The Carers Lounge: Redefining Accessibility and Inclusivity
As we prepare for the next exciting event that the Carer’s Lounge will be visiting, let's take a step back in time to reflect upon how the Carer’s Lounge began!
Meet Jake, an 8 -year-old Adelaide boy who loves to get out and about on an adventure. He loves noise, lights, music, people and fun! Jake also has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. He is nonverbal and non mobile. He cannot eat food in the standard way, and is fed through a tube into his tummy. He needs someone to help him move, feed and communicate on his behalf, 24/7.
When Jake goes on his adventures, he has had to be fed through his tummy out in public (or a bathroom - yuk! Who wants to eat in a bathroom?), with nowhere to clean the feeding equipment afterwards. He (and his friends) also have had to be changed on a cold, dirty floor of an ‘accessible’ bathroom. He also has mates who need medications administered, breathing issues tended to and sensory sensitivities that need a little extra care.
𝗜𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻!
The Carers Lounge is such a simple solution for ease when anyone living with disability, or their carers, attends public events.
Frustrated mother and carer for Jake, as well as employee of SACARE Karina McDonald, had a simple discussion with her bosses Stacy Mckenzie and Chloe Kempe - both immediately understanding the necessity for change.
With over 27 years in the disability industry as providers of community and in-home supports and supported accommodation, SACARE, as a company, understands how important a space like the Carers Lounge is.
Bringing peace of mind and ease to everyday living for clients, families and employees is at the heart of everything SACARE stands for. The Carers Lounge is such a simple solution for ease when anyone living with disability, or their carers, attends public events.
The first collaboration began in 2022, featuring the beloved local event, the Royal Adelaide Show, which draws hundreds of thousands of South Australians annually. Recognizing the significance and need for the Carers Lounge, the RAS team facilitated SACARE to launch the pilot model!
The dedicated space addresses the real-life challenges faced by families and carers, offering comfort, ease, and a sense of togetherness. It is a response to real needs. Jake's love for life and adventure is infectious, but his condition necessitates round-the-clock care. The Carers Lounge was born out of necessity, a space where feeding, hygiene, and care don't have to compromise dignity or comfort. It’s not just Jake; the entire community with various needs found a space that accommodates them, reducing the daily hurdles they face.
Featured in Sunday Mail, Glam Adelaide , Channel 44 and chatting with ABC Radio interview, the feedback was positive, encouraging and served to make following events even better. .
We even received a visit from The Honorary Emily Bourke MP, the world's first Autism Minister.
Experience comfort, inclusivity, and support like never before. We can't wait to welcome you at our next event!
About the Author
Karina McDonald is SACARE’s Marketing Coordinator.
Her love for copywriting and content creation is brought to life by her lived experiences with her 8 year old son with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and complex health care needs.