to Centrelink should call Centrelink directly during its business hours Telephone 13 12 02
8. partner receiving Rent Assistance with their pension From 79 60 per fortnight 132717 Web email http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments rent assistance htm 8 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 SICKNESS ALLOWANCE Eligibility You may be eligible for Sickness Allowance if you are unable to work or study temporarily because of illness injury or disability You also need to be under Age Pension age and aged 21 or over and have a job or aged 21 or over and getting ABSTUDY or aged 25 or over and getting Austudy and an Australian resident in Australia and not subject to the 2 year newly arrived resident s waiting period You must have work or study to return to when you are better Otherwise you may be eligible for another payment from Centrelink for example Newstart Allowance Note You need to get your doctor to fill out a medical certificate preferably a Centrelink medical certificate which confirms you are medically unfit for your usual work Benefit single no children 5486 80 per fortnight single with dependent child or children 5526 60 per fortnight single aged 60 or over after 9 continuous months on payment partnered 439 40 each per fortnight 13 27 17 5526 60 per fortnight Web email contact Eligibility You may be eligible for Youth Disability Supplement if you are aged under 21 years and receiving Disability Support Pension or receiving Youth Allowance as
9. to check they will not conflict with the doctor s treatment Pharmacies It is a good idea to have a regular chemist They can recommend basic treatment for common 16 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 illnesses and package prescription medications in blister packs to make sure the correct daily medication dose is given Dental services Most dentists work privately but some work in Public Oral Health Services provided by the NSW Government Specialised health services for people with intellectual disability Some health services specialise in complex health problems of people with intellectual disability These exist to backup and advise GPs not to take over medical care from mainstream health Services New 24 hour phone advice line You can phone healthdirect Australia at any time and obtain free health information and advice from a nurse Ambulance service The Ambulance Service provides emergency treatment and takes injured people to a nearby hospital Call 000 and ask the operator for an ambulance If you are not sure how serious the situation is it is okay to call anyway In some cases the ambulance service will also transport people to medical appointments There may be a cost for some services Contact For more information Aboriginal health services www healthinfonet ecu edu au health systems health workers organisations map of aboriginal medical services in australia Australian Hearing www hearing c
10. with intellectual and other developmental disabilities An ordinary paediatrician can refer a patient direct to a developmental paediatrician For adults These services usually require a referral from a GP As well as seeing patients the services may be able to provide information to the GP and other health professionals There is generally no charge for the services Contact Concord Hospital Phone 02 9767 7233 Services Ageing and Behaviour Changes in Developmental Disability ABCD Clinic Medical assessments by a rehabilitation physician psychiatrist and geriatrician Area covered Sydney South West Area Health Service Accepts patients from other parts of NSW for initial assessments 14 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Web email contact Disability Specialist Unit Burwood Phone 02 9334 3700 Services Medical assessment by a rehabilitation specialist Area covered Inner western suburbs of Sydney Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service Phone 02 9587 2444 Services Clinics for medical assessment and a range of specialties including neurology psychiatry rehabilitation nutrition and genetics Consultancy service for patients at St George Hospital Area covered South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service Runs some clinics away from Kogarah especially in the Illawarra NSW Developmental Disability Health Unit Ryde Phone 02 9808 9287 Services Medical assessments Also psychol
11. Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander ATSI or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse CALD Directs readers from ATSI or CALD backgrounds to services to help them with any inquiries regarding the benefits and allowances for people with a disability INDIGENOUS CALL CENTRES Centrelink has four Indigenous Call Centres to help Indigenous peoples across Australia The Indigenous Call Centres provide an appropriate service for Indigenous people particularly those living in remote areas who may not have direct access to other Centrelink facilities The Indigenous Call Centres are located in Palmerston Northern Territory Cairns Queensland Bunbury Western Australia and Port Macquarie New South Wales Telephone the national number on 13 6380 and your call will be answered by the next available Customer Service Adviser The Indigenous Call Centres are open from 8 am to 5 pm local times Please remember when calling Centrelink make sure you have your Customer Reference Number CRN and Proof of Identity POI information with you http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf indigenous call htm Contact RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE Eligibility FACT SHEET Help for you to stay in your own home Home and Community Care HACC services for frail older people people with a disability and their carers e Help for you to stay in your own home PDF Support for Aboriginal people with a
