Han and Ren
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.
Han, early 40s, is autistic and non-verbal.
He lives in supported independent living (SIL) accommodation and requires 24/7 care.
He lives with other people of similar age with similar support needs.
In the past few years, Han has lived in two different SIL houses run by different providers.
His father, Ren, told the Royal Commission that he is ‘quite disappointed’ by the SIL providers.
‘SIL provides a very large sum of funding and the standard of care is very much in question.’
There is a high turnover of support workers and the rosters constantly change. Support workers are not sufficiently trained and lack ‘common sense’. Some support workers have never met a person with disability.
Ren wonders if the provider simply hires people ‘off the street