BIRU DISCHARGE BOOKLET

Transcription

1 BIRU DISCHARGE BOOKLET The following information and contact details are provided to assist you with your return home after your stay at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Going Home

2 Contents Introduction 1 Brain injury services and information 2 Counselling 3-4 Alcohol and substance information, referral and support services 5 Migrant resource centres 5-6 Health services 7-8 Carers 8 Centrelink 9 Financial 10 Legal information and services Community centres Recreation/leisure Education/training/workshop/study 17 Transport information Transport subsidies and permits 18 Specific youth services Specific women s services 20 The Princess Alexandra Hospital Day Hospital Social Worker 21

3 Introduction The team understands that going home after a lengthy stay in hospital can bring up a range of emotions including, excitement, joy, anticipation and at times anxiety. The purpose of this discharge booklet is to provide you and your family with information about the services available to you in the community now that you will be at home. It is important to recognise that all brain injuries are different and that each person will have a different experience once they are at home. However, the social workers at BIRU would like you to have as much information as possible to help with your journey so you are aware of the supports you can access in the community if any difficulties arise once you are at home. This booklet will provide information about a number of services that may be helpful to you and your family. If you have any medical concerns please see your general practitioner (GP). Your GP will have received a discharge summary from your BIRU treating team so they should be aware of your current medical needs. Yours sincerely, Simone and Annerley Social Workers Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit Princess Alexandra Hospital 1

4 Brain Injury Services and Information There are a number of services in the community that specialise in providing support and information to individuals who have brain injury. Listed below are some of the services that can provide this support. The Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service (ABIOS) TEL: On discharge your social worker will automatically refer you to the Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service (ABIOS). ABIOS is a specialist community based rehabilitation service for people with a Brain Injury, for carers and for workers assisting people with a brain injury. Some of the support they can provide are home visits, linking you in with other services in your local community, counselling, behaviour management, independent living skills and return to work options. STEPS TEL: Steps is a programme that aims to build and sustain support for adults with a brain injury, and their families across Queensland. It focuses on individual and group self-management by offering an information and skills program in three parts: Group program, poster and activity in your local community. Open Minds TEL: Open Minds is a non-profit community based recovery that provides support to people living with mental illness, intellectual disability or a brain injury through South East Queensland. They promote a life of choice, fulfilment and participation. Please note that information is free but the services offered by Open Minds have a fee attached. Synapse TEL: Synapse (formerly the Brain Injury Association of Qld Inc.) is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with and affected by Acquired Brain Injury or people whose behaviour challenges our understanding. Please note that information is free but the services offered by Synapse have a fee attached. Brain Injury Australia TEL: Brain Injury Australia is the peak acquired brain injury (ABI) advocacy body representing, through its State and Territory Member Organisations, the needs of people with an acquired brain injury, their families and carers. It works at a national level to ensure that all people living with acquired brain injury have access to the supports and resources they need to optimise their social and economic participation in the community. 2

5 Counselling Everyone s journey of a brain injury is different but most people experience a range of emotions at different times in their journey from sadness, anger, disappointment, hurt, frustration, happiness, joy and anxiety. Most of the time we can manage our emotions and make sense of why we are feeling a certain way however, at times this may not be the case and it is important that you are aware of supports in the community that can assist with exploring some of these emotions so they don t start to impact the way you manage your day-to-day activities e.g. sleep patterns, mood, appetite, social activities etc. Below are a number of counselling services that can assist you. Please note these are not exhaustive but it may be a place for you to start if you believe that some counselling would be valuable to you or your family. Beyond Blue TEL: The Beyond Blue info line provides information on depression, anxiety and related disorders, available treatments and referrals to relevant services. You can call the info line for the cost of a local call or send an . If you require a translator, the info line operator will request on through the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS). Lifeline Provides a 24 hour service 7 days a week TEL: Lifeline is a national telephone service that provides counselling to people experiencing an emotional or personal problem /crisis. They deal with many issues such as relationship difficulties, trauma, loss and grief, sexuality, abuse and suicide. Salvo Care Line Provides a 24 hour service 7 days a week TEL: Salvo Care Line is a Salvation Army community service initiated to provide a telephone crisis counselling and referral service. Its key role is to alleviate immediate distress and help callers find out about other relevant services available. Relationships Australia TEL: Relationships Australia (Qld) is an organisation which provides relationship counselling, family mediation, pre-nuptial agreements, pre-marriage education, gambling help, domestic violence prevention, child contact services and a distance counselling service. Branches everywhere. Paradise Kids TEL: Paradise Kids provides group support and individual counselling to children and their families. Mackwood Life TEL: Mackwood Life offers counselling to children, families and individuals. 3

