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Rehabilitation
Achieving a shared
understanding in a difficult situation
Making sure older people are
included in discussions about rest home placement
Achieving a shared understanding in a
difficult situation
Prosthetics ~ Right
4(3) consistent with needs ~ Right 6 ~ fully informed
A consumer sought the help
of an advocate as he felt a prosthetics provider had put him in the
"too hard basket". He wanted help to get the answers he needed.
After considering the options he opted for a meeting and with the
advocate's help drafted a written request to the provider. In the
letter he outlined the concerns he wanted to discuss and also
acknowledged the good work he had received in the past.
The provider responded
within five days stating that he was happy to meet. The meeting was
held at the advocate's office as both the consumer and provider
felt it important to be on neutral ground. The meeting went for two
hours and at its conclusion the consumer felt he had received
answers to many questions about his future and what had gone wrong
with his treatment. The provider was very honest and apologised for
the previous lack of communication.
The consumer was almost in
tears when the provider's CEO said that although they cannot help
him any more as his needs are now beyond the capability of anyone
in NZ and Australia, they are behind him and will do anything that
they can to assist him to get the technology he needs to keep him
independent. Both the provider and the consumer left the meeting
with a plan of action for the future, and an improved relationship
due to a shared understanding of the situation.
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Making sure
older people are included in discussions about rest home
placement
Older woman ~ Assessment ~ Family meeting ~ Rest home
placement ~ Speaking up ~ Rehabilitation
The family of an older woman in her nineties contacted an
advocate to support them at a meeting with staff at the
rehabilitation unit where their relative had been assessed. The
staff advised against the woman returning home with support. The
advocate explained to the family that because advocates are on the
side of the consumer she would need to meet with the consumer prior
to the meeting.
The consumer advised the advocate that she had also been
thinking about her future. She felt she was becoming 'too much' for
her niece, who had also been unwell. Options for the future
were discussed. The consumer told the advocate about her friend in
a "lovely home". If she was assessed as needing care, this was the
place she would like to go. The advocate encouraged her to attend
the family meeting and speak up about her views.
The meeting with medical staff, family and the consumer was the
first time the consumer had been involved in any discussions about
her future. Assumptions that the consumer wanted to return home had
been made by her family as well as the staff who had assessed her.
It was a surprise to them all to find she was just as concerned
about the level of care she needed as they were. The meeting
provided her with the opportunity to have her say.
She is now living the 'life of a Queen' in the 'lovely rest
home' with her friend, and is enjoying being cared for
24/7.