For many of us, popping down to the local shops or swinging by the post office is something we do without a second thought. But for David, these simple tasks represent something far greater: the joy of independence, the confidence to get around the community, and the freedom that so many of us take for granted.
So, we got to work turning that vision into reality. Aimee Mazo, David’s occupational therapist at Sublime Care, lodged an EnableNSW application for a mobility scooter. When the green light finally came through, the joy and relief that followed made every moment of the wait worthwhile.
Soon after, it was time to get David out on the scooter for the very first time. With Aimee there to guide him, he got settled and off they went through the streets of South East Sydney, visiting familiar places like the local shops and the post office. These were places that now felt closer and more within David’s reach than ever before. He seemed to enjoy every single moment, and he did remarkably well.
Moments like this serve as a powerful reminder that joy is often found in the simplest of things. What may seem small to some can mean everything to others. David’s ride through the neighbourhood was more than just a trip. It was a big leap towards experiencing the world with more ease and freedom.
What Is EnableNSW and Who Is It For?
EnableNSW is a program under NSW Health that provides assistive technology and related services to people with disabilities and specific health conditions. It is important to note that EnableNSW is available to CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) participants and not NDIS participants. This is because CHSP is designed as an entry-level or low-level support service, making EnableNSW an ideal pathway for older Australians who are in the early stages of accessing aged care support.
David was able to access his mobility scooter through the CHSP program, which gave him the opportunity to explore his neighbourhood and experience a newfound sense of freedom, all without needing to go through the NDIS.
Types of EnableNSW Support
Whether someone needs help getting around or simply managing day-to-day tasks at home, EnableNSW offers a wide range of equipment and services to suit the diverse needs of its participants. This program covers several types of support, each designed to address a specific area of daily life.
Below are some support options you can access through EnableNSW.
- Mobility Aids: EnableNSW can fund equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and walking devices. These aids play a huge role in helping participants stay active, access their community, and maintain a sense of freedom in their daily lives.
- Daily Living Equipment: EnableNSW can provide equipment such as specialised beds, mattresses, bathing aids, and transfer gear. These devices are all designed to help participants manage their daily routines with greater ease, comfort, and safety.
- Communication Devices: EnableNSW can fund communication devices and technology that help them express themselves and connect with the world around them. These tools can be truly life-changing, as they can open new ways to interact with family, carers, and the broader community.
- Other Assistive Technologies: EnableNSW also funds a range of other assistive technologies tailored to individual needs. These are often identified and recommended by allied health professionals who work closely with participants.
Sublime Care’s Aged Care Services in Sydney
David’s story is a wonderful example of what Sublime Care is doing right across Sydney, including South East Sydney and South West Sydney, where our team is actively supporting older Australians through our CHSP and aged care services.
As a registered aged care provider operating across multiple Sydney regions, Sublime Care is well-placed to help CHSP participants access the support they need, including EnableNSW applications. If you or someone you know is in South East Sydney or South West Sydney and looking for aged care support, our team is right there in your community and ready to help.
How Sublime Care Can Help with EnableNSW Applications
Applying for EnableNSW support doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming. Sublime Care’s allied health team has the knowledge and experience to guide CHSP participants through the EnableNSW application process from start to finish. Here is how we can help:
Assessment and Recommendations: Conducting thorough assessments to determine the most appropriate equipment for each participant’s individual needs.
Application Support: Preparing detailed reports and recommendations that clearly outline how the requested equipment will improve a participant’s independence and quality of life.
Equipment Trials: Accompanying participants through equipment trials to ensure a safe, positive, and smooth experience, just as Aimee did with David.
Ongoing Guidance: Providing continued support beyond the application, ensuring participants feel empowered and well-supported every step of the way.
Beyond EnableNSW, Sublime Care’s aged care services include the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home, available across Newcastle, South East Sydney, South West Sydney, and Western Sydney. For participants who are on the NDIS, we also offer Support Work, Accommodation (SIL, SDA, and ILO), Allied Health, and Positive Behaviour Support.
Final Thoughts
David’s story is a powerful reminder of what the right support can do. Through EnableNSW, accessed via CHSP, he was able to get a mobility scooter that gave him the confidence and freedom to engage more fully with the world around him. And he didn’t have to go through any of it alone. Sublime Care’s team was with him every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is a CHSP participant in Sydney or the Hunter region and could benefit from EnableNSW support or any of our aged care services, we would love to help. Reach out to us at chsp.referral@sublimecare.com.au or 02 4915 9627.