6 Victims Counselling and Support Services TEL: hr telephone based Information and referral service for peoples whose lives have been impacted by crime for example assault. Spiritus Counselling and Education Services TEL: Spiritus Counselling & Education Services brings together the expertise and energy of a range of counselling, community development and education programs so that you, your partner, children, family, and friends can be better supported. Please note that it is free counselling for anyone who has a Centrelink concession card. Parentline TEL: Parentline offers support, counselling and parent education, between 7am & 10pm - 7 days a week. Available to any parent, any day, any issue. Confidential & anonymous. (Mobile phones at normal rates). Mensline Australia TEL: Mensline is a national telephone support service for men with family or relationship concerns. It is a specialist, professional and confidential counselling service, providing 24 hour, 7 days a week support. ARAFMI PProvides a 24 hour service 7 days a week TEL: Support for families caring for someone with a mental health issue. ARAFMI also provide support groups, education and respite. OTHER TELEPHONE COUNSELLING SERVICES Drug & Alcohol Info/Counselling Service Gamblers Anonymous or Domestic Violence Support (Men) Domestic Violence Support (Women) Sexual Assault Help Line am to midnight 7 days Women s Infolink am to 6.00 pm Mon-to- Fri. Womens Legal Service Local GP for a referral to a community based private psychologist or social worker. 4

7 Alcohol and Substance Information, Referral and Support Services There are a number of services that can provide ongoing support and assistance to individuals who identify they are experiencing difficulties with alcohol or substance misuse e.g. narcotics, amphetamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain killers and prescription medications. Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital is for anyone who identifies they have a substance problem or who wishes to be assessed by the unit so they can become informed about rehabilitation programs they may be able to access. TEL: or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) TEL: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Narcotics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship for men and women where drugs have impacted their relationships or ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Individuals are encouraged to share their experiences, strength and strategies with each other as a way of assisting one another to recover from substance misuse. Narcotics Anonymous can either provide individual or group support. TEL: (Info Service), TEL: or Alcohol and Drug Information Network TEL: The Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN) provides a central point of access to quality Internet-based alcohol and other drug information provided by prominent organisation in Australia and Internationally. Brisbane North Community Health Service Indigenous Community Team. The Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service provides culturally appropriate and holistic primary health care for Indigenous peoples. TEL: Migrant Resource Centres Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland TEL: ECCQ represents the interests of the many people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). They have a range of programmes including but not limited to: advocacy, chronic diseases, sexual health, partners in cultural competence and women s ethnic network. Centrecare Cairns Migrant Settlement Services TEL: The Migrant settlement service assists newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants with their settlement and employment needs. 5

8 Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care TEL: The Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care (CMPC), an ecclesial agency of the Catholic Archdiocese responds to and advocates for the needs and concerns of migrants, refugees, refugee claimants and people on the move regardless of their race, creed or nationality. CMPC, when called upon, also helps to coordinate in the action of multicultural pastoral care within parishes and other Church organisations. Inala Community House TEL: The Community Settlement Support service provides client focused, culturally sensitive settlement support that promotes self reliance and independence in newly arrived communities in the Brisbane South West corridor. This service is a referral service, we introduce newly arrived communities to service providers to facilitate settlement through accessing services, advocacy, life skills programmes, youth programmes and integration activities. Kinections (Community Action for Multicultural society CAMS) Cams is a community-based multicultural service supporting Queensland migrant and refugee families and individuals to gain greater access to community services that will assist them to become active and contributing members of the wider community. TEL: or for_a_multicultural_society.aspx Logan and Beenleigh Migrant Resource Centre TEL: A.C.C.E.S. Services (Assisting Collaborative Community Employment Support Services). Settlement support services for migrants and refugees. Provision of community facilities for meetings and training. Outreach services throughout Logan and Beenleigh. The various programs include: Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) Community Settlement Services Scheme (CSSS) -Youth Project (CSSS Youth) is not a separate youth programme but comes under CSSS. Volunteer Program Social Groups English as Second Language Classes - Available only if funding continues. Personal Support Program Migrant Resource Centre/Community Development -Migrant Employment Support Project (MESP) -Logan Employment African Project (LEAP) Community Jobs Plan, Work Placement (CJP - WP) operates only when it is advertised in local newspapers. Mackay Regional Council for Social Development TEL: Mackay Regional Council for Social Development provides a range of services including: English classes, workshops and volunteering programmes. Multicultural Development Association TEL: The Multicultural Development Association (MDA) was established to promote multiculturalism and act as a strategic mechanism for the empowerment of people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds through a range of community development, system advocacy, education and training, and through a range of service delivery activities. 6