12. HEALTH ASSESSMENTS People with intellectual disability often find it hard to explain if they are in pain or feeling sick People often suffer in silence Or their behaviour changes and other people do not know why So it is usually important for a person with intellectual disability to have a thorough health assessment each year Medicare pays for these assessments which often show up health problems that no one knew about eg sight and hearing problems reflux side effects from medications and cancers In NSW the disability department ADHC has told all funded supported accommodation services that they have to organise annual health assessments for their residents The assessments feed into a health care plan for each resident Medicare health assessments Medicare pays for GPs to do annual assessments of adults and children with intellectual disability Medicare item 701 is for a brief assessment up to 30 minutes 703 standard up to 45 minutes 705 long up to 60 minutes and 707 for a prolonged assessment Medicare says that a person with intellectual disability may need a long or prolonged assessment because of the communication barriers between doctor and patient Organising the assessment Make an appointment with the GP Say you want an assessment under Medicare and ask for a long appointment See if the doctor has a practice nurse who can help with the assessment Check that the doctor bulk bills Someone who knows the person well
13. On site interpreting On site or face to face interpreting is available to help non English speakers and English speakers communicate On site appointments are usually booked by the agency or organisation that is communicating with the non English speaker Non English speakers should discuss the need for an on site interpreter with the agency they are dealing with Document translation service The Australian Government through TIS National provides eligible clients with free extract or summary translations into English of eligible documents to help them settle in Australia Detailed information is available online See Help with Translations Note TIS National does not provide a commercial translation service For a full list of registered translators in Australia visit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters NAATI website See NAATI Are TIS National interpreting services free Non English speakers who contact or are contacted by a government funded service or agency will not be charged for interpreting costs TIS National also provides free interpreting to non English speaking Australian citizens or permanent residents communicating with several groups and individuals including approved private medical practitioners and non profit organisations Detailed information about TIS National s free services is available See Free Services Through TIS National A non English speaker who contacts any oth
14. Sunnyfield independence EASY USER GUIDE Benefits and Allowances for People with a Disability as at January 2012 Source NSW Ageing Disability and Homecare and Centrelink 1 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 CONTENTS ADHC Information Referral and 3 CARER ALEOWANCE 4 CARER PAYMENT nna nun N 4 DISABILITY 5 N 5 PENSIONER CONCESSION CARD 6 PENSIONER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT 7 PRARWACEW TICAL ALTIOWANGE ences E acs 8 RENT ASSISTANCE ahaa A ears beara eons 8 SICKNESS ALLOWANCE a a a aN 9 YOUTH DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT 9 DISABILITY AND CARER PAYMENT 10 MEDICARE E eet latons 11 GETING THE MOST OUT OP IMIEDIGARE 11 ANNGAL HEALNTASSESSMEN TS A 13 SPECIALISED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY HEALTH 14 ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH SERVICES ARE THERE 16 CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH SERVICES ARE THERE 18 DISABILITY EQUIPMENT
15. aring aids The Australian Hearing Services provides free hearing assessments and hearing aids for children Drug and alcohol services Aboriginal health services Multicultural health services these help people from non English speaking backgrounds They provide some health services and help people to use ordinary health services Women s health services specialist health services eg menstruation problems School counsellors assist in identifying a disability and provide information about health and other Services Alternative treatment providers such as osteopaths naturopaths and chiropractors f the person is using these treatments you should let the GP know to check it will not conflict with the doctor s treatment Pharmacies It is a good idea to have a regular chemist They can recommend basic treatment for common illnesses and package prescription medications in blister packs to make it easy to ensure the correct daily medication dose is given Dental services Most dentists work privately but some work in Public Oral Health Services provided by the NSW Government New 24 hour phone advice line You can phone healthdirect Australia at any time and obtain free health information and advice from a nurse Ambulances The Ambulance Service provides emergency treatment and takes injured people to a nearby hospital Call 000 and ask the operator for an ambulance If you are not sure how serious the situation is it is okay to call
