Overview of our services
Outreach Nursing
SBHA provides Community Outreach Nursing Services whereby members can consult with
our highly qualified nurse either in our offices or in the comfort of their own
home. Our nurse is also available to assist by attending medical and specialist
appointments with members on occasion, and has specialist medical knowledge and
qualifications relating to the two conditions. Please feel free to contact her by
phone on the general office number, or by email via
lisa.chua@spinabifida.asn.au
Support
Our primary purpose for existence is to provide support to members. Simply put; a place that understands the problems
and issues that accompany Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. Part of that support
is available in the form of professional counselling if required, and sometimes
just a friendly ear. Advocacy as required is supplied by our various staff upon
request from members. This can include our staff assisting and advising members
with social security issues, transport arrangements, schools, financial, social
contact and employment issues.
Providing services such as those detailed on this page places a great financial
strain on any organisation. SBHA is no different. Through our fundraising initiatives
and campaigns, the public are welcome to assist by way of their tax deductable donation
or even by virtue of other goods, services or time volunteered for our cause.
Social Inclusion / Independent Living Skills
Through our extensive Social Inclusion program we cater for a diverse range of activities,
to provide members with the chance to enjoy events and opportunities they would
otherwise not be able to participate in. Our extensive knowledge of and experience
with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has enabled us to tailor specialised independent
living skills, educational and training sessions.
Examples of the types of events and activities on offer include:
- Wheels in Motion – A wheelchair based fitness program
- Healthy Food Choices - Teaching members many skills from planning & shopping through
to correct food preparation and cooking
- Wheelchair Skills - Helping members to better use their wheelchairs and to aid general
mobility & access.
Medical (and other related) Subsidies
SBHA has an extensive list of subsidies on offer to members for medical and related
expenses incurred, for which we can offer a rebate to ease the cost burden. Please
refer to our Subsidies Information page for further information. Alternatively, feel free to call the office and speak to one of the Member
Services Team for more details.
Information/Advice/Education
With our extensive knowledge and understanding about Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus,
we welcome calls and emails from people seeking information and advice about the
conditions. Our staff are often asked to visit and present talks to organisations
and institutions such as; schools, other disability service providers, clubs & associations
and various other entities – to help them to better understand the conditions and
our members’ needs. Health professionals can also be provided with information and
seminars on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus when required. We see this as just another
way to raise awareness and increase community understanding and support.
Other Services
Through our strong relationships with other like minded organisations and bodies,
we can assist members to access services not available through our own in-house
resources and thereby expand the ability for our members to further live independently.
We have established links to other community organisations and assist them where
possible. We also support student and volunteer placements to assist young training
professionals to better understand the conditions and we welcome offers of assistance
from members of the community who wish to volunteer their time and expertise to
assist our cause.