9 Health Services CityLow Vision Support Centre TEL: The CityLow Vision Support Group is a self help support group for the blind and vision impaired, and is affiliated with Vision Australia. The social group shares concerns and ideas, and offers support, information sharing, guest speakers and luncheons. This group meets on a Friday and is open to any age group. Vision Australia TEL: Vision Australia is the leading provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. They work in a positive partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help achieve the possibilities they choose in life. Vision Australia has a range of services including but not limited to: education and training, employment, independence in the community and at home as well as information and recreation services. Epilepsy Queensland Inc. TEL: Epilepsy Queensland provides information and support to assist people with epilepsy and their families. They have a range of services including, counselling, information provision, family support programme, hospital visits, support groups and so on. Stroke Association TEL: or The Stroke Association Queensland offers information, support groups and peer support services to improve the quality of life of stroke survivors, their carers and families. Community Health Centre, Brisbane TEL: There are a range of community health services in Brisbane that offer a range of services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, psychology, speech pathology and nursing assistance. To find out further information please either phone or view the website for your nearest community health facility. Community Health Centre, Bundaberg TEL: Bundaberg community health offers services that include: children s therapy, pregnancy and postnatal care, rehabilitation and intervention, HACC, community health nursing services, confidential counselling, referrals to self-help groups and health welfare service, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services may also be available as well as programs that focus on the long-term management of chronic disease. 7

10 Community Health Centre, Rockhampton TEL: Rockhampton community health offers services that include: aged care services, child and family health services, needle and syringe programme, school based youth health nurses, alcohol, Tobacco and other drug services, podiatry and foot protection, diabetes management programme, Aboriginal and Islander health services, sexual health and HIV services, hepatitis services, mobile women s health service, HACC services, nursing care, breast care nurse programme and chronic diseases programme. Community Health Centre, Edmonton (Cairns) TEL: The Cairns Community Health Centre offers: family health services, child health services, counselling, referrals and self help groups. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander services may also be available. Carers Carers Queensland TEL: Carers Queensland works closely with Carers Australia and the network of carers associations in each state and territory to improve the lives of carers throughout Australia. Together they provide important services like counselling, advice, advocacy, education and training. or Carers Advisory & Counselling Service Carers Respite Service 24 hr emergency response Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres provide information and support to individuals who provide care to their loved ones. The service offers free and confidential information on community services available locally, interstate or anywhere in Australia. TEL: FREECALL or Commonwealth Respite TEL: Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres are information centres for older people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere in Australia. When you contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre staff at the Centre will discuss your situation with you, and give you information about the local services available or those you may benefit from. 8

11 Centrelink The Social Workers can provide you with application forms and information about Sickness Allowance Payments, Disability Support Pension, Age Pension, Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit and other Centrelink services. Your ward doctors or General Practitioner (GP) can assist with providing a Centrelink Medical Certificate or Treating Doctor s Report to accompany your application for benefits and pensions. All Centrelink Application Forms can be downloaded from the Centrelink website Eligibility for Centrelink payments is determined by an assessment made of a person s application for Centrelink assistance. If your Centrelink application is not approved, and you would like to have your application reviewed, this can be arranged by contacting your local Centrelink office. It is important to note, eligibility for Centrelink assistance is determined by a range of factors, including total family income, severity of illness, capacity for medical improvement and rehabilitation and the degree of care the applicant requires or provides. The Centrelink officers can assist you with understanding how the decisions are made about any application you lodge. To make an appointment to see an Officer at your nearest Centrelink Office TEL: Employment Services: TEL: Disability, Sickness and Carers TEL: Youth Allowance TEL: Family Assistance TEL: Customer Relations (for complaints, feedback, compliments) TEL: FREECALL All Centrelink Forms, including the Medical Report Form can be downloaded from Nearest Centrelink Office to Princess Alexandra Hospital: 479 Logan Rd Stones Corner 4120 (PO Box 1341 Coorparoo, 4151, QLD) FAX: (to send in a Medical Certificate or other Report) If you require a Centrelink Medical Certificate (there is a maximum of 13 weeks allowed on any one Certificate) or a Centrelink Medical Report, to be completed; please arrange this directly with one of the doctors looking after you at the Hospital, or with your GP. 9

