Moving away from what you’re used to is a difficult time to go through. You’re suddenly changing up your comfort zone to a whole new one, but while this can seem overwhelming, there are also plenty of benefits and exciting things to look forward to with your new routine.

If you’re someone who is trying to manage a shift to supported independent living or making the switch to NDIS supported housing options, here’s how you can create a smooth transition.

An important note on life-changing experiences

Whether you’re the individual that’s going through this big move, or you’re a friend, loved one or carer, relocating to a new environment is a significant change to go through. No matter how old you are, any shift to a different residence can be a demanding event and is a common cause of
anxiety and stress overall. In fact, there’s even a medical term for it – relocation stress syndrome.

Even if you’ve voluntarily decided to move, this time in your life is a significant change and for the body and mind, it’s only natural to go through the phases of feeling overwhelmed.

The good news is that studies highlighted by HuffPost and the University of Center on Aging indicate that older individuals actually have higher levels of subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction than other age groups. This means ageing Australians have the advantage of being equipped with something called ‘resilient thinking’ and gives the ability to deal with changes much more efficiently.

Beyond older generations and ageing populations, those with disabilities across Australia may also experience similar instances. In one recent study outlined by Counseling.org, those with disabilities are typically found to have several advantageous traits over those without a diagnosed condition. For instance, participants, in this case, were able to demonstrate the ability
to:

a) Learn about, adapt to, and cope with their disability;
b) Manage and adapt to personal functioning;
c) Combat challenges around negative thoughts and feelings as a part of the adaptation process;
d) Deal with societal and attitudinal barriers;
e) Manage feelings associated with loss and disempowerment;
f) Find support around housing and meaningful employment.

With all of this in mind, how can you – or someone you know – use your own force of resilient thinking to cope with moving to independent living?

Involve your support systems wherever possible

There will be lots of decisions to be made during this time – whether it’s assessing independent living options under the NDIS, or figuring out if a whole new suburb is what’s in order. Either way, there will be times you’ll need to sit down and analyse all of the options available, which
means talking to those who can help you (or your loved one) make an informed decision.

This also helps to relieve stress and the pressure of feeling like you may be alone on this journey. There’s always help around the corner, and your close circles of friends and family are those you should lean on during this time. Invite them to your tours or community events and try to get them involved in the process of your move, as much as possible.

Express your feelings

Remember to talk to those around you as much as you can. Tell them how you’re feeling and any emotions you’re going through. If you’re having a particularly difficult time managing your stress, additional support from your GP for your mental health may also be a positive and productive step to take.

There is also no shame in feeling uncomfortable about the new changes waiting on the horizon for you, so it’s always worth expressing them to get clarity, peace of mind and the support you need to move forward.

Take time to familiarise yourself

If you’re transitioning into an NDIS independent living facility, it’s essential to take the time to look around and get comfortable with your environment. Many of these centres have programs designed to welcome new residents, and allow you to feel more at home. There are also plenty of activities and events incorporated into the plans, giving you the opportunity to create new friendships and feel more connected to the residents around you.

For example, at OnTrack Tasmania, we have several mentor and community-driven programs active at our facilities. This helps our residents build confidence, connect with others in the facility and embrace their new lifestyle. These programs also include beneficial strategies like goal setting, upskilling and other meetings – designed to put residents on a supportive and bright path to the future.

If you are the one making the move or a friend of someone making this move, support them by encouraging them to take part in these activities, so they can observe and explore the opportunities available to them.

Use your coping mechanisms

As humans, we all have different ways of coping with life-changing events. For you, that may mean switching on some calm music or retreating to your room for some peace and quiet. No matter how you choose to destress, make sure you allow yourself enough time to do these little activities, as they can make all the difference towards getting comfortable with your new surroundings. Best of all, these are tactics you’re already familiar with, so it incorporates a sense of something familiar into your new lifestyle.

To find out more about how you can make a move to independent housing options without the stress or fuss, get in touch with OnTrack Tasmania now on (03) 9007 0593.

From ‘safety in numbers’ to ‘stay safe at home’, the Coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside down and with it, our mental wellbeing  has been affected as well.

People across the globe, especially among older adults, are feeling anxious and afraid because there seems to be a big removal of control in their day to day lives. This anxiety may also be felt strongly by individuals who live on their own.