16. d their own practices What will it cost Some health services are provided free by government agencies including public hospitals and community health centres Other health care providers charge for their services Medicare provides a payment for visits to the doctor and some other health services However this will only cover the full charge if the health professional bulk bills If a person has private health insurance this also helps with some health costs for example private hospital admissions But the insurance may not cover the full charge It is very important to talk to the health professional about costs before treatment starts so that you know how much it will be and can talk about options For hospital treatment there is often a choice of waiting a long time for free treatment in a public hospital or paying for a private hospital Paediatricians Paediatricians are specialist doctors for children and young people If a person has ongoing health problems they may see a paediatrician regularly until adulthood Paediatricians can also make referrals to other specialist health services including developmental paediatricians who have expertise in disability issues Diagnosis and assessment services These services work out if a child has a disability and provide families with advice about meeting the child s needs These services also assist with complex health problems See the Diagnosis and assessment of a disability fact sheet
17. dence requirements of your main payment SingleS6 per fortnight Couples 3 each per fortnight 13 27 17 Web email http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments pharmaceutical htm contact RENT ASSISTANCE Eligibility You may be eligible for Rent Assistance if you e receive a pension special rules apply if you are under 21 years and receive Disability Support Pension or have dependent children and get more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit or have care of a child between 14 and 35 of the time and are not eligible for Family Tax Benefit but meet other Family Tax Benefit requirements or receive an allowance or benefit but don t have dependent children and are over 25 years or have a partner are under 25 and living permanently or indefinitely apart from your parents guardians To receive Rent Assistance you must also meet the residence requirements of your pension allowance or benefit Rent Assistance is generally not payable if you e have a tenancy agreement lease with a state or territory housing authority or own or are buying the home in which you live except for mobile and relocatable homes or are a homeowner travelling away from your principal place of residence for less than 12 months or occupy an Australian Government subsidised bed in an approved residential aged care facility or have a partner who receives Rent Assistance with Family Tax Benefit or are an allowee with a
18. ding school and adult secondary courses undergraduate and graduate courses some Masters courses TAFE certificate and diploma courses Note students can receive ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement to undertake approved Masters and Doctorate courses From 31 20 to 62 40 per fortnight 13 2717 Web email http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments pes htm contact 7 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 PHARMACEUTICAL ALLOWANCE Eligibility You are eligible for Pharmaceutical Allowance if you are receiving Sickness Allowance or Parenting Payment single and you are under age pension age or Disability Support Pension and you are under 21 with no dependent children or ABSTUDY Newstart Allowance Parenting Payment partnered Partner Allowance Special Benefit or Widow Allowance or Youth Allowance if you have a temporary illness or medical condition or ABSTUDY Austudy Newstart Allowance Parenting Payment partnered Partner Allowance Special Benefit or Widow Allowance have turned 60 years old but are under Age Pension age and have been receiving your payment continuously for at least 9 months or Newstart Allowance Parenting Payment partnered or Youth Allowance as a job seeker and have been assessed as having a partial capacity for work or Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance as a jobseeker are a single person who is the main carer of a dependent child You must also meet the resi
19. er organisation may request that the organisation pay for the interpreting service If the organisation does not accept the charge the Non English speaker will be asked to pay for the interpreting services They can then choose either to pay for the service or ask TIS National to terminate the phone call Detailed information about TIS National s service charges is available See TIS National Service Charges htt i e e Contact Contact english helop with translating how use tis non english soeakers htm 25 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012
20. f an aged invalid blind or any other pension will not automatically qualify you for participation in the TTSS For more details read the Eligibility criteria 04 www tra nsport nsw gov au ttss Contact To request an application form be sent to you by mail call TTSS on 1800 623 724 toll free 22 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 COMPANION CARDS Who is eligible The Companion Card is issued to residents of NSW with a significant and permanent disability who are unable to participate in most community based activities without significant assistance with mobility communication self care planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs The card is only provided to people if their level of support is life long and they meet all of the eligibility criteria The card is not provided to people who require social support assurance or encouragement The Companion Card is not means tested It will be issued to people who are assessed as meeting all of the following eligibility criteria e Severe or profound and permanent disability e Unable to participate in most community based activities without significant assistance with mobility communication self care planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs e Their level of support is lifelong www nswcompanioncard org au Contact Ring 1800 893 044 for an application form 23 Page
