Our Advocate Angela had helped a client with a degenerative neurological condition, engage with different service providers after the client had concerns regarding service provisions.
Angela said: “The client required assistance with all of her daily living support – totally dependent on support in all areas of their life, no informal network support either. The client was labelled as “difficult” with “challenging behaviours” due to the desired level of control concerning her service support.”
The communication between many staff and the client had become quite strained and difficult – if staff felt the client was talking to them in a rude or disrespectful way, they were authorised to cease service on the spot if they felt it was appropriate. This would result in the client having to be hospitalised due to lack of service – an ambulance would be called and she would be transported to hospital.
The client was at risk of losing their choice to continue to live independently in her home (residing in public housing), and did not feel ready to consider other options such as a supported accommodation group home setting or a nursing home.
With advocacy assistance to address the concerns the client was supported to engage with other providers who were more understanding of the client’s situation and character, they came with a more flexible and person centred attitude in their service provision.
