Bobby and Abby
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘It has taken way too long for our family to be satisfied that [Bobby] is safe.’
Bobby grew up in the country and lived with his parents until they couldn’t care for him anymore. They were ageing and couldn’t manage his behaviours on their own. He moved to the only supported accommodation available – almost four hours drive away.
Abby, Bobby’s sister, became his legal guardian. She told the Royal Commission that since he moved he has had ‘multiple incidents of poor care’. She said in most cases the family couldn’t do anything because there was nowhere else for Bobby to live.
Her brother has an intellectual disability and needs one-on-one support.
‘He cannot understand consequences for behaviour and has no impulse control.’
She explained that when Bobby feels pain he lashes out in anger. He requires multiple behaviour management strategies to help him regulate his behaviour.
One time Bobby was unwell and had uncontrollable diarrhoea. Support workers left him outside on the verandah for most of the day.
Although it was 40 degrees, no-one checked on him. No-one noticed he was groggy.
When the afternoon shift arrived they immediately called an ambulance. Bobby remained in intensive care for more than a week – his kidneys had failed.
Abby spoke to a disability advocate who helped her make a complaint. ‘The company has now been shut down due to more than just this infraction,’ Abby said.
At another house, support workers refused to acknowledge Bobby’s disability. Abby said he was ‘bullied out of supported accommodation because they were convinced he was just bad’. They moved him into a house without 24-hour support and Bobby set a fire in the laundry because he was cold.
Abby also discovered large sums of money had been removed from Bobby’s account. There were no receipts or explanations. She didn’t know what to do about this or who to report it to.
Abby said the NDIS has made things worse for Bobby. Prior to the NDIS he enjoyed a number of activities supported by a variety of different people. He loves to bowl, play the guitar and cook. However his NDIS funding only covers the cost of his one-on-one support. ‘This means his opportunities for social interactions are now limited to carers and not peers,’ Abby said.
‘I hope that people with major intellectual disabilities get seen for their complex care requirements … [Bobby] still misses out … he still cannot visit his family in the country … or participate in family events … This is so horrific for a man who’s happy to be with his family and join in the festivities.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.