Living with a disability, or recovering from an injury, can be a challenge. “CityNews” has found passionate Canberra businesses who are here to offer support and guidance.

LIVING with a disability, or recovering from an injury, can be a challenge.

There are many passionate experts based in the ACT region who offer services that can make daily life a little easier, whether it’s at home, or beyond.

“CityNews” has found the Canberra businesses who are here to offer support and guidance.

Services lead to healthier, happier lives

ARTHRITIS ACT can help people with physical and mental disabilities find the pathways they need to lead happier and healthier lives, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“We have an occupational therapist who can assist people particularly with their assistive technology needs,” says Rebecca.

“That includes wheelchairs, scooters, home modification and he can also do driving assessments for people with disabilities who need them.”

Rebecca says it’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference Arthritis ACT’s services make in the day-to-day lives of those who require them. 

Their art therapy program, for example, makes a big difference to people who do it, she says. 

“[Throughout the therapy] our fully trained therapists help individuals find and understand their triggers, so that they can be targeted with practical treatments,” she says.

And Rebecca says Arthritis ACT helps people access important services such as the NDIS and the disability support pension.

“These kinds of services make such a big difference in people’s lives, and help open up doors,” says Rebecca.

“We want to provide them the support they need so they can participate fully in the community. ”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

Supplies that make daily living easier

CAPITAL Rehabilitation Supplies aims to make the day-to-day lives of seniors and people living with disabilities easier and more comfortable, says manager and owner Tim Robinson.

“We have a range of products available for purchase or hire that can help anyone with their needs,” says Tim.

“Just some of these products include electric lift chairs, height-adjustable chairs, pressure care cushions and mattresses, electric hospital beds and home care beds, mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, rollators, crutches and walking sticks.”

A family owned business with more than 40 years of experience in the industry, Tim says Capital Rehabilitation Supplies understands every individual has their own needs.

“We know that some of these issues are sensitive, and can be uncomfortable to deal with, so we try to be as delicate and helpful as possible. If we do not stock a certain item we will always do everything in our power to locate the product,” he says.

“We pride ourselves on our patience and helpful attitude. People can come and discuss what they require with us and we can find what works for them.”

Capital Rehabilitation Supplies, 3/66 Heffernan Street, Mitchell. Call 6174 4813 or visit capitalrehabilitationsupplies.com.au

Experienced care planners help guide carers

CARERS ACT CEO Lisa Kelly says at some point, all of us will require care, or become a carer.

“One in eight Canberrans are caring for someone they love,” she says.

“Caring is not something anyone plans to do. It can be very rewarding, but it can also be unexpected, hard work and overwhelming.

“Carers ACT offers social support, wellbeing education, flexible respite, counselling and coaching, along with tangible support services to help with day-to-day workloads.”

Lisa says the first people you are likely to talk to at Carers ACT are care planners.

“Our team of care planners have a deep understanding of what it’s like to be a carer, because many of our care planners have taken on a caring role themselves,” she says.

“The team’s experiences allow them to empathise with the struggles, challenges, and rewards of caring for others. In fact, many of our team have become care planners for this reason.

“At Carers ACT we know how important it is to have someone who sees you, has your wellbeing front of mind and has a genuine desire and knowledge to guide and support you.”

Lisa says she understands that circumstances and needs change over time.

“Working with a care planner is a flexible, unique process, directed by your needs and outcomes, but whatever that looks like, we are in your corner.”

Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt. Call the Carer Gateway Team on 1800 422737, or visit carersact.org.au

Disability care support tailored for home and out

JABEZ Disability Care opened in 2018 in Canberra as a registered NDIS provider, offering personalised support to participants, says director Steph Ho.

“We provide a whole range of services from in-home support – including offering moral support – to community support, transport and respite at locations across Canberra, Batemans Bay and at our regional property in Victoria,” says Steph.

“We take pride in being a disability support provider that truly cares for the wellbeing and progress of their clients.

“We provide a completely personalised approach, and take each individual’s needs into account to tailor their care plan and match with the most suitable support worker.”

Steph says Jabez Care also offers aged-care support in addition to disability care.

“We have overnight support, 24/7 contact and emergency support and we provide participating family and guardians with support,” she says.

“We also tailor experiences for participants, such as roadtrips, concerts, snow trips, karaoke and mountain biking.

“We have built up a great reputation amongst participants, their families and support provider partners so they have trust and confidence in Jabez Care.”

Steph says Jabez Care does the work they do because they want to make a difference in the lives of their participants.

Jabez Disability Care, 60/7 State Circle, Forrest. Call 0408 780740 or visit jabezcare.com.au

Tailor-made stairlifts for every staircase

“WITH a tailor-made Acorn Stairlift you can stay right where you are… keep your home, keep your freedom and retain your independence,” says general manager Simon Hughes.

“At Acorn Stairlifts we want to make sure that you get the perfect stairlift solution for your needs,” he says.

“Your home is a cherished part of your life: a place to welcome your family and friends, to entertain, enjoy and simply relax.

“So, why let getting up and down your stairs stop you from having a fully independent lifestyle?”

Acorn Stairlifts is the first stairlift manufacturer to be awarded an “ease of use” commendation from the Arthritis Foundation, which Simon says speaks for itself.

“And we can install in most cases within a matter of days rather than weeks,” he says. 

“A visit from one of our friendly surveyors will allow you to see what sets Acorn Stairlifts apart from any other stairlift company. 

“After assessing your needs, our surveyor will instantly be able to give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how affordable an Acorn Stairlift can be.”

Acorn Stairlifts. Call 1800 561 546 or visit acornstairlifts.com.au