12 10 Financial Lifeline Financial Counselling TEL: Lifeline provides free financial counselling and information to anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties. Individuals can access this service if they identify that are having difficulties with paying debts, being harassed by creditors or debt collectors, facing legal action regarding your debts, dealing with car repossession, worried about being evicted from your home, or having budgeting problems. Money Care Financial Counselling TEL: The Salvation Army Moneycare financial counselling is a free and confidential service. They can help you if are in financial difficulty, in a financial crisis or wish to avoid financial difficulties. For example you may be: having difficulty paying debts, being harassed by creditors or debt collectors, facing legal action regarding your debts, dealing with car repossession, worried about being evicted from your home, or having budgeting problems. Financial Counselling Service Brisbane TEL: This is a free telephone service or face-to-face advisory service that provides advice to low income consumers with credit and debt problems. The service provides a range of practical options available to reduce their debt. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Australia TEL: Christians Against Poverty is a free service providing professional debt counselling, practical services and financial education to anyone who is facing hardship as a result of financial difficulty. The Smith Family TEL: The Smith Family Learning for Life Program is a student support program set up to assist financially disadvantaged young Australians to make the most of their education. It provides scholarships to students from low-income families who are struggling to pay for essential school items such as school fees, uniforms, text books, camps and excursions. In addition to the scholarship money to assist with educational expenses, all students and their families are provided with support and advice from a Learning for Life Worker. To be eligible, families must meet all of the following criteria: The student and their family must be referred to the program through an established referral pathway; The student must go to school in a Learning for Life community focus; All students must be attending a non-fee paying school (however, exceptional cases will be examined on an individual basis); The students family must possess a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card; The student must be an Australian resident; The student must be in primary school at the time of recruitment (maximum 3 per family); and Demonstrated commitment by the family and the student to education. Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) State wide TEL: APRA is the prudential regulator of banks, insurance companies and superannuation funds, credit unions, building societies and friendly societies. They can also provide assistance with the early release of superannuation benefits.

13 Legal Information and Services: Legal Matters: Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advanced Health Directives. It is recommended that all adults have an up to date Last Will and Testament (known as a will ) and an Enduring Power of Attorney (known as an EPOA ). A Will enables people to clearly indentify how, in the event of their death; they would like their estate (property and other assets) to be managed and distributed and/or how they would like the welfare of their dependents managed. A Will can be helpful, no matter how simple your situation is. An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) enables an adult to nominate a person or several people to manage their financial and/or health matters, in the event that they lose capacity either temporarily or permanently. Such loss of capacity can occur as a result of hospitalisation, surgery, or during rehabilitative periods. An Advanced Health Directive enables a person to determine the degree of treatment and assistance they would want in certain medical situations. It is essential for a doctor (often a GP) to go through the Advanced Health Directive with the patient, to ensure full understanding of the information and of the decisions they might make in advance, on their own behalf. It is strongly recommended that legal advice and assistance be sought whenever such legal documents are being considered. You can purchase a Will kit and an EPOA Form from a newsagency and from Australia Post and complete them without the input of a solicitor. However, this course of action is less advisable. In the case of a Will, two independent witnesses are required (neither of whom are nominated as beneficiaries of the Will) to sign the Will in your presence. In the case of the EPOA, a Justice of the Peace (JP) is required to witness the EPOA. It is then essential that the nominated Attorneys sign their agreement to carrying out their Attorney role; should such ever be required. It is important to appreciate that these are all legal documents, and even what seems like a simple Will or EPOA can in fact be more complex than they first might seem. Queensland Law Society TEL: The Queensland Law Society has a referral list of solicitors and firms who have advised us they practice in certain areas of law. They can assist by providing a referral to at least three solicitors who can assist with your specific legal matter, or go to. Public Trustee of Queensland TEL: The Public Trustee Queensland can provide you with information and support regarding WILLS, EPOA and unclaimed money s (Wills) OR (Enduring Powers of Attorney) or go to 11

