Sara is feeling at home with NDIS supports

Sara is feeling on top of the world, living with her best friend and helping in the community with the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The 35-year-old from Eight Mile Plains is learning independent living tasks at home with her live-in carer, Kathy, who is also helping her to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Sara is supported in increasing her ability to look after herself, house cleaning and preparing food for the household which she also shares with her best friend, Misty.

“Things I do around the house to assist are bringing in the washing, folding the clothes and putting them away. I enjoy helping Misty and Misty enjoys helping me,” Sara said.

Four days a week, Sara has a support worker take her to a service provider where she goes bowling, swimming, cooking, arts and crafts, exercise and learns more about healthy life choices.

Sara’s sister, Pixie, said Sara is passionate about assisting others in the community and particularly loves helping prep and deliver meals.

“Prepping meals and delivery to the elderly and cancer patients through Meals on Wheels is a component of the supports she receives; it is just something she always says when asked about her favourite part,” Pixie said.

Sara also attends regular respite care away from home with her best friend, where she can go shopping, make meals, go out for lunch or dinner, walk to the park for picnics, or go for scenic drives to the Gold Coast.

“She is wonderfully supported, gaining a sense of confidence in at-home tasks and has a wonderful time at respite care. It really has been life changing for her to access all of these supports,” Pixie said.

Sara received assistance to implement her NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.

“Sara’s Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are very helpful; they are very supportive of Sara and myself when we have reviews and when I contact them for assistance,” Pixie said.

“They are caring and have an excellent knowledge of what is available for Sara and how to access that. We are very grateful for the NDIS.”

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au