Amanda's story about how health is part of life

In my work supporting people with disability, including people with complex health needs, I have learned some important things about health and quality of life.

One key thing is that health should be part of a person’s life, not the only focus. Many people we support have disability‑related health needs that are part of their everyday life. These supports may be needed 24 hours a day.

When someone needs support all the time, this requires trust, and consistent relationships, and strong knowledge of the person. Staff need to understand what matters most to that person and what helps them feel safe, respected, to have a good quality of life.

Good support is person centred ensuring the person is actively involved in all areas of their life and not treated like a by stander this means supporting people in ways that work for them.

Person‑centred support includes:

• Using the right tone of voice
• Respecting how a person communicates
• Creating a calm and safe environment
• Taking time to explain what is happening

All these things help build trust and improve health outcomes and are important when supporting people access health services.

Daily supports are an important part of health including 

• Showering and personal hygiene
• Toileting and continence support
• Brushing teeth
• Eating and drinking safely
• Physical assistance and mobility support

These supports require partnership between the person and their support team and is particularly important when people rely on people to meet these daily needs.

For people without disability, our daily care is often taken for granted when you can hold a cup or spoon yourself, shower independently we may not think about the essential role hygiene eating and toileting has on our health. 

But for people with disability, who require support to meet these needs supporting a person correctly is critical.

In terms of health Rights and Accessibility everyone has the right to good health care when we make the world universally accessible it makes communities better for everyone.

Planning for Emergencies-health emergencies can happen at any time planning ahead is very important.

Individual care plans, current medication list, emergency contact and a one‑page profile “About Me”.

These documents should be easy to find and easy to read. They help hospital staff and emergency workers give the right support quickly.

Example: One‑Page Profile

Hi, my name is Tom with photo 

I have a disability called cerebral palsy and am non‑verbal please explain things to me simply.

It’s important to me I know what is happening and that people talk with me before doing something.

I have a rod in my spine, when I am moved, I need to be rolled carefully

Loud sudden sounds frighten me

I communicate using my eyes and facial expressions

My mum’s name Jen please contact her in an emergency

Other important things to know I have epilepsy, allergy to nuts

Supporting people in medical settings and information 

Medical settlings can have lots of unfamiliar sounds and smells and lots of talking that can be confusing. Helpful support to include is familiar support people being present, Comfort items such as a blanket, familiar smells or objects, simple clear explanations before any procedures. 

The information on Our Health Space has lots of great resources and links to help support people with health support. Asking GP for help in how best to support person ahead of health appointments is valuable too.