Practical assitance in Australia

[Jazymay]

Hi,

For those of us who live in Australia I wondered where do you go if you need help?

I just moved house and I am now an hour from family and friends. Today my walking is really bad. I just wonder what would happen if I became house bound? Even for a short period.

Who do you ask to help you get shopping for example?

Thanks,

Jaz

[M3rry]

I'm not in Australia but having talked to disabled family and friends here's what I can offer - delivery services. I have no idea how urban your new home is but hopefully you'll be within delivery range of at least one supermarket and a pharmacy. While food delivery is relatively common now you will need to talk to your pharmacist and see what help they can offer when you are bad. Here (UK) they are obliged to ensure meds get to anyone housebound/bedbound whether it's temporary or long term.

If you are in a small town it is still worth asking a small local shop if they can help, before phone/internet orders local shops would help the sick and elderly by dropping around the essentials.

Also if you have really bad episodes look into those services that ensure the elderly get fed. You might not be entitled to free food but there are services that will deliver 'TV dinners' to your freezer who don't care if the person they deliver to is actually 'elderly' or just sick as long as they pay.

[Hidden]

I agree it only make sense for home services. Since driving is a challenge maybe have someone bring it to you once every x amount of time maybe.

I empathize on the walking mine hasnt returned in 5 months but my orthotics help. It helps my brain know where my foot goes so I'm a bit more upright. Idk about but I got them on Amazon for 20 us dollars each so not bad.

Hopefully you can use something to get around. Cheers.

[Regaining-control]

Hi Jaz

Depending on your region some of the rehab teams do home visits if you have access to them... mine all did home visits for the initial visits until I was well enough to walk a bit to get out of car to clinic. Bad vertigo and paralysis etc... the others have valid points on the home delivery services. A lot of pharmacies do as well. Also Skype appointments may be possible depending on who you see. I think you are Qld as well but let me know if need any other info. 🙂

[Jazymay in reply to Regaining-control]

I am SA, which I have heard is one of the worst states, unfortunately. I am going to see how I go in the next couple of months after my move, and then decide if I should request a social worker, ndis etc. Obviously, moving house on my own, as good as, will have taken quite a toll. I was unwell before then, but work was bad. So best to see if the change and reduced stress are healing. Then I will decide what to do.

And all the tips I have received will help me decide if I can manage or not. So thank you all.

[Penny-Lane]

Hi Jax, I am in Australia too, (Melbourne, Victoria). I empathise totally! I cannot drive and until last week could not even walk walk the short distance to the pharmacy. 6 months of graded walking got me there! I use Woolworths delivery service and the "crate to bench option" which means he delivery guy carries everything to your kitchen bench and unpacks it - a lifesaver! If you pay $19/month here you can get unlimited deliveries per month as long as they are over $150. As a single person and that means I shop every 2 weeks and try to plan well with the freezer etc. the pharmacy is more difficult. Most often my lovely neighbour would pick up items on the way home for me. I know some pharmacies do deliver though. Dry cleaning - I found a service called "Dryz" that picks it up and delivers to your door. Cleaning - the local council disability team assessed me and sent a support worker every 2 weeks to clean my house. Transport - I use Uber's and Ola's and sometimes lifts from friends. Uber actually has an option called "Uber Assist" where they open the doors for you and can help you into the car. They also stash a walker in the boot. 😊

I'm not saying it's not bloody tough because it is. But online everything has become my friend - especially Amazon. 🤗

I try to remain positive but yes, sometimes the lack of independence gets to me and I just wish I could jump in my car and go where I want like I used to 10 months ago. 😔