Updated 3 April , 2020 (for previous updates, please see our News section)
We know that this is a tough time for everyone. Gateways has been working continuously with our staff, volunteers, our participants and families to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust our services to ensure we can continue to provide our essential supports in the best way that we can. As always, our teams have been thinking outside the square to come up with innovative changes across many of our service areas.
Therapy
New Gateways Online Therapy service
While Gateways therapists are providing limited face-to-face sessions with individual clients, we are also now delivering one-on-one sessions via our new Gateways Online Therapy service. A resource pack can be delivered to your door and worked through during a live link with your therapist. It is easy, fun and flexible to your family’s needs. No more rushing out the door to make it to an appointment! Just click and go. Find out how 6yo Raymond and his family are already benefiting from this service.
All group therapy programs are now ON HOLD while we redesign them to be effective online. This includes:
- Early years therapy
- School aged therapy
- Youth Plus and adult therapy
Stay tuned! We will keep you advised as new online services become available.
Autism assessments
Our therapists are conducting online assessments only at this time.
Preschool Inclusion Services
These services remain ON HOLD while preschools remain closed. This includes:
- Kindergarten Inclusion Support
- Preschool Field Officer Program
Coordination and Support
Support coordination
Support coordination services in Geelong, western Melbourne and Warrnambool are continuing, with coordinators connecting with families and NDIS planners via phone, Zoom and Skype. Please note some NDIA price changes related to this service as detailed in our recent COVID-19 pricing update.
Parent support program
Face-to-face parent support groups are currently ON HOLD. However, we recognise that parent support and connection is more important than ever during this time. We have set up a private Parent Support Facebook group which is inclusive of Gateways parents from all regions. The page will have links to information, provide a forum to chat with other parents and also provide links to weekly Zoom virtual video Parent Support groups facilitated by Carolyn and Linda, which will run every Tuesday at 10am.
If you would like further information or do not use Facebook but would like to participate in the Zoom parent support groups, feel free to email parent.support@gateways.com.au or telephone your local Gateways office. Individual parent support continues to be available via email, telephone or Zoom video meetings.
Plan management and financial administration
Plan management services are operating as usual for existing clients only.
Individual Support and Respite
Individual supports for children, teens and adults
While our group recreation programs are on hold, it is still business as usual for individual support and our team is here to help.
Commonwealth Home Supports Program
Our current CHSP service for people over 65 years is still operating. Carers can continue to do your shopping, pay your bills at the post office or pick up medication. If families would like a daily phone call to check on their loved one, we can do that too! Give Kate a call on 5292 9200 to organise any of these services.
Getaway House (Warrnambool)
Our respite program at Getaway House for children and teenagers is ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Boost 4 Kids(Geelong)
This out-of-home respite program program for children with complex medical needs is currently ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Interchange Host Buddy (Geelong and Western Melbourne)
This program, matching volunteers with children with a disability for one-to-one respite support is currently ON HOLD. Details and contact information here.
Recreation and Activities
While our group recreation programs are currently on hold, stay tuned for developments as we look at alternative means of delivery. In the meantime, we will continue sharing resources for activities to do at home on our website and on Facebook. Our workers are also still available to offer in-home supports (see Individual Support section above)
Geelong and surrounds
- Juniors ON HOLD
- Teenagers ON HOLD
- Adults ON HOLD
- Frail aged and dementia (Café Care Connect and Prime Movers) ON HOLD
- Social Connect ON HOLD
Western Melbourne
- Juniors ON HOLD
- Teenagers ON HOLD
- Frail aged and dementia (Prime Movers) ON HOLD
Adults – Starting Term 2, we will have a variety of fun, online activities to ensure being stuck at home doesn’t have to be boring. For prices and booking details, see our program page. The program so far includes:
- Tuesdays from 14 April – Netflix Party movie and chat
- Wednesdays from 8 April – Zumba via Zoom
- Fridays from 17 April – Bingo via Zoom
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 21 April – our popular Healthy Connections program goes online with a series of interactive workshops
Accommodation
Our residential services remain essential and at the core of the support we will maintain. While we ask that no one visits houses, we are offering alternative ways for families to stay in touch with loved ones including phone calls and video link-ups through services including Skype, Zoom ands FaceTime. We have deployed extra staff to do the additional things required to comply with new regulations as well as daytime support, with tailored programs for each participant to minimise the impact of the loss of their usual day activities.
Behaviour support services
The Behaviour Support Team is continuing to assist participants, support workers and families via a range of online delivery channels including Skype and FaceTime. Find out more about the service and contact details here.
Gateways Gardening
The Gateways Gardening program is currently closed to participants in order to minimise contact and ensure community safety. However the crew’s manager, Andy, is still offering a non-contact gardening service that we encourage you to support, if you can. This service will continue unless otherwise directed by the government. You can contact Gateways Gardening on 0418 719 802 or gatewaysgardening@gateways.com.au