NDIS support coordination programmes seek to help participants live more independently. But during these extraordinary times, we at OnTrack Tasmania are also here for those who need any extra support in coping with this new reality we are all facing.

If you live alone and feel anxious about the Coronavirus pandemic, read the following tips to help you improve your self-isolation and confront this new norm with confidence.

1. Set Up Video Conferencing

The reality of being separated from friends and family can hurt your physical and mental state. 

If you need to observe social distancing, especially if you have older relatives, you can set up video conferencing every now and then to check in on them. You can also stay connected with your friends through messaging apps and organise a little video get-together to feel less lonely. Organising themed group video calls such as quiz nights or bingo can help create a fun event to keep connected with loved ones.

2. Learn a New Hobby

Allow this time of self-isolation to be an opportunity to learn something new, especially if you have more time on your hands. You can try bodyweight exercise workouts, learn how to bake your favourite treats, learn to speak a new language or even practice new skills to get some extra income.

Learning a new hobby can open opportunities to channel any extra energy or anxiety you may have and provide a way to lessen your worrying about the goings-on outside your home.

3. Stick to a Routine

One of the hardest things to do is to keep a routine, especially if you’ve been furloughed or laid off entirely or if you’ve been having a hard time adjusting to working at home.

It’s important to strive to structure your new routine to optimise your time and wellbeing. Here are some suggestions: 

• Do your best to do your wake up routine – take a shower and brush your teeth, at around the same time each day.
• Limit yourself to a specific hour or thirty minutes each day where you are allowed to watch or read the news or scroll social media. This will help  to avoid getting stressed and overwhelmed.
• Where possible, try cooking your own meals to maintain occupied.
• We do understand that, sometimes, maintaining a routine can be extremely difficult. Remember to give yourself a break and not be too demanding of yourself or others during this time. The most important thing is to focus on activities and routines that will look after your body and mind as well as look after your loved ones. This is truly a trying time for anyone and some of us may need more time and assistance to do basic chores, keep a routine and just to stay on top of things.

Through OnTrack Tasmania’s NDIS Support Coordination in Hobart, we provide participants with time-limited assistance especially for individuals with complex needs, especially during this trying time. If you are an NDIS participant who needs better funding and additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us regarding our NDIS support services.

Disabilities come in different forms, but all of them can make “usual” life a bit more difficult. 

Know, however, that you can achieve even more than you ever imagined, even with your disability. In fact, many people with disabilities go on to live successful lives as they learn to manage their conditions.

With an NDIS provider, you can be successful, too.

Ready to take life into your own hands and thrive like never before? Read these 5 ways to live well with your disability.

1. Find or Create a Safe Space

Look around for groups or communities with similar conditions so that you can stay connected and be a part of a greater community. This way, you can help others as well as receive help allowing you to grow with your disability and empower yourself.

There are many online forums and groups on social media platforms that are filled with people who may be living with similar conditions as you. At the same time, you can also look to organisations that provide disability support through community gatherings and mentorships.

Living with a disability does not mean you have to live with it alone. Ask for help and even empower yourself by offering help to others. Remember, you are never alone in this and there is a community always looking out for your best interests.

2. Pay Attention to Your Diet & Exercise

Part of managing your disability is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. It can be hard to imagine if you have a disability to be going to the gym several times a week or cooking your own food.

Don’t worry, though; this is a common predicament among first-timers and NDIS service providers like OnTrack Tasmania have several programs to help you live independently and successfully.

We have an NDIS Supported Independent Living program that helps you improve your cooking skills and manage your time wisely. 

3. Give Yourself Time

If you’ve recently received a diagnosis or are recovering – getting a diagnosis about your disability can be a new beginning, albeit rather shocking and difficult to come to terms with. This will be a time to slowly accept a new reality but it’s also best to give yourself some time. 

We understand that this is a major shift and change in your life as you need to adjust your future plans and deal with a new reality. The first step is to give yourself time to acknowledge your feelings. Instead of focusing on the things that you might not be able to do, or the areas in your life that might be more difficult now – take the time to learn to refocus your energy towards the things you can do. It’s a difficult challenge but you’ll get there in the end.

OnTrack Tasmania is your partner in giving you that time to understand and go through the motions as you come to terms with your disability. Know that this is not the end but rather a new beginning, with infinite possibilities.

