Andrew began receiving NDIS support and care services from Afea after experiencing a bad fall. Adding to the rehabilitation challenges of his injury, Andrew also has epilepsy and experiences focal seizures, sometimes referred to as petit mal seizures. Petit mal, French for “little sickness”, is an old term for this type of epilepsy.

“I just had one recently, and it came out of nowhere,” he shares. “I don’t have the kind of epilepsy where you fall and convulse [tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures]. I have petit mal epilepsy. What happens to me is, if I’m talking to someone, I end up mumbling when I try to respond, then I black out for 40 seconds.”

Andrew adds that after a seizure, he would feel confused and tired. Fortunately, his support workers from Afea are helping him regain his independence, allowing him to safely leave home to exercise in the park, enjoy a cup of coffee or buy groceries.

Support Coordination from Afea

He also receives support coordination services from Afea. He works closely with Afea Support Coordinator, Ivania Choi.

“Andrew is easy to work with,” shares Ivania. “He’s always cheerful. His family is also easygoing and supports him with weekly visits. I sometimes get suggestions about his care from his family, but of course as participant, Andrew has full choice and control, so before we do anything we check with Andrew first!”

Meal delivery, home modification, physiotherapy sessions

In addition to the assistance of support workers, Ivania also organised a meal delivery service for Andrew, funded in part by the NDIS. “I organised his meal delivery from Lite N’ Easy. He only needs to pay 30% of the cost, with 70% paid for by his NDIS funding.”

Ivania coordinated home modifications for Andrew when he moved to his new place last year. Andrew now has a handrail installed in his bathroom and at the balcony. These modifications were recommended by his Occupational Therapist to ensure his safety at home.

Ivania also helped find a Physiotherapist for Andrew who is just walking distance from his place. Andrew now visits him every week.

Keep reading to learn more about Andrew:

When and why did you access our services?

Years ago, before COVID, around 2019, I had a bad fall.

I was living with my dad at the time. My dad has since passed on.

He was the one who rang the hospital. Since I also have epileptic fits, they put me in a special ward. I stayed there for four weeks. They helped me walk and do exercises. I underwent rehab for three weeks to continue my recovery.

While at rehab, one of the women there asked me, “Have you ever heard about the NDIS?”

I said no, I haven’t. She said it’s an organisation helping people with disabilities, and you might be eligible.

Before she mentioned the NDIS and NDIS support, you’ve never heard about them before?

No.

Good thing she mentioned it then!

(laughs) I know. It’s a pretty good service, actually.

How did you find out about Afea?

They picked Afea for me. Later on, I was sent a support worker who helped me out at home. I had the same support worker for almost a year, and I was happy with the services. I’ve had other support workers from Afea since then.

Are you happy with your services so far?

The services are good. I got a good Coordinator in Saru [Afea Client Coordinator, Saru Malekar] and Ivania and I work well together.

Every Tuesday morning, my support worker takes me to do exercises in the park. After that, we go back, stop for a cup of coffee. When we get back home, he would mop and sweep the place.

On Thursday, a support worker helps me do more cleaning.

On Friday, I have a different support worker who accompanies me to do my shopping. He also helps with my groceries.

What are your future goals?

Oh, I just take life one day at a time.

Thank you for your time, Andrew!

Find experienced support workers with Afea Care Services

Our amazing support workers will provide you with compassionate care at home and in the community to help you live more independently, achieve your goals and get the most out of life! 

In addition to our compassionate Core support services—

• Afea’s Support Coordinators are committed to helping you achieve your goals, develop your skills and access the best services suited to your needs. Reduce the stress and time spent on implementing NDIS plans with the help of our amazing Support Coordinators!
• Our Plan Management team is your financial champion, ensuring your funding is used to its fullest potential.

Contact us now to begin receiving care.

You can also email us via hello@afea.com.au or call 1300 65 11 33.