21. gov au Toll free 1300 205 268 Phone 02 4978 6222 DisabilityIntake Newcastle facs nsw gov au Level 5 670 Hunter Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Toll free 1300 364 563 Phone 02 6621 1400 Level 56 29 Molesworth Street Lismore 2480 IRI NorthernRegion facs nsw gov au Toll free 1300 841 566 Phone 02 6128 9200 Fax 02 6128 9211 Southern Intake facs nsw gov au Toll free 1300 134 450 Phone 02 6841 1594 Fax 02 6841 1591 Disability Intake Western facs nsw gov au Level 1 130 Brisbane Street Dubbo NSW 2830 3 Page CARER ALLOWANCE Eligibility Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available for parents or carers who provide additional daily care to an adult or child with a disability or medical condition or someone who is frail aged Carer Allowance is not subject to an income and assets test and is not taxable It can be paid in addition to other income support payments such as Carer Payment or Age Pension You may be eligible for Carer Allowance if you are caring for a child under 16 years of age with severe disability or medical condition or if you are looking after someone aged 16 years or over with a severe disability or medical condition or who is frail aged Residential criteria also apply 110 per fortnight 132717 Web email htto www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments carer allow adult htm contact CARER PAYMENT Eligibility Carer Payment can provide financial suppo
22. hat health services there are Who provides health care Usually the GP is the starting point for health care If the problem is complicated GPs can refer you to e specialist doctors like psychiatrists rehabilitation physicians and neurologists health care providers eg physiotherapists and speech pathologists e Specialist doctors and allied health care providers work in government services and their own practices What will it cost Some health services are provided free by government agencies including public hospitals and Community Health Centres Other health care providers charge for their services Medicare provides a payment for visits to the doctor and some other health services However this will only cover the full price if the health professional bulk bills If a person has private health insurance this also helps with some health costs eg private hospital admissions But the insurance may not cover the full charge It is very important to talk to the health professional about costs before treatment starts so that you know how much it will be and can talk about options For hospital treatment there is often a choice of waiting a long time for free treatment in a public hospital or paying for a private hospital Allied health services Some of these are available for free in community health centres and hospitals and in community support teams and residential services of Ageing Disability and Home Care ADHC
23. ion Supplement or ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement if you are receiving one of these payments from Centrelink Carer Payment adult Carer Payment child Disability Support Pension Parenting Payment single Special Benefit as a single parent Widow Allowance Widow B Pension Wife Pension if your partner receives Disability Support Pension Department of Veterans Affairs payment You may qualify for Pensioner Education Supplement or ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement if you are receiving one of these payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs e Invalidity Service Pension e Partner Service Pension if your partner is receiving an Invalidity Service Pension e Partner Service Pension in combination with Carer Allowance from Centrelink You may also qualify if you have a dependent child and you receive Defence Widow or Widower Pension Special Rate Disability Pension War Widow or Widower Pension weekly compensation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Other eligibility rules To be eligible for Pensioner Education Supplement or ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement you must also be studying full time or a single parent a carer have a substantial disability or be an eligible student receiving Youth Allowance or Newstart Allowance and undertaking approved part time study part time study is at least 25 of a full time study load and studying a secondary or tertiary approved course inclu
24. l bulk bills If the person has a lot of medical expenses the Extended Medicare Safety Net may cover some of the cost If the person has private health insurance that may cover some of the services in this fact 11 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 sheet You cannot claim on both Medicare and private health insurance Remember that Medicare is for payment of private health professionals There are also some free health services provided by government For more information Enhanced Primary Care section of the Department of Health and Ageing website www health gov au internet main publishing nsf Content Enhanced Primary Care Progr am 1 Extended Medicare Safety Net www medicareaustralia gov au public services msn index jsp You might be interested in these fact sheets Annual health assessments Children what kinds of health services are there Adults what kinds of health services are there Going to the dentist Mental Health This fact sheet was written in July 2009 The fact sheet contains general information only and does not take into account individual circumstances It should not be relied on for medical advice We encourage you to look at the information in this fact sheet carefully with your health professional to decide whether the information is right for you Web email http www nswcid org au health se health i contact medicare html 12 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 ANNUAL
