April 30, 2020

Individual support for Christina’s cooking adventures

Gateway’s participant, Christina, has been loving her cooking adventures and hangouts with her support worker, Debra, whilst her family have also been benefiting from the services. 

Christina’s sister, Laura, says the services have been fantastic for her sister and added a spark to her days. 

‘We’ve really noticed a little bit of improvement within herself, with what she does day-to-day. Her spirit has become brighter,’ says Laura.  

Despite group activities moving online, participants can continue to experience a range of fun and engaging one-on-one activities with their support worker, whilst developing new skills and working through their NDIS goals, despite lockdown measures.  

Team Leader for Western Recreation, Debra, says access to these services is especially important during lockdown.  

‘Participants are still being able to engage with other people, sharing their thoughts and ideas with others, still being able to have choices, communicating with peers and experiencing life in an alternative way to what that they are used to, being able to show them that we can still do other things and opening up their minds to this,’ says Debra.  

Support workers can assist participants with life skills and capacity building – such as preparing shopping lists, cleaning in the home, cooking meals, changing bedding and even remote learning support for those currently doing school from home. 

It can also involve more relaxing activities, such as word searches, colouring, watching Netflix together with interactions via messages, or engaging in conversation on a range of topics, as well as assisting participants to engage with Gateway’s Online Recreation, such as Bingo and Zumba, both via Zoom.  

Debra has noticed positive changes in Christina, on top of developing her cooking skills, she’s also noticed her engaging with her family more and getting them involved.  

‘Christina has started walking and is now asking her family members to go for walks with her too, which is super positive,’ Debra says. 

Along with providing participants with fun and engaging in-home based supports, these services also provide families and carers with necessary respite during this difficult time. 

Laura says having Gateways support workers coming to the home has been a big help to the family. 

‘Being able to have someone come here and help Christina, do activities with her, spend time with her, has really assisted us. It gives her options as well, instead of just being with us every day,’ says Laura. 

To arrange individual support, contact your support coordinator or your nearest Gateways office.