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Polio Network - ParaQuad Victoria, Australia
Victoria will have its Polio Day on Monday, 22 October 2007. This year we have decided to focus on what benefits, resources, programs, etc. are available, especially in the transition years of 64 to 65 when Australians change from disability payments to aged payments. As many polio survivors were not "in the system,” there is a huge gap in knowledge of what they could be accessing.
We will be using the case study/panel discussion model. Below is the case study. 'Traralgon', is a rural town approx 100 miles from Melbourne CBD with a population of around 20,000 people.
Mary-ann Liethof
Polio Network – ParaQuad Victoria
www.polionetwrokvic.asn.au,
polio@paraquad.asn.au
Polio Day 2007 – Monday 22nd October
Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Cnr St Georges Road & Bell Street, Preston
CASE STUDY FOR PANEL DISCUSSION:
- Mary Smith contracted polio when she was 4 yo which was followed up by a few years of rehabilitation. Apart from a slight residual weakness in her left leg – which she was told did not need bracing – Mary continued on with life like many others: found work, married, had 2 children.
- Mary is now 64 yo and will turn 65 in one month.
- Mary is married to John who is 70 yo.
- Mary and John’s adult children both live interstate.
- Mary and John own their own house in Traralgon, where she has lived all her life.
- When Mary had children, she stopped work until the youngest moved out of home. She then found work as a sales assistant when she was in her 40’s.
- Mary had to stop working at the age of 55 due to a steady decrease in stamina and growing muscle weakness. She was then able to claim Disability Payments.
- Consequently, Mary has very little superannuation to draw on.
- However, Mary still likes to keep active and volunteers at the local opportunity shop, as well as facilitating a craft class for the local U3A for a few hours each week.
- Mary recently had a clinical assessment at Polio Services Victoria (PSV) and was advised that she really needs a new Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO) to help brace her weakened leg. She has only been using a walking stick for many years but is now finding her ‘good’ leg is also starting to give her trouble.
- PSV also recommended a scooter, which would help conserve her energy levels and allow her keep up with her much loved volunteer work. With the scooter, there may need to be some modifications made to Mary & John’s vehicle to accommodate it.
- The Occupational Therapist at PSV was considering her current and future needs around the home and suggested a ramp for the front entrance, shower rails, and a commode.
- Unfortunately, John has a bit of a heart condition and a bad back, which means he can’t help out around the house like he used to.
QUESTIONS TO PANEL:
Centrelink
- With Mary’s age transition, what happens now?
- What benefits is she entitled to?
- What benefits will she lose?
- If Mary was eligible to receive a Mobility Allowance, could she still claim it when she moves to Aged Pension?
DHS Disability
- How much assistance can Mary expect with equipment, home & vehicle modifications?
- What else does Mary need to do and/or know?
DHS Aged
- What sort of assistance can Mary & John expect in the home?
- What else does Mary need to do and/or know?
ILC
- How can Mary explore the range of equipment/aids available?
- What else does Mary need to do and/or know?
PQV Info Off
- What other information/resources are available for Mary?
Centrelink/DHS
- What is the best way for Mary to negotiate the ‘system’?