25. le present The CHAP is used by the disability departments in NSW Victoria Queensland and Western Australia Health action plan It is important that the actions recommended by the doctor are followed up One person should take responsibility for supporting the person with disability through the necessary actions eg arranging blood tests and making appointments with specialists and therapists If you have trouble with this follow through contact the GP for advice The annual assessment can also feed into an in individual health care plan In NSW each resident of the accommodation services run by ADHC must have a health care plan The plan covers things like 13 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 a healthy lifestyle follow through on annual assessments and ongoing support with health problems Follow up Ask the GP about a follow up appointment to talk about the results of any tests and other assessments The doctor may use these results to give more advice about treatment or monitoring Web email The Medicare assessment items for people with intellectual disability See the contact Medicare fact sheet and more detailed question and answer sheet www health gov au internet main publishing nsf Content mbsprimarycare_mbsite intellectual disability www health gov au internet main publishing nsf Content mbsprimarycare qandaintelldisability CHAP tool www som uqg edu au research aqcidd files chap pdf Health care polic
26. ly SESUP Younger People in Residential Aged Care YPIRAC Program People with disability interested in seeking further information about EnableNSW should discuss their query with a health care professional Sydney West Area Health Service Mt Druitt 1800 115 237 Children s Hospital at Westmead 9845 2549 Sydney South West Area Health Service 9395 2068 9722 263 Liverpool 9828 4691 Camden 4654 6312 Northern Sydney amp Central Coast Area Health Service 4336 8823 9858 7968 9976 9636 South Eastern Sydney amp Illawarra Area Health Service _ Hunter New England Area Health Service North Coast Area Health Service Lismore 6625 5 02 Greater Western Area Health Service Dubbo 6841 8554 Bathurst 6339 5315 Greater Southern Area Health Service 1800 011 172 Central Sydney Bankstown Central Coast Ryde Manly Wagga Wagga 21 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE A phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment The NRS is available to everyone at no additional charge You can make calls24 hours a day 7 days a week You can contact anyone in the wider telephone network Calls can be made by a TTY a special phone with a small keyboard and screen internet relay or ordinary telephone See details on the varioius call options Training how to use a TTY or internet relay is free All calls through the NRS are relayed through a relay officer who is the ce
27. ntral link in every call and stays on the line to make sure your calls go smoothly You can type and read your conversation entirely via a TTY or via internet relay on a computer or mobile phone Depending on your particular requirements the relay officer can become your voice and read out your conversation to the other person The relay officer can also listen to the response and type it back for you to read The privacy of all parties is respected and all calls are treated confidentially Is the NRS right for me Are there things you can and can t do in a relay call How do you know if you are eligible TTY voice calls 133 677 Contact Speak amp Listen 1300 555 727 TAXI TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME TTSS Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme TTSS The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme TTSS provides subsidised travel allowing approved participants to travel by taxi at half fare up to a maximum subsidy of 30 per trip The scheme was introduced in 1981 to assist NSW residents who are unable to use public transport because of a qualifying severe and permanent disability Transport for NSW administers TTSS Who is eligible Each application is reviewed by Transport for NSW s independent medical assessor It is important that the applicant s medical practitioner or treating specialist provides enough detail and supporting documents to allow the severity of your disability or medical condition to be assessed Participation is not means tested Receipt o
28. ogy assessments rehabilitation ageing and dementia clinics and clinics for people with Down syndrome Cornelia de Lange syndrome and Fragile X syndrome Area covered Accepts patients from anywhere in NSW Sometimes runs clinics away from Ryde Westmead Hospital Phone 02 9845 9710 Wednesday Friday or 0438 549 466 Mon Fri Services Clinics for general medical assessment dysphagia and nutrition complex epilepsy and patients with Rett syndrome amp Down syndrome Area covered Sydney West Area Health Service Also accepts referrals from anywhere in NSW Runs some clinics away from Westmead including Wollongong and Leura Developmental Disability Clinic Goulburn Phone 02 4823 7800 Services Medical assessments Area covered Goulburn and southern NSW This fact sheet was written in July 2009 The fact sheet contains general information only and does not take into account individual circumstances It should not be relied on for medical advice We encourage you to look at the information in this fact sheet carefully with your health professional to decide whether the information is right for you 15 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Mine ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH SERVICES ARE THERE The health system is complex and it can be hard to find the help a person with intellectual disability needs This fact sheet tries to help you through this maze by explaining w