14 Will Kits, Enduring Power of Attorney Forms, and Advanced Health Directive Forms Lifecan be purchased from some post offices and newsagencies. To download these documents, and to obtain useful information including that of locating a Justice of the Peace (JP); about Guardianship Matters or about the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages go to. Legal Aid Queensland TEL: Legal Aid have lawyers who can talk to you about how the law applies to your legal problem and what you may be able to do about it. For further information you can go to Bookings for face to face appointments one week in advance. For next day phone service phone in the morning. Caxton Legal Centre Inc. TEL: This service has volunteer solicitors who provide free legal information and advice about your individual situation and how the law applies to your issue. They are open on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 6:00 & 7:30pm. Central Queensland Community Legal Centre Inc (Bundaberg) Central Queensland Community Legal Centre is an independent non-profit organisation funded by grants from the State and Federal governments, donations from the general public and membership fees. The service provides general legal advice, referral and some casework on a full time basis. It services communities stretching from just south of Mackay to Bundaberg and west to the Queensland border. The Centre also undertakes collaborative community legal education activities. TEL: or Central Queensland Community Legal Centre Inc (Rockhampton) The Central Queensland Community Legal Centre is based in Rockhampton and covers Central Queensland and west to Longreach. Generalist Centre s, providing free legal advice are currently in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Gladstone. TEL: or Womens Legal Service Inc (Bundaberg & Rockhampton) Women s Legal Service Inc is a specialist community legal centre run by and for women. The service provides free legal information, advice and referrals throughout Queensland. It does not undertake court representation. The service can explain the law and what happens in court on most legal matters. Women s Legal Service has particular expertise in the areas of family law and violence against women that is, domestic violence and rape, sexual assault and incest. TEL: Community Legal Centre, Cairns TEL: The community Legal Centre in Cairns offers free legal advice, information and referral to other services that may be able to assist. 12

15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Legal Service, Cairns Provides free legal advice, support and representation to people from Innisfail to the Cape. TEL: Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) TEL: QCAT can provide information and services for the administration for adults, anti-discrimination, building disputes, children and young people, consumer and trader disputes, debt disputes, minor civil disputes, other civil disputes occupational regulation, residential tenancy disputes and reviewing administrative decisions. Community Centres ADRA TEL: ADRA is community based organisation with many locations throughout Queensland. ADRA offers emergency food relief, information, referrals and counselling on personal grief, financial and couple counselling. Address: 19 Eagle Terrace, Brisbane. Community Qld Inc TEL: The Community Queensland Inc offers a range of individual and family support services for the aged, people with disabilities and people with mental health issues. Services include: counselling, advocacy, information and referrals, as well as self help groups, emergency relief and childcare. Address: 180 Jubilee Tce, Bardon Qld 4065 or East Brisbane Community Centre TEL: The East Brisbane Community Centre provides a range of services including English conversation groups, training and education programs on positive parenting, self esteem and men s issues. Address: 538 Vulture St, East Brisbane Qld 4169 Balmoral Uniting Community Centre TEL: The Balmoral Uniting Community Centre activities provide recurring weekly and fortnightly activities for people with a physical and or mental disability. These groups consist of a Friday morning social group and a Tuesday afternoon movie group. The Friday Friendship Group involves ongoing activities, singing dancing, bus pick up from the local area of Morningside and includes morning tea and drinks. There is $5 dollar fee for attending this group which goes from around 9.30am to 12.30pm. The Tuesday afternoon Movie Group involves a bus pick up from the local area of Morningside, dinner and a movie. There is not cost for this group at this time and goes from 5pm to 8pm. Address: 19 Rogoona Street Morningside, QLD, 4170 Hub Neighbourhood Centre Inc. TEL: The Hug Neighbourhood Centre offers information and referral services as well as social activities for seniors and parenting as well as personal development courses. Address: 76 Corsair Ave (cnr Wirraway Pde), Inala Qld

