
Community Access
Following our article about finances, another critical area for long term success and inclusion following long term hospital stay is
Amongst the rapid changes of getting NDIS Plans in place, ensuring the home environment is suitable for disability needs (or often sourcing accommodation), it can be easy for hospital teams to overlook the issue of finances. Patients in hospital often have few financial considerations and those they have are generally out of sight of treatment teams. When the person come in to the community however, finances dictate their ability to access the community and the quality of life they will enjoy. Economic participation and employment will define someone’s social life and sense of a place within society moving forward so it is vital that finances are addressed early.
At the earliest possible point we encourage all participants to engage with a Financial Counsellor either in the hospital or by calling the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) to review their obligations. Debts and obligations don’t automatically pause due to illness and during lengthy hospital stays they can add up over time. Doing a review and making some calls will ensure that any hardship provisions can be accessed early on.
Access to the Disability Pension or Income Protection Insurances should also be pursued as early as possible. We have had unfortunate instances of participants being without incomes due to late action on entitlements and processing delays which increases vulnerability and food insecurity during an already stressful time. Alternatively, having participants who have been enjoying some income whilst in hospital can allow them to transition without arrears and a modest amount of savings.
Beyond income and debts, there are a range of entitlements which can reduce the costs of living for participants who will be subsisting on lower incomes than they may have previously experienced. The items on our financial checklist include:
Provides proof of low income and gives access to concessions and discounts on a range of government and privately provided goods and services. Accessed via Centrelink.
Provides 50% subsidy on taxi costs where a participant is unable to easily access other forms of transport. Application form must be filled out by a GP or medical practitioner. More info.
A card for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities. The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events. More info
Allows unpaid carers (eg. family or close friends) to access cheaper admission and transport fees when accompanying a participant in community access. Note this scheme is separate to the Companion card with differing entitlements and conditions. More info
Provides access to subsidised diabetes management equipment (blood sugar monitors etc) as well as general information and support. Registration can be completed and certified online by a health professional through the NDSS Health Professional Portal or by using the printable form.
Disability permits ensure the participant can access disability parking spaces and doubles the permitted time of parking. Apply online with support from a functional assessment demonstrating impairment, or a medical practitioner can sign off on the application.
Food banks provide free or cheap grocery options to reduce the food bills which impact many households. Local areas have different providers but there will usually be one in the general vicinity of most participants.
Via Care is fortunate to have an internal financial capability worker to assist practitioners and participants in speaking about finances. Any worker can however begin the conversation by prompting their participants to check their use of entitlements, to reach out to a financial counsellor or to review their personal budget using tools like the Money Smart resources provided by the Salvation Army online.
To find out more about Via Care or to make a referral, visit www.viacare.com.au
Following our article about finances, another critical area for long term success and inclusion following long term hospital stay is
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