Tristram's NDIS journey

Show Transcript

<p><strong>[00:00:00]</strong> Hi again everybody, welcome to a slightly different episode of My NDIS Journey as I'm here with my quarantine buddy Jasper.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:08]</strong> Today we're going to be exploring a few updates around COVID-19 and what you can do to ensure your safety throughout this quite difficult time.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:20]</strong> During this time, it's really important to adhere to the advice given by the Australian Government.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:30]</strong> There are three aspects of that advice. First is obviously good personal hygiene.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:34]</strong> Where possible, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with your elbow, avoid personal contact, don’t shake hands when greeting anyone, and ensure that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:48]</strong> The second aspect is social isolation.</p>

<p><strong>[00:00:51]</strong> For instance, I'm working from home. I'm not taking the risk of catching public transport to my workplace.</p>

<p><strong>[00:01:01]</strong> It's tough, but it's definitely required to help slow the progression of COVID-19 throughout the community.</p>

<p><strong>[00:01:10]</strong> The third aspect, very related to the second, is social distancing.</p>

<p><strong>[00:01:14]</strong> If you are in anyone's company, 1.5 metres is the recommended distance to be from that person wherever possible.</p>

<p><strong>[00:01:26]</strong> The NDIA has a brilliant resource answering all of your concerns throughout this time.</p>

<p><strong>[00:01:45]</strong> One of the really good pieces of information in that resource is that if you have your review coming up shortly, the NDIA can renew your plan for up to 24 months during this time.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:01]</strong> They can also complete this over the phone, so definitely talk to your planner about that.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:06]</strong> COVID-19 is affecting all of us.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:08]</strong> Personally, I'm no longer going to work, I'm not using public transport, and I've cancelled unnecessary appointments.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:16]</strong> These are all things to help mitigate the risk within my own home.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:20]</strong> I'm also limiting the number of support workers coming into my home, which is tough.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:26]</strong> Throughout this whole time, mental health is really, really important.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:29]</strong> Some things we can do to stay sane in these crazy times include staying social online.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:36]</strong> I've even instituted a FaceTime happy hour where my friends and I have a couple of drinks while video chatting with each other.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:43]</strong> It's these little quirky things we can do to ensure we're still social and connecting with those around us while also mitigating risks.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:54]</strong> Your service providers are still working through this as much as we are.</p>

<p><strong>[00:02:58]</strong> It's important to stay socially connected, talk to others, and check updates coming through from the NDIA or from your service provider.</p>

<p><strong>[00:03:10]</strong> Together we can figure this out and ensure that we stay supported during this time.</p>

<p><strong>[00:03:18]</strong> Stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay home.</p>

<p><strong>[00:03:24]</strong> We're all in this together. It's a difficult time, but by staying socially connected, we can get through this.</p>

<p><strong>[00:03:38]</strong> For more information on the NDIS and your journey, head to planpartners.com.au.</p>