16 New Farm Neighbourhood Centre Inc. TEL: The New Farm Neighbourhood Centre offers an open house, community BBQs, volunteers program, free internet use and various other workshops and activities. Also offers a Tenancy Advice and Advocacy service Mon to Fri 9-1pm. Address: 967 Brunswick St, New Farm 4005 Nundah Community Centre TEL: The Nundah Community Centre provides information, referrals, advocacy, support and counselling, community education, conversational English classes, art and craft workshops. There is also phone, fax and computer access. Address: 14 Station St, Nundah Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre TEL: The Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre provides information and referral, Advocacy, activity groups, seniors activity groups, emergency relief. Address: 38 Thallon St, Sherwood 4075 Redlands Community Centre TEL: Redlands Community Centre can assist you with family support, emergency relief, generalist and crisis counselling, referrals to other services, support groups, self help programmes, community interest activities and parenting programmes. Address: 29 Loraine Street, Capalaba or Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre TEL: The Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre provides services to families and individuals living in the Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads areas. Services include: crisis intervention, short term counselling, personal development groups. Address: 16 Third Avenue, Palm Beach or Kenalwyn Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc TEL: The Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre provides community based group contact, referrals to other agencies, play groups, support groups, workshops and craft activities. The Centre also has a Multicultural Community Engagement Worker, Bundaberg Child and Family Program Coordinator, speech therapy for non-government schools, free tax help, adult literacy & numeracy program and Migrant Settlement Program Worker 3 days per month, Free legal advice, playgroups. Bundaberg Citizens Advice Bureau TEL: The Citizens Advice Bureau is a public information and referral service. This agency provides information and referrals on social and welfare services, health benefits, pensions and concessions, political and civic information, clubs and organisations as well as information on local services and support groups. 14

17 Rockhampton Community Centre TEL: Community Health services vary from centre to centre and include family health services, child health services, HACC, community health nursing services, confidential counselling, referrals to self-help groups and health welfare service, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services may also be available. Some Community Health Centres offer access to Home and Community Care (HACC) programs. HACC programs are a joint state and federal government initiative which provide frail aged people and people with a disability access to practical services which assist them to continue living in their own home. Support services are also available for carers. Services which may be available to eligible clients include domestic assistance, social support, respite care (in home and centre based), minor modifications after being assessed by occupational therapists, allied health services (such as dietetics, physiotherapy and speech pathology) and referral to other support services where needed (such as Meals on Wheels). Fees apply to certain HACC services, but special arrangements may be made for people who cannot afford these costs. Hambledon House Community Centre (Cairns) TEL: Hambledon provides an information and referral service, community support service, family support service, south cairns specialist counselling service. Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre (Cairns) TEL: Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre provides community education and personal development, centre-based group support, information and referral to other non-government agencies, social support and emergency relief. Recreation/Leisure Access Arts Inc TEL: This is a service for people who have a disability or who are disadvantage and would like to create positive social and cultural change through the arts. Deaf Services Queensland TEL: The Deaf Society aims to provide a comprehensive range of professional and social services to cater for the needs of Queensland s Deaf Community. The Society provides Community Welfare services, interpreting services, residential services, post school training centres and access to facilities for meetings, sport, theatre and social activities. The Society aims to both assist with the integration of deaf individuals into the community and to educate the hearing community to better understand the many problems associated with deafness. The service offers information workshops on deaf culture, sign language interpreting, translation and writing of documents and language development. Workshops for both deaf and hearing-impaired people on issues related to deafness and personal development are also available. Endeavour Foundation TEL: The Endeavour Foundation provides people with a disability a link and access to the community, recreation, relaxation, skills development and maintenance. It also offers the disabled accommodation support services, business/employment services, past school services and supported employment. 15

18 Aide and Recreational Association for the Disabled (Brisbane) The Aid and Recreational Association for the Disabled provides a day centre offering recreational and life skills activities for disabled people. Activities include bowling, bus/concert outings, carpentry, cooking, handicraft, indoor games, picnics, movies and swimming. A vehicle with a wheelchair lift is available for transport. TEL: (07) The Little Kings Movement For The Handicapped TEL: Little Kings provides spiritual, social and cultural assistance for people with disabilities and their families. Participatory recreation and day respite are also available. Sporting Wheelies Association TEL: The sporting Wheelies Association helps to enhance the lives of people living with a disability through community engagement, eduction, sport and health activity. Queensland Councils There are a range of Councils around Queensland that provide free recreational and social activities. Some of the activities may include, sport, libraries, pools, parks, art programs, recreation and holiday programs. It is always worthwhile to explore what is happening in your local community. Brisbane City Council TEL: Redland City Council TEL: Logan City Council TEL: Ipswich City Council TEL: Bundaberg Regional Council TEL: Rockhampton Regional Council TEL: Cairns Regional Council TEL:

