Schizophrenia NDIS Support Services

Hi there @Anon1975

I don't have any experience that you need advice about but hoping others can help you. Are you already on the NDIS or hoping to get on it?

Warmest wishes

Hanami

@Anon1975 One of the key pillars of NDIS is the client has CHOICE and CONTROL. I have had a lot to do with people diagnosed with schizophrenia but not personally diagnosed with it.

My experience of NDIS has been variable and not always good. A lot will depend on the individuals you encounter, and how you imagine getting the best out of it. It took me a long time to really figure out that I could use it to suit me, not the person next to me, or next door, but me. For the first couple of years I was stuck in grateful pleople pleasing mode trying to fit into their system ...

I am still grateful I have been able to be on it for 3 years. My challenge is to make it work, and not submit to stigma within the services.

Happy to thrash out any issues you may have.

@Anon1975 Hi. I supported a client diagnosed. He enjoyed playing pool and ten pin bowling with support workers who took him in their car. Sometimes he went on beach walks with them. He was also supported to go grocery shopping and some cleaning. It’s up to you. I hope that helps.

Hey @Appleblossom.

may I ask what kind of support you have found useful (if your up for it). We have some of the same conditions from memory. I am in the process of accessing NDIS and feel a bit clueless about what I am aloud to use funding for. I have heard self management is the best for control and autonomy

@Little_Leopard I had too many things going on ... so I am plan managed, but I will try and shift that to self managed before next review.

I have had cleaners and support workers. One support wkr was wonderful for a year, but he started his own company. I mainly wanted to go for walks, but my recent one wanted to go shopping more than I needed or wanted, I ended up stopping her recently cos she 1) one lied about something. Said she did something she did not do 2) was telling me what to wear and that I was not dressed well enough for walking! 3) started telling me where to stand all the time when we were near traffic lights. 4) was on her phone a bit. I sacked a cleaner cos she was prejudiced and directly racist against me.

The most useful for me, life saving, has been regular physiotherapy which I had today. I had a little Occupational Therapy, which had some pluses, in that she recomended the physio, and had the sway to get it approved, as the support co-ordinator did not really listen or believe me about physical stuff, but the OT did run out of relevance and was over priced. Maybe I am a tricky client. The cleaning in the beginning some gardening, really helped as it was getting out fo control, and all of it in general, and I started to feel better within myself, less dangerously suicidal, and do most of it all myself now. It can be intrusive, so a lot depends on how you get a long ... which is a variable... good luck with it ... I had to have some peer workers in at work setting ( I work 2 hours per fortnight) remind ... me about the choice and control thing ... and not to put up with things. I do not have a good level to know what substandard is ... but I am learning.

@Little_Leopard

hello, the main support I am after is staying on top of the housework as that sometimes overwhelms me and has a flow on effect.

I love on my own in my own home, financially support myself, and drive. It’s just the housework that I need help staying on top of.

Thanks @Appleblossom

I do t think you’re a hard client. I think that you rightfully sacked people who were just not fit for the job. Also with the OT it depends how knowledgeable and motivated they are to have. It’s like that will all things in health care though isn’t it.

I hope to get some help with achieving my first goal of getting my physical health in order. I’m not sure if that will mean dietician, trauma informed yoga or something similar (exercise is triggering so need a specialist) as well as regular twice a week therapy and assistive tech for safety, planning, memory and organisation. I have heard I can get an assistive dog but I’m not sure I

would be a good enough owner. I don’t want to commit to that if I’m not fully up for it.

yep choice and autonomy is the most important thing. Don’t forget when you move to self management that NDIS will find resources that will help you self manage.

a peer worker for work or study in the future sounds great.

that’s great that you get to do two hours every two weeks. I can not wait until I can get some support and hopefully work my way up to some kind of work or study situation. I have no idea of what or how that would look but I guess I will find out

@Anon1975 Seems like a very reasonable thing to ask for. I have heard from others how much a cleaner has helped their life for the better. Have you considered an assistive dog. They can be great I have heard. They help with social situations as well as keeping you safe and helping as a comfort etc

@Little_Leopard @I’d love a dog but I don’t have the yard for one…..and my cat would also be heartbroken with another animal…..she is wonderful re support at home. I might consider a cleaner then. That’s all I really want.