29. om au home Phone 02 9412 6800 or TTY 02 9412 6802 Community health centres and public hospitals www health nsw gov au services index asp Phone 02 9391 9000 or TTY 02 9391 9900 Community support teams ADHC www adhc nsw gov au contact_ us Phone 02 8270 2000 or TTY 02 8270 2167 healthdirect Australia www healthdirect org au Phone 1800 022 222 or if you have speech or hearing impairment 1800 556 677 Web email This fact sheet was updated in June 2011 contact The fact sheet contains general information only and does not take into account individual circumstances It should not be relied on for medical advice We encourage you to look at the information in this fact sheet carefully with your health professional to decide whether the information is right for you 17 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 ns CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH SERVICES ARE THERE The health system is complex and it can be hard to find the help you need This fact sheet tries to help you through this maze by explaining what health services there are for children and young people Who provides health care Usually the GP is the starting point for health care If the problem is complicated the GP can refer you to a paediatrician or another specialist doctor and to allied health care providers eg physiotherapists or speech pathologists Specialist doctors and allied health care providers work in government services an
30. ople with intellectual disabilities If you think that items in this fact sheet might be useful for a person with intellectual disability take the fact sheet with you and ask the doctor The Healthy Kids Check Every four year old can have a health check by a GP The doctor can identify signs of a disability and provide advice on healthy lifestyles GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements A GP can write a Management Plan for treatment of a chronic medical condition eg diabetes asthma and heart disease If the person also has complex needs the GP can coordinate a Team Care Arrangement with other health and care providers Allied health services Allied health services include people like dietitians physiotherapists soeech pathologists audiologists psychologists occupational therapists and Aboriginal health workers Medicare covers allied health services for a person who has both a GP Management Plan and a Team Care Arrangement up to 5 visits each year You need a GP s referral Group services for people with type 2 diabetes If a person has GP Management Plan the GP can refer the person for group sessions to help manage their diabetes Mental health care GP Mental Health Care items apply to people with a mental disorder eg anxiety or depression The GP can prepare a care plan and spend extra time with the person The GP can also refer the person to a psychologist who can be paid by Medicare Psychiatrists also ha
31. rt if you are unable to work in substantial paid employment because you are providing full time care to a child or adult with a severe disability or medical condition or someone who is frail aged Carer Payment is subject to an income and assets test and is paid at the same rate as other income support payments You cannot receive Carer Payment and another income support payment such as Age Pension at the same time Residential criteria also apply You may be eligible for Carer Payment if you are caring for a child under 16 years of age with severe disability or medical condition or if you are looking after someone aged 16 years or over with a severe disability or medical condition or who is frail aged Benefit Single 689 00 per fortnight Pere ule http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments carer rates htm contact 4 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 DISABILITY SUPPORT PENSION Eligibility Disability Support Pension provides financial support to people with a physical intellectual or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working or for people who are permanently blind Disability Support Pension provides financial support to people with a physical intellectual or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working or for people who are permanently blind You may be able to get Disability Support Pension if you are ill injured or have a disability To do so you have to be an A
32. s index asp Phone 02 9391 9000 or TTY 02 9391 9900 Community support teams disability services ADHC www adhc nsw gov au contact_ us Phone 02 8270 2000 or TTY 02 8270 2167 19 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 Early Childhood Intervention Infoline 1300 656 865 healthdirect Australia www healthdirect org au Phone 1800 022 222 or ir you have speech or hearing impairment 1800 555 677 Transition Care website information about transition to adult health services www health nsw gov au gmct transition Phone 02 9887 5578 20 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 DISABILITY EQUIPMENT EnableNSW Aids and Equipment Program formerly known as PADP The Aids and Equipment Program is a NSW Government initiative to assist eligible residents of NSW who have a life long or long term disability to live and participate within their community by providing appropriate equipment aids and appliances Information on eligibility for the program the range of equipment available the lodgement of applications mutual responsibilities and expectations and steps for complaints and appeals is outlined in the Policy Directive EnableNSW Assistive Technology for Communication Mobilit Respiratory Function amp Self Care More information on services provided by the Aids and Equipment Program is available for e Continence Assistance e Specialised Equipment Essential for Discharge SEED former