19 Education/Training/Workshops/Study TAFE TEL: Information about TAFE courses in Queensland, including Open Learning (distance education) Programs. Queensland Law Society TEL: The Queensland Law Society has a referral list of solicitors and firms who have advised us they practice in certain areas of law. They can assist by providing a referral to at least three solicitors who can assist with your specific legal matter, or go to. Volunteering Queensland TEL: Volunteering Queensland links individuals with organisations to help find them interesting and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services TEL: Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services Australia has been providing services to job seekers, employers, insurers and other industry partners for many years. CRS have a range of services that have been developed over time to meet the needs of their different customers. Some of their services include: disability, return to work, employment and injury prevention. Relaxation Centre TEL: The relaxation centre in Brisbane offers many personal growth workshops, courses, volunteering opportunities and a bookshop. Transport Information Some people will be required to return to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for routine medical reviews and therapies. Queensland Health does not routinely or automatically provide transport to and from health facilities, therefore the Princess Alexandra Hospital has an expectation that patients and families will take responsibility for accessing hospital appointments. Within the Brisbane South Health Region there is a rich network of public and community transport options to assist patients with their transport needs. TRANSINFO (public transport information) Bus and Rail Phone (comprehensive trip planning service) Internet (comprehensive trip planning service) Rail Stations close to hospital: Dutton Park Buranda Bus Stops close to hospital: PA Hospital Busway Ipswich Road at the front of hospital Cornwall Street 17

20 COMMUNITY TRANSPORT CODI - Coordinating Organisation for the Disabled in Ipswich TEL: The service provides medical transport to Brisbane and Ipswich Hospitals. To be eligible a person needs to be:- frail aged/have a disability/or carer/living at home/eligible for Home and Community Care services/resident of Ipswich, West Moreton or Western Suburbs of Brisbane/transport disadvantaged. Bookings must be made in advance by calling the above number. Transport for Ipswich residents - $25 return from Ipswich to Brisbane pickup from home and transport home. It is an additional $5 for carer transport. LANDS Community Services (Logan) TEL: Frail Aged & Younger Disabled transport assistance to medical appointments, including transport for shopping or social activity. Fee $4.00 up to 10 km and $8.00 up to 20 kms (approx). JIMBOOMBA TASS Transport Assistance & Support Service TEL: (07) The service is funded by HACC therefore no fees are charged although all donations are welcome. The service provides transport assistance to elderly and disabled of the North Beaudesert Shire. It is a door to door service and operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. A person is eligible for a service if they receive another HACC service such as Meals on Wheels, Blue Nurses etc. Transport to medical appointments, shopping and social activities can be provided. STAR Community Transport (Redlands Shire) TEL: (07) Paid Workers and trained Volunteers provide transport to shopping & medical appointments. To be eligible for this service you need to be frail, aged or have a disability. It is $16 return transport from Redlands to P.A. Hospital. In order to access this service you are required to provide 2 working days notice to book and also need to register with STAR. Transcare Transport Program (Bundaberg) TEL: Transcare transport program aims to meet the needs of frail aged and people with disabilities in Bundaberg and the Burnett Shire area. Transport is available for respite, social, medical and paramedical purposes. The service is available to HACC eligible people. If the transport options available through Transcare are not suitable, they can also inform clients of public transport options. HTM Community Transport Inc North Mackay TEL: HTM provides Transport to HACC eligible clients in the Mackay Health Service District. Department of Veteran Affairs - Travel Reimbursement Scheme DVA Provides door to door transport or reimbursement of travel costs between home and approved health provider, for eligible veterans or the widows of veterans who have either a white or gold eligibility card. TEL: DVA on or Free Call on

