.png)
In Uniquely Me this month, we are sharing Peter's story.
Meet Peter, now 48, whose journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Six years ago, he experienced a life-changing fall from a horse, resulting in an acquired brain injury. Peter's cognitive age aligns with that of a 16-year-old, which means he is like a child in an adult man's body. He cannot make most decisions for himself; he can decide what he wants to eat and where; however, it is only basic decision-making skills he can do with certainty. He is also easily swayed by other people, and a few independent support workers sometimes played on this until Michael stepped in.
Peter learned to walk and regained strength in his right arm while adapting to the challenges posed by reduced function in his left arm. With a walking stick, he navigates balance issues, proving that perseverance is key. Peter does require assistance getting dressed and accessing the community; he also becomes fatigued quickly.
Four years ago, when Peter applied for an NDIS plan, his initial rejection was met with confusion. Michael, his devoted father, became Peter's advocate, tirelessly reaching out to various organizations and local members of parliament, fueled by concern for Peter's future. Eighteen months ago, their relentless efforts paid off when Peter was accepted onto the NDIS, receiving a two-year plan that provided him with much-needed core support.
Though initially lacking support, Michael remained steadfast in his quest for appropriate help for Peter. After trying numerous independent support workers and then NDIS-registered providers, they have still been able to find people willing to complete two-hour shifts to this day.
Michael shared:
" I am bewildered that there are people who start a business, this includes sole traders with no business set up, no policies and procedures, no concept that the NDIS code of conduct applies to them, and they have a duty of care to the person they are providing the service to. These sole traders get an ABN and business insurance if we are lucky. When I asked them about their documents, their work health and safety obligations, they all, which were 10 of them, laughed at me and told me that they don't even need to have a service agreement in place, let alone any policies and procedures and work health and safety legislation doesn't apply to them as they are not NDIS registered. When I explained to them that I was a work health and safety inspector when I did work and that Work Health and Safety applies to ALL businesses, including sole traders, they argued that was wrong and that they only have to follow what NDIS states on their website which is nothing for those who are not NDIS registered. The ignorance of so many sole traders and smaller companies is very concerning and disheartening!"
With Michael and Peter's sister stepping up to support him, they embody the spirit of family unity in the face of adversity. Michael expressed his hope for a system that better understands the needs of individuals like Peter, emphasizing the importance of person-centred care. Despite their challenges, Michael's unwavering commitment to finding suitable support provides a beacon of hope, proving that together, they can navigate the complexities of life with courage and strength. They have yet to see proper support, especially for NDIS-registered businesses.
While Peter is surrounded by family support, there are better options. Michael received a whole new plan for Peter two weeks ago, even though the current plan still had several months to go, and no review was related. The funds in the plan are now being NDIA managed with no reason for why it has occurred. Core support decreased from 28 hours of support to 20 hours of support a week, along with his allied health funding being reduced by half, impacting the level of physiotherapy and occupational therapy Peter can access over the next 12 months. Michael is worried about what will happen to Peter as they need help finding support workers willing to accept the short shifts; the idea of accessing NDIS was to give Michael a break and Peter a bit more independence in accessing the community. Michael asked me," What happens to Peter if I am unwell and cannot help him get dressed or prepare a meal? Where are the people supposed to be working in this sector to help people, and who would accept a 2-hour shift that can make such a huge difference in someone else's life? How does the NDIS help people if the proper funding is not provided or providers are only willing to accept more extended shifts? Not everyone gets that level of funding!" Each of these is a great question, and unfortunately, I have no answer for them
Unfortunately, there are more and more stories like Peter's, which is creating so much stress and anxiety for people. Where do they access support for themselves or their loved ones if NDIS are reducing the funding and providers do not want to provide services for short shifts?
We also have our jewelry range which gives back to community with each purchase
To find the right bracelet for you, visit our store : https://www.breakfreeconsultancy.com/product-page/memory-wrap-bracelets
If you would like to share your story or that of a family member or learn more about the Uniquely Me Project, visit our website, Break Free Consultancy, or contact us.
We would love to hear from you.
Written by
Jacqui Grant
Subscribe to Connect & Grow Magazine today to read ALL of our articles NOT published here for members only.$99 for 12 issues of the magazine and bonus content.
(C) 2024 Connect & Grow Magazine
Disclaimer: All information is correct at time of publication and subject to change