33. should go with them to the appointment For people in supported accommodation workers should discuss this with the person s family or advocate It will often make sense for both a parent and a support worker to attend Take the person s health records personal profile and current medications to the appointment If it will be hard for the doctor to assess the person in the surgery you can ask the doctor to come to the person s home At the appointment The GP will check things like the person s teeth hearing eye sight nutrition any swallowing problems immunisations and so on And then the GP will advise on preventative health care treatment and any other medical tests that are needed If the person has a chronic medical condition and complex care needs then the GP may decide to follow up with Chronic Disease Management Medicare items These can allow other health professionals to be paid for by Medicare for example speech pathologists physiotherapists and occupational therapists Using the CHAP tool The CHAP is a tool that can be used to carry out the annual health assessment CHAP stands for Comprehensive Health Assessment Program There is a questionnaire for the family advocate or support worker to fill in with the person This gives the doctor lots of information about the person s health The doctor then fills in the second part of the CHAP at the appointment and works out a health action plan with the person and other peop
34. ustralian resident and meet other eligibility criteria The Disability Support Pension is income and assets tested If you are eligible you may receive a fortnightly Disability Support Pension the Pharmaceutical Allowance and a Pensioner Concession Card If you resume work you can still receive the Disability Support Pension depending on the hours you work and how much you earn Benefit Single 689 00 per fortnight Couple 519 40 each per fortnight contact MOBILITY ALLOWANCE Eligibility Web email contact 13 27 17 Mobility Allowance assists people with disabilities who are involved in qualifying activities and cannot use public transport without substantial assistance Qualifying activities may include looking for work or any combination of paid employment voluntary work vocational training and independent living or life skills training Note You do not need to get any other payments from Centrelink to qualify for Mobility Allowance Mobility Allowance is not income or assets tested and is a non taxable payment Standard rate S83 per fortnight Higher rate 116 20 per fortnight 13 27 17 http www centrelink gov au internet internet nsf payments mobility rates htm 5 Page Benefits and Allowances 19 January 2012 PENSIONER CONCESSION CARD Eligibility You can get a Pensioner Concession Card if you receive any of these payments Age Pension Bereavement Allowance Carer Payment adult Carer Payment child
35. ve special Medicare items for people with disabilities Dental services A person is eligible for Medicare coverage of dental services if their oral health is likely to affect their general health and they have a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements See above Medicare will then pay for most dental services up to 4 250 over two calendar years as of July 2009 You need a GP s referral Autism and similar conditions For children under 13 Medicare covers diagnosis and treatment plans for autism and some similar conditions called pervasive developmental disorders This work is done by a specialist paediatrician or child psychiatrist The specialist can also refer the child to a psychologist soeech pathologist or occupational therapist for help with the assessment and up to 20 sessions of early intervention Medicare also pays for ongoing care by a psychiatrist for children and adults who are seriously affected by autism or a similar condition Specialist physicians These include paediatricians adult physicians neurologists etc A GP refers patients to them As well as standard consultations Medicare has special items for a physician Assessing and preparing a treatment plan for a person with intellectual disability and a complex health problem Organising or attending a case conference with a team of health and care workers Will Medicare cover the whole bill Medicare only covers the full fee if the heath professiona
36. y and procedures ADHC NSW www adhc nsw gov au _data assets file 0007 228094 Health Care Policy Sept 2 010 pdf SPECIALISED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY HEALTH SERVICES Usually you first go to a GP with a health problem Sometimes the GP refers you on to a specialist doctor or an allied health professional like a physiotherapist Children with intellectual disability and complex health conditions will often have a paediatrician to help with their health care But sometimes GPs and other mainstream health professionals struggle to diagnose and treat health problems of people with intellectual disability You may then need a health service that specialises in working with people with intellectual disability This fact sheet tells you about the health services in NSW that specialise in people with intellectual disability Families advocates and disability support workers value these services highly but they are very stretched and not well spread through the State Many are not full time services For children Diagnosis and Assessment Services can help with complex health conditions of children with intellectual disability See the Diagnosis and assessment of a disability fact sheet The Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service has a wide range of clinics in specialist issues and transition to adult health services Diagnosis and Assessment Services often have a developmental paediatrician This is a paediatrician who specialises in working with children
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search