21 PATIENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME (PTSS) TEL: Eligible Queensland residents can apply for subsidised travel, private motor vehicle subsidy and accommodation assistance which are associated with treatment in regions outside the patient s home (50 kms or more from PAH). Contact the Princess Alexandra Hospital Travel Office, Ground Floor near the Information Desk, or contact your local regional Public Hospital for information and application forms. Fact Sheets and brochures specifically about the PTSS Scheme are available ask at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Travel Office. Transport Subsidies and Permits Disability Parking Permits TEL: A disability parking permit is granted to applicants when their ability to walk is severely restricted by a medical condition or disability. Taxi Subsidy Scheme TEL: For half rate taxi travel for individuals of any age with physical or mental disability which impacts on mobility (not for short term, post-hospital clinic visits). Public Transport Concessions - Call: Transinfo TEL: Reduced rate Bus, City train and City Cat fares are available to Concession Card holders and people with low Incomes. Specific Youth Services Youth beyondblue TEL: This is website provides information and education to young people about depression. Kids Help line TEL: Kids Helpline is a free 24 hour counselling service for Australian children and young people aged 5-25 years. They can get help over the phone, or web. Let s Talk About Sex A website for young people on safe sex, safe behaviour and looking after yourself. Reach Out.Com This is a website is designed for young people. The site has a range of topics and educational material that explains mental health, alcohol, drugs, family relationships, managing independence, grief and loss, safety and violence, sex and pregnancy, sexuality coming out and physical health issues. 19

22 Alcohol & Drug Service, Queensland Government TEL: Hot House youth service: Provides a free and confidential alcohol and drug counselling service for young people (under 25), concerned about their own or someone else s alcohol and/or drug use. Counselling and support are also available for parents and significant others. Individual counselling is available for young people and parents. Referrals can be made by young people, parents, friends or other services. Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) TEL: For homeless or at risk youth (12-25yrs) Youth Advocacy Centre, Brisbane TEL: Provides legal, social and assistance to youth Boystown TEL: Boystown provides a welfare and advocacy service that is committed to developing and providing innovative programs to assist the most disadvantaged young people, aged between 17 and 25 years, in the community. Specific Women s Services: Family Planning Queensland TEL: Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) is a non-profit organisation providing clinical, education, and information services through its nine regional centres. FPQ also provides clinical training in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and has a comprehensive resource catalogue to support teachers, parents and young people. For information about any of our services call us on. Address: Various across the State Women s Health Queensland Wide TEL: Women s Health Queensland Wide (Women s Health) is a not for profit health promotion, information and education service for women and health professionals throughout Queensland. Women s Health has a variety of services including: a health information line, health education, resources and a library. Address: 165 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill Health Services Info Line: TEL: The Health Services Info Line provides a wide range of information about health and community services in and around the Brisbane area. Information and service referrals include support groups, baby health clinics, counselling, assistance with specific diseases and pensioner concessions for spectacles, hearing aids and similar equipment. Information is also available on special services for ethnic groups, gender specific services, age specific services and disabled services. Address: 270 Roma Street, Brisbane QLD

23 The Princess Alexandra Day Hospital Social Worker Some of you may return to the Princess Alexandra Brain Injury Service Day Hospital for follow up therapies. Annerley Bates is the Day Hospital Social Worker who can provide ongoing support and assistance to you and your family. She has the specialised skills and knowledge to assist you and your family with managing at home after a brain injury. Annerley is aware that experiencing or supporting a loved one with a brain injury can be a lifestyle change. At different times this can bring up a range of emotions for people. Annerley s role in the team is to support both you and your family in working through some of the emotional, psychological and practical adjustments that you may have to make as a result of the brain injury. She can assist you with achieving the following types of outcomes. Assisting with the adjustment of living with a brain injury Feeling heard and supported Identify, set and achieve realistic goals Make informed decisions about your ongoing rehabilitation Reduce/cope with stress, anxiety and sadness Increase self confidence and self-esteem Feel more decisive, positive and in control Identify and shift limiting or unhelpful beliefs Build better relationships Improve access to community resources that can assist with legal maters an managing at home Improving access to financial resources as best as possible The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (BIRS) Day Hospital Social Worker operates on an appointment system. Appointments can be held on or away from the hospital or in treatment areas, during business hours (8.30 am to 4.30 pm). The appointments can be held either face-to-face or by telephone. You can telephone Annerley or ask one of the Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, neurophysiologists or receptionists to make contact on your behalf. Should Annerley be unavailable at the time of your call there is a voic in the office and the social work department phones, on which messages can be left 24 hours, 7 days per week. Annerley will attend to your message at the earliest opportunity. Annerley Bates TEL: (Office) (Social Work Department) FOR EMERGENCIES PHONE:

24 Completed by the BIRS Social Workers with acknowledgement to the Renal PAH Social Workers for kindly sharing their information. Disclaimer: We do our best to provide a broad range of information that is legitimate and up to date but we do not take responsibility for individual services. February 2012