SUPPORT FOR DEPENDANTS WITH DISABILITIES
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We believe that people with disabilities have an inherent right to live on an equal basis with others. Legacy is proud of its commitment to both children and adult dependants with disabilities and their widowed parents.
| Most of these dependants have congenital and acquired disabilities causing significant impairment. These may be intellectual, neurological, psychological or physical disability.
Some of our most important programs provide services and advice that link people with community and special facilities to improve quality of life. However, we also directly assist dependants and their carers to enrich their lives through activities where participation could not be achieved without the financial and organisational support of Legacy.
While most primary care is delivered by specialist service providers, Legacy takes a personal and long-term interest in the welfare of dependants and their families, acting as an honest and reliable friend and advocate. Legacy also assists with opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle, reduce social isolation, and provide support for the parent or other carer.
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The difference Legacy makes
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I first had contact with Legacy when my husband Fred passed away 10 years ago. Our son, Freddy, has cerebral palsy. He is now 61 and Legacy has looked after him ever since I was widowed. They gave him a scooter so that he can go out and he just loves it. Legacy even takes him on outings and visits, and he always looks forward to that.
The welfare officers and volunteers are such a wonderful help to me. They seem to know about all the support I can get, and I certainly need all the advice I can get at the moment.
Now that we are getting older we both have a few health problems, but I know that whenever I need Legacy’s help they are right there for us. I really don’t know what I would do without them.
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|  |  | Joyce(83) and her son Freddy(61). Freddy has cerebral palsy
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Advising and supporting families that care for a child or adult with a disability at home is one of the most practical ways we can help. This can be quite a specialised role, normally requiring the application of whole-of-family case management over the long-term. Volunteers and welfare officers liaise with agencies and providers to determine appropriate disability and family support packages. These typically include options for care, medical and mobility appliances, home modifications and assistance with house maintenance.
The program also provides advice on a range of respite and guardianship issues for carers and their families. Of course Legacy also provides extensive care for the widowed mothers or fathers. When the person with a disability no longer has parents, the lifetime of Legacy care promised to the parent is transferred to the dependant with a disability. |
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From the dependants’ point of view, the most important part of our work is the popular programs of cultural, sporting and fellowship outings. These can be the regular events organised in their local area, but may also include more elaborate day excursions or even trips away.
These social activities are always fun, although conducted with personal growth and social development in mind. |
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Lifestyle and independence skills
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People with disabilities often have significant levels of independence and life skills. Legacy encourages and supports dependants with employment and lifestyle options to help each person, regardless of disability, to realise their full potential.
Legacy can assist with education choices for children, numeracy, literacy and computer training, adult education courses and assistance with work placement. Even where a high level of self-sufficiency is not possible, Legacy is able to assist with other lifestyle and independence training, sometimes including the residential care provider or carer.
Assistance is also available to assist independence through the purchase and maintenance of mobility aids, appliances and services such as motorised scooters, special beds, lifting frames, in-home physiotherapy treatment and other lifestyle benefits. |
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Transition to residential care
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Dependants with a disability normally require a range of residential options throughout their lives. Each move can be traumatic, expensive and disruptive to the person and their families. If required, Legacy’s case managers will assist each transition, providing much needed practical and emotional support through each stage of the process. Planning, liaison with guardianship authorities, assistance with financial planning, legal advice and practical assistance during the move can all be provided by Legacy.
Legacy’s role does not conclude with the move. Regardless of the age, location or situation of the dependant, Legacy will always be there to provide whatever support we can. |
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| To find out more about Legacy’s programs to support the adult children with a disability of deceased Australian Defence personnel, contact a Legacy Club in your community. |
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