4. Learn About Your Disability

Even if you’re having a roller coaster of emotions, take this time to learn about your disability.

For example, if you are now wheelchair-bound, you can take a look at the internet for sources on coping with this new reality. Quick searches can answer some of your questions such as:

• How can you go around my home in a wheelchair?
• Are there any complications being wheelchair-bound?
• Is it possible to take a shower in a wheelchair?
• What are some activities that I can do despite being wheelchair-bound?

Learning about your disability can help you better understand what you are dealing with and see if any new studies can aid you in managing it.

5. Apply for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Eligible participants can download the NDIS Access Request Form and apply on the NDIS website. Once you become a participant, you now have support from the government as well as access to any NDIS registered provider in Tasmania and throughout Australia. 

An NDIS provider will give you assistive equipment and support specialists to help you do everyday things by yourself while making sure that your bigger goals are in sight. From social interactions to managing daily jobs and making decisions, the NDIS support coordination provider will make sure that you are living the best life with your disability.

OnTrack Tasmania is your NDIS provider in Hobart that supports equal access to employment, housing and community activities. We provide a host of services for participants to live the lives they want through mentorships, support coordination and independent living programs. Contact us on our website today.

A mentor-mentee relationship nowadays goes beyond the office setting and is present in many aspects of one’s life. 

Whether you’re trying to prepare yourself for social activities, look for a job or simply get ready for day-to-day tasks, a mentor can help you improve until you both know you’re ready to do all of these independently.

But how do you know if your mentor will genuinely help you? Here are 5 qualities to look for in an ideal mentor.

1. Honesty

First things first: honesty is a hugely important quality to look for in a mentor.

Why?

There will be instances where certain activities might be unclear on unfamiliar to you and you’ll need a helping hand to understand what you need to do. So a mentor should give you the feedback you need and share their point of view.

If you’re thinking about getting a job, for example, and you doubt if you either qualify for it or if the job description may not be a match for you, ask your mentor for advice. They should be able to help you take a closer look at the details, give you actionable steps, and a better outlook about what the job truly entails – ultimately giving you the right assistance in deciding for yourself.

2. Positive Attitude

Do you believe that keeping a positive attitude is contagious? Well, when you have an enthusiastic mentor who shows passion for their own work, they’ll likely share a passion for your personal development too.

Say you’re planning to go to a community activity. The thing is, you’re not quite sure how to socialize – how can you strike up a good conversation and make friends while being yourself? These kinds of challenging obstacles can seem tough to face, but having a mentor with a positive attitude can be the exact nudge you need to be able to overcome them. 

Let your mentor with a positive attitude help you with that. They’ll help you prepare with NDIS community engagement exercises and share with you their excitement and enthusiasm to have a good time and meet new people. 

3. Communication Skills

As with all mentors, they should have excellent communication skills. How can you be expected to understand what to do if someone gives you vague advice or instructions? 

At OnTrack Tasmania, you can find a mentor that speaks your language. Our NDIS Mentoring Service enables caring and passionate individuals to help you live an independent life. They’re equipped with the right training to communicate to you all the advice you need to take on the world confidently.

4. Compassion

Of course, mentors should be compassionate. They understand that it will take you some time to fully understand certain concepts, gather enough confidence, and prepare yourself for social gatherings. They’re your partner all the way and won’t leave you by yourself.

If you are a young adult who is currently struggling to find work or socialize, a mentor will be there for you to help you when you need it most. Think of them as your best friend and confidant when you’re in doubt or when you just don’t know what to do. Good mentors stick to their promise that they’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Our mentors are always ready to share what they know and will always have your best interests at heart.

5. Invests in You

Finally, your mentor should be fully invested in you and find great joy in helping you and others.

There are mentors who simply take on this task solely for adding extra activities on their resume, but this is not true for our mentors at OnTrack Tasmania. With our NDIS mentoring program, we instill in them the values of a true long-term partnership.

They’re fully aware that they’re in it for the long haul and won’t ever give up on you. Count on them to teach you what you need, every step of the way.

OnTrack Tasmania has a knack for pairing a mentor and a participant together with amazing results. They’re inspired by your drive to succeed and to live a full and independent life.

Our mentoring services are funded by the NDIS. For more information, call us up at (03) 9007 0593 or visit our website to learn more.