Providing care to a person living with MND can be physically, emotionally and psychologically difficult.
Whilst many carers highlight the privilege and reward of being able to care for a loved one, it is important that carers also receive the information, support and assistance they need to manage the caring role.
Upcoming Sessions:
Mindfulness for Carers and Family Members
Date: Thursday 9th March 2023
Time: 2pm - 2.45pm
Duration: 5 weeks
Where: Online via Zoom
Following the Introduction to Mindfulness held in 2022 (recording below) we are pleased to offer a FREE 5 week free program for carers and family members to learn more skills and techniques to cultivate compassion and friendliness towards yourself while slowing down racing thoughts, letting go of negativity and calming both your body and mind.
Carmela Quimbo will lead this program. Carmela is part of the MND VIC team and has a background in law, social work and pastoral care. Carmela is an experienced yoga and meditation practitioner and has a commitment to journeying alongside people who are meeting with life challenges and transitions.
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Register to attend by emailing info@mnd.org.au or call our office on 03 9830 2122.
Ongoing Programs:
Kitchen Table Conversations
Kitchen Table Conversations are monthly gatherings that provide a safe space for carers to ask questions, share experiences, learn from each other and support each other. Hosted by Andrea Salmon, Carer Project Coordinator at MND Victoria along with Lynette and Karl, past carers, these conversations are run monthly via Zoom on the:
- 1st Friday of the month at 2:00 pm, and
- 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm
Come once or come every month! These Kitchen Table Conversations encourage carers to learn, listen, and to have a laugh or a cry - just like we would if we were sitting around a kitchen table.
We hope to see you there!
Register to attend by emailing info@mnd.org.au or call our office on 03 9830 2122.
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Carer Wellness Relaxation Programs
About the Carer Wellness Programs
MND Victoria runs Carer Wellness Programs for our carers to give them some tools for looking after themselves while caring for a loved one. These events are also an opportunity to relax and connect with other carers.
They are free, fully catered events and are open to all current carers of people with MND in Victoria and Tasmania.
Talk to your Advisor if you need support to be able to attend.
MND recognises the huge role played by family and friends in caring for people who have been diagnosed with MND. We believe you need a bit of care yourselves from time to time. These programs offer a variety of activities and even an overnight stay. You choose how much of the program you attend.
Launceston, TAS
Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th February
Lunch with Mimi Churchill, Occupational Therapist
A Paint and Sip Class
Dinner with Lauren Giles, Neurologist
Free accommodation is available for you and the person living with MND if required.
Come to as much or as little as you can manage, we'd love to see you there.
For more details or to Register for this program CLICK HERE
Outer East Melbourne
Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th February
Lunch, Dinner, Guest Speakers, Walk in Nature, A Paint and Sip Class, Time off to relax, Yoga, Massage and more
Free accommodation is available for you and the person living with MND if required.
For more details or to Register for this program CLICK HERE
Coming soon:
- Southern Region, Victoria
- Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
- Geelong, Victoria
- Hobart, Tasmania
Stay tuned for future event dates and locations, details updated as they are confirmed.
Respite Program Information For Carers
MND Victoria would like to support Carers to look after themselves, take a break and pursue wellbeing activities while they care for a family member or friend living with motor neurone disease.
The State Government and MND Victoria acknowledge that unpaid carers make a vital social and economic contribution to society that needs to be recognised, supported, valued, and promoted. MND Victoria have been successful in receiving grant funding to support selected respite activities for carers from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. It is unlikely that this grant will be available in subsequent years.
If you are interested in this program, please contact your MND Advisor or email carer.respite@mnd.org.au
FACT SHEET
If you would like to speak to our friendly team
Please contact the service's helpline on (03) 9830 2122 or 1800 777 175 or send us an email at the address below.
Email
Useful Government Benefits:
Concessions for carers
Carer Payment
What is it?
An income support payment if you give constant care to someone who has a severe disability, or illness, or an adult who is frail and old.
To see if you are eligible click here to visit Centerlink's website.
Carer Allowance
Who is it this for?
For people who give additional daily care to someone with a disability or medical condition, or an adult who is frail aged.
To see if you are eligible click here to visit Centerlink's website.
Carer Card
What is it?
The Carer Card Program is a collaboration between the government, businesses and the community.
Phone: 1800 901 958 (between 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM)
www.carercard.vic.gov.au
Companion Card
What is it?
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.
To find out more, call the Victorian Companion Card Information Line at 1800 650 611, or visit www.companioncard.vic.gov.au/
For Concession Card Holders
- Energy Concessions
- Municipal rates concession
- Recreation benefits and Concessions
- Care Registration Concessions
- Water and sewerage concession
- Help with housing
For further information, please visit Carer's Victoria here.
Other Benefits
- Half Priced Taxi Card
- Qantas Carer Concession Card
- Victoria Mental Health Carer Support Fund
- NDIS
- Better Life Mobile phone plan
- Carer Adjustment Payment
- Child Disability Assistance Payment
- Disability Parking Permit
For further information, please visit Carer's Victoria here.
Agencies that also provide support to carers:
Carer Gateway
Phone: 1800 422 737
The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway is a newly formed national service to ensure carers have access to supports. Through the Carer Gateway, carers can access services such as:
- Phone counselling
- Connecting to other carers
- Self-guiding carer coaching
- Carer Skills courses
- Respite
- Financial Help
Visit their website for more information
Carers Victoria
Phone: 1800 514 845
Carers Victoria is the peak body for unpaid family carers in Victoria. Carers Victoria plays a key role in advocating for the needs of carers and for improved recognition and support. Carers Victoria also provides services such as:
- Carer Support
- Resources and Information
- Education and Training
Visit their website for more information
Carers Tasmania
Phone: 03 6144 3700
Carers Tasmania is the peak body for unpaid family carers in Tasmania. Carers Tasmania plays a key role in advocating for the needs of carers and for improved recognition and support. Carers Tasmania also provides services such as:
- Carer Support
- Resources and Information
- Education and Training
Visit their website for more information
BrainLink
BrainLink provides support to the families and friends of people with an acquired brain disorder, including MND. They can provide:
- Information and resources
- Respite
- Referral
Visit their website for more information
Catch Up Recordings
Supporting Children and Adolescents through Grief and Bereavement
This fabulous webinar was presented by Bianca Lavorgna from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, it provides information to caregivers and families about grief and bereavement, to help equip them with the knowledge and resources to better support their grieving children as well as themselves.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE RECORDING AND READ THE HANDOUTS PLEASE CONTACT Info@mnd.org.au OR CALL 1800 777 175
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, calm both your body and mind, while cultivating compassion and friendliness towards yourself.
On June 13 Carmela Quimbo presented a session introducing us to mindfulness and leading us through 3 mindfulness exercises. The session as recorded to enable these to be accessed in your own space and time. Please email info@mnd.org.au if you have questions or feedback after watching the recording.
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WATCH HERE
Benefits and Entitlements for Carers
Alex Talvy and Emma Forsyth joined Andrea Salmon on August 29 to discuss ways to use the funding and benefits available to ease the load on family and friends
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WATCH HERE
How Equipment can Help
Amy Schneider explains the Equipment Library and Minor Home Modifications Program
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WATCH HERE
Creating and Capturing Memories
Steph Cross and Deb Olive share ideas for making and keeping memories, including information the MND Vic Life Story Program
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WATCH HERE
For Young Carers
Youth Hub for Young Carers
The MND Youth Hub was created by our friends over at MND NSW for people between 13 and 18 years old, who are connected to, and caring for someone with MND. It is a space to connect with people all over Australia and seek support from people with similar experiences. MND NSW Youth Hub runs online every second month. Topics and conversations are chosen by the Youth Hub Community.
For further information or to register, please contact Natalie at nataliec@mndnsw.org.au or call 02 8877 0999.
Youth Hub Event