Carers and Disability Link (CADL) had another successful year of supporting carers in the community from the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa, York Peninsula and Clare Valley.
The services supported 425 carers and 555 clients on the NDIS, including providing 258 NDIS clients with 65,864 hours of in-home care and community support.
The service, which operates from offices in Clare and Nuriootpa, also assisted 136 people who are frail and aged with 11,400 hours of in-home, community and group support.
Speaking at the AGM of the not-for-profit organisation, chair Monica Davies said that despite some financial challenges, CADL had continued to provide outstanding service to those in need.
Ms Davies said that often it was a challenge to get governments to listen to the needs of their clients.
“We are required to listen to the government, when the government should be listening to our clients,” said Ms Davies.
“While things are improving, having to comply with a plethora of government regulations and funding models sometimes means we can’t provide the best service possible.”
Member for Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, who attended the AGM said CADL provide an important service to people living with disabilities and support those caring for others.
“CADL do a great job with supporting our young carers,” said Mr Piccolo.
“It is good to see that the State Government understands this and provides funding for programs to support young carers.”
CADL is one of four carer support organisations funded by the Department of Human Services to deliver the Young Carer Support Service (YCSS) under the revised Carer Support funding arrangements that commenced on 1 July 2023.
The YCSS provides support for young carers from the age of 5 to 25, with the aim of helping them achieve long term outcomes of enhanced wellbeing, increased participation, and improved service and social connection.
Mr Piccolo said the YCSS may include connecting young carers with community activities, education and employment opportunities, and support with developing personal support networks.
CADL operate the respite centre Grevillea House in Clare, providing respite opportunities for people living with a disability, those with mental or chronic health issues, which is currently underutilised.
CADL CEO, Ms Kate Preiss said that despite the community saying the respite service is sorely needed, the current referral system could be hampering access to house.
Ms Preiss said CADL are part of a statewide network offering support for carers, enabling them to partner with Grandcarers SA to support carer grandparents with their Barossa Grandcarers SA village.