Daisy and Palin
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.
‘He moves her arms and legs forcefully while getting dressed and undressed like he will break her bone. I’ve tried to calm him down and remind him that he can’t do like that. He says, “it’s not rough enough”.’
Palin is a support worker who has written to us about the husband and primary carer of one of his clients, Daisy. Daisy has multiple sclerosis and dementia, and Palin has been working with her at least once a week for more than a year. He’s worried about the care Daisy receives the rest of the time from both her husband and the service provider.
Palin said Daisy’s husband is ‘very rough and aggressive’ with her. For example, she needs a hoist to get on her bed and into the shower chair and wheelchair. Palin said that her husband swings her so aggressively that she bumps into things and gets bruises.
When Palin told Daisy’s husband that she had broken skin, rashes or blisters, he told him ‘not to worry until it’s infected’.
Palin is also concerned about the quality of service from the service provider. Daisy spends most of her time in one position, which means she gets pressure sores. These need proper cleaning, padding and ointments. But some support workers don’t do this often enough. If Daisy has had bowel movements during the day, they just put a clean continence aid on without cleaning.
‘I just came out of her house, when I got in her room it was smelling very bad and I could tell why,’ Palin told us.
Palin said he has reported this to the service provider a number of times to no avail. He has also raised the issue with Daisy’s husband, who said he ‘couldn’t care less’ about Daisy’s wellbeing.
‘He yells at her and says it’s her fault for being in the wheelchair, it’s her fault that the nappies are not put on properly and the bedsheets are soiled, which gives extra work to him.’
Palin would like to see aged care and disability care workers do emotional intelligence tests before they are appointed, especially those working in home care. ‘I hope all the people regardless of their physical or mental conditions receive the treatment they deserve,’ he said.
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.