Kian and Eithan
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.
‘The social and emotional support is the thing that is going to suffer.’
Kian, 60s, was born with quadriplegia and cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. His brother Eithan told the Royal Commission that Kian loves to swim and is in good health. He requires 24/7 support.
From a young age Kian lived in different institutions and group homes.
Thirty years ago he moved into a state government-run purpose-built duplex home for people with high care needs. Each house had five residents.
Initially each house had two disability support workers every shift. The houses shared a floating supervisor who helped out and did all the administration. Eithan said the staff provide a very high level of care and are incredibly hard working and caring people. ‘We’ve been really lucky as a family, we’ve had some very good staff.’
A year ago, without consultation, management axed the supervisor position. The support workers are now required to spend 30 per cent of their time on administrative duties. At night, only one support worker is rostered to each house.
Management did not inform residents about the changes. ‘We found out informally through the staff.’
When Eithan spoke to management they told him they are working within the NDIS funding model. ‘The state government needs to adjust the care they provide based on what the NDIS gives them.’
Eithan is very concerned because the funding is not transparent and he’s unsure how it will affect Kian going forward.
Kian needs two staff to help him get in and out of his wheelchair and to shower, bathe or use the toilet. This means there are no staff available to supervise or support other residents at these times. Previously the floating supervisor filled the gaps.
‘It really reduces the amount of supervisory oversight … for new staff and making sure the procedures are followed.’
The loss of a staff member also reduces the residents’ ability to engage in community activities. Only one resident can be out in the community at a time, as opposed to two or three. Staff no longer have any downtime to take residents to the beach or the shops.
‘When you hear the stories of what has gone on in aged care, it makes you worry for the whole sector … we’ve seen examples of that starting to happen.’
Eithan is concerned too many changes are happening ‘while the screen is still up’ and there needs to be greater transparency and consultation.
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.