Sense of Care

11/10/2025

A breakthrough study offers new hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, revealing a novel way to clear toxic proteins from the brain and restore cognitive function. Researchers have developed nanoparticles that help repair the blood-brain barrier — the brain’s natural filter — allowing it to better remove harmful amyloid buildup linked to memory loss and cognitive decline. While still in early stages, this promising approach marks an important step toward future treatments that could slow or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, bringing renewed optimism for millions affected worldwide.

A novel technique improved cognitive function in mice with the disease

30/09/2025

Thinking about trying something new for your health and wellbeing?

Hydrotherapy is a gentle yet powerful way to exercise in warm water, guided by a qualified physiotherapist. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost strength in a safe, supportive environment. Perfect for anyone living with arthritis, neurological conditions, chronic pain, or recovering from surgery.

Discover how hydrotherapy can support your body and mind — and make movement enjoyable again!

To learn more or book in, contact our Senior Physiotherapist Ferne at ferne@senseofcare.com or visit www.senseofcare.com.au.

27/09/2025

Sense of Care is looking to employ a reliable, passionate support worker to support a wonderful female client in Glen Waverley VIC. No manual handling or personal care. Just compassion and a great personality. Must love cats ☺️

https://au.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=e999b3da610bd28a&fbclid=IwdGRjcANFVU1jbGNrA0VVJmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEe5SffKoiT3JQs73gt2Iz3bAfDRPO7EeaCoM6pM8uFS4NclzXb1-1pDg0P56M_aem_ouPeVqswiVXzdJwQKR9VoQ

Sense of Care

25/09/2025

Major Breakthrough in Huntington’s Research!

Scientists have just released preliminary results showing a 75% reduction in disease progression for Huntington’s disease using a single gene therapy treatment (AMT-130) over three years.
This therapy doesn’t just treat symptoms — it aims to shut off the harmful protein driving the disease.

There’s still a long road ahead (more trials, safety checks, regulatory approval), but this could be a turning point for families affected by Huntington’s.

Let’s hold hope for a future where this disease can be slowed — or even stopped

A one-time experimental treatment shows unprecedented success in slowing Huntington's disease, according to UCL researchers. FDA review expected in 2026.

25/09/2025

Team DSC has provided a great overview on the new ndis needs assessment tool. What are your thoughts on this pending change ???

Extract:
Needs assessment tool selected
Today, we learned that the NDIA has licensed the I-CAN tool for needs assessments. Sara explores what an I-CAN assessment looks like and how it will be used to develop NDIS Plans.

Today, we learned that the NDIA has licensed the I-CAN tool for needs assessments. Sara explores what an I-CAN assessment looks like and how it will be used to develop NDIS Plans.

22/09/2025

Meet Jem – Our Wonderful Therapy Assistant

We’re excited to introduce Jem, a valued member of our Sense of Care team!

As a Therapy Assistant, Jem supports participants to build skills, improve independence, and work towards their goals. With a background in occupational therapy, mental health and a strong interest in physiotherapy and exercise, Jem brings a holistic approach to every session—focusing on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

If you’d like to learn more about how our Therapy Assistants can support you or a loved one, get in touch with us today!

17/09/2025

Unlock More with Dual Functional Capacity Assessments!

At Sense of Care, we understand that every person’s journey is unique. That’s why we’re offering Dual Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) – a comprehensive way to ensure participants get the right supports across both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

✔️ Streamlined process – two assessments completed together
✔️ Cost-effective – reduces duplication and maximises your NDIS budget
✔️ Holistic approach – covering mobility, daily living, strength, safety, and independence
✔️ Evidence-based reports – designed to strengthen NDIS applications and plan reviews

Ideal for participants requiring multidisciplinary evidence to access or maintain supports.

Book your Dual FCA with our experienced team today and take the next step towards greater independence and peace of mind.

Call us on 0490 723 0490 723 381
Email us on admin@senseofcare.com.au
Visit www.senseofcare.com.au

Supporting your goals, your way.

To learn more about Dual FCAs check out our video
https://youtu.be/YV-ed43Ij-s?si=TrTM1uBBzmsD4CKi

We are thrilled to introduce an exceptional service designed to elevate the care and support provided to your clients – our Dual Allied Health Professional F...

14/09/2025

Sharing a little find on the Brotherhood website.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) has partnered with Safewill, Australia’s highest-rated Will-writing platform, to make it easier than ever to protect your loved ones and create a lasting legacy.

Until 15 September, you can write your legally valid Will online for free.

How it works:
✔ Answer a few simple questions online (takes about 20 minutes)
✔ Your Will is reviewed by an Australian solicitor
✔ Print, sign with two witnesses, and store safely
✔ Update anytime, just like a traditional Will

View Write your Will online with Safewill page

13/09/2025

New Research Spotlight: Psychosocial Support & the NDIS

A 2025 article by Shelby-James & Rattray has taken a deep look at how people with psychosocial disabilities are being supported in Australia — and how the NDIS Review’s recent recommendations stack up.

Key Findings

Since the NDIS began in 2013, there's been a big shift in how psychosocial supports are funded — some funding has moved from state & federal-mainstream programs into the NDIS.

Yet, many people who aren’t eligible for NDIS, or who need less intensive or more episodic support, rely on state/federal and community mental health services. Those services are uneven in how much support they offer, depending on where you live and which program you’re using.

The NDIS Review (2023) has made several recommendations to try to fix inequities — especially around psychosocial disability. These include boosting foundational supports outside the NDIS, making the process of accessing support clearer, improving continuity, and making early intervention more available.

Why It Matters

Lots of people with psychosocial disability fall between the cracks — they may not meet the NDIS eligibility (yet still need support) or their needs are not constant. A strong system of supports outside and adjacent to the NDIS is essential.

Equity isn’t just about eligibility criteria — it’s about how easy the system is to navigate, how timely and consistent support is, and whether funding is fair across jurisdictions.

Having both individualised supports (like those through NDIS) and community or mainstream services working together is important — people need options depending on their changing needs.

What Could Help / What’s Recommended

Strengthen foundational supports (outside the NDIS) so that people who are not fully eligible for NDIS still have good access to help.

Make accessing the NDIS easier: more transparent processes, clearer decision-making, and better navigation support for people with psychosocial disability.

Early intervention pathways — more timely supports for people when they first start to need help, before needs become more severe.

Better integration between NDIS supports and mental health systems, so people don’t have to fall through gaps when switching between them.

To read the full article =}

The Future of Psychosocial Supports in Australia– Are the Recommendations from the National Disability Insurance Scheme Review the Answer?

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013 and the resulting changes in mainstream funding for psychosocial supports have led to disparities in funding between the two existing systems. Currently, people supported under the NDIS receive significantly more funding com...

12/09/2025

🌟 Meet Moriel – Support Worker at Sense of Care 🌟

Moriel is one of our passionate support workers, currently studying Occupational Therapy at ACU. She brings hands-on experience supporting clients with a range of needs, including physical, psychosocial, and complex care.

Moriel loves helping people build independence, achieve their goals, and enjoy a better quality of life. 💙

Outside of work, you’ll find her travelling, exploring new places, and spending time with her loved ones.

We’re so lucky to have Moriel as part of the Sense of Care team!

If you think Moriel could be a good fit for you or a loved one we can arrange an obligation free meet n greet. Please contact our client Services lead - shannon@senseofcare.com.au or call Agnes on 0490 723 381

10/09/2025

Update on Art & Music Therapy in the NDIS

The NDIA recently commissioned an independent review into art and music therapy supports, led by Dr Stephen Duckett AM. Over 600 people from the disability community contributed, including participants and service providers.

What the review found:

Art and music therapy can be effective and beneficial for some people, depending on their needs and goals.

Supports should be delivered by qualified, registered therapists.

Participants can continue to access support for art and music activities under Core supports, but the cost of the activity itself is not covered.

A new national price limit of $70.23 per hour has been set for support to participate in art/music activities.

Key recommendations:

Better support to help participants make informed choices about therapies.

Updating the therapy price limit to align with counsellors ($156.16 per hour instead of $193.99).

19 recommendations in total, aimed at improving delivery and access.

NDIA’s response:
The NDIA supports (or supports in principle) all 15 recommendations directed to the Agency. These changes will help shape future guidance around how art and music therapy is delivered and funded, ensuring supports are evidence-based and goal-focused.

You can read the full review and NDIA’s response here:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10894-duckett-review-confirms-art-and-music-therapy-continue

At Sense of Care, we welcome these updates and remain committed to supporting participants to access therapies that enhance wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.

Art and music therapies will continue to be available to people with disability under the NDIS where there is evidence it will provide beneficial outcomes.

06/09/2025

As a support coordinator I try to ensure that all of my clients are receiving all of the payments which they are entitled to.

One I have learnt about only recently, is Isolated Children's Scheme, which is a significant payment for children studying from home.

In light of this, I thought I would put together a summary of all the payments I'm aware of. If you know of any others government initiatives please do share In the comments. We only know what we know.

Centrelink & Government Payments for People with Disability

Disability & Health-Related Payments

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

For people aged 16+ with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working 15+ hours per week.

Mobility Allowance (being phased into NDIS, but still exists in limited cases)

For people with disability who can’t use public transport without significant assistance.

Sickness Allowance (phased out — now JobSeeker with medical exemption)

For those temporarily unable to work due to illness/injury.

Carer Payments & Allowances

Carer Payment

For people who provide full-time daily care to someone with a severe disability/illness.

Carer Allowance

A supplementary payment for carers providing daily care (can be paid in addition to Carer Payment or other benefits).

Carer Supplement

Automatic annual payment (around July each year) to people receiving Carer Allowance or Carer Payment.

Carer Adjustment Payment

One-off payment to families who experience a sudden and catastrophic event leading to a child’s severe disability or illness.

Child & Youth Supports

Child Disability Assistance Payment

Annual payment to those receiving Carer Allowance for a child under 16.

Youth Disability Supplement

Extra payment for young people with disability on Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.

Isolated Children’s Scheme (ICSS)

Helps with boarding, distance education, or travel costs for children who can’t access a local school due to distance, disability, or special needs.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB A & B)

Ongoing support for families raising children, including those with disability.

Income Support for People with Disability

JobSeeker Payment

For people with partial capacity to work due to disability or medical conditions (with exemptions/reduced mutual obligations).

Youth Allowance (Student/Apprentice)

With extra support if you have disability or are living away from home due to special circumstances.

ABSTUDY

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students/apprentices — includes extra help for those with disability.

Housing & Living Support

Rent Assistance

Extra help with rent costs for those on income support payments.

Energy Supplement

A small ongoing payment to help with electricity, gas, and water bills.

Crisis Payment

One-off payment for people in extreme situations (e.g., leaving unsafe housing, natural disasters, release from prison).

Concessions & Discounts (State/Federal)

Health Care Card

Discounted medicines (PBS) and medical services.

Pensioner Concession Card

Extra concessions on bills, transport, and healthcare.

Companion Card (State-based)

Free entry for a carer/support worker to events and venues.

Transport Subsidies (State-based)

Taxi subsidies, mobility parking schemes, and community transport programs.

These payments can often be combined — e.g., someone may receive DSP + Rent Assistance + Energy Supplement, while their carer receives Carer Allowance + Carer Supplement.

Please share any other programs or payments which would benefit our community?