Axcess Disability
Discover the Difference
COVID-19
Essential & Non-Essential Support
With the Australian government updating its COVID-19 response every day, it’s important to understand how your supports might be affected and how you can continue receiving great support from your support workers.
Below are some definitions and examples of essential, direct, non essential and remote supports; as well as some tips and tricks to help you transition to remote or indirect services
Essential Supports
Even if the current government guidelines change, Axcess Disability will work with you to ensure essential supports continue. Essential supports are critical services you cannot live without. These might include personal care such as showering and toileting, specialised support such as PEG feeding, medication, some critical cleaning and laundry activities. They might also include behaviour support or mental health check-ins.
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Essential supports also include the activities outlined by the government as being acceptable. This includes going shopping for essential needs (food, medication etc.), going to medical appointments, and exercising outside in groups of no more than two.
Non-Essential Supports
Non-essential supports are those that you can live without but help you live a good life. In normal times these activities might be in your home or community such as; playing board games, movies, eating out, social outings, outdoor activities and cooking together.
Remote Support
Is when a support worker doesn’t need to be with you in person. Shifting to remote support is also a chance to get creative; try Skype or Zoom to catch up or watch a movie together! Where there is not a suitable internet connection, remote support can be done over the phone.
Indirect Supports
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These can be done on behalf of the person seeking support. Examples include a support worker shopping for groceries or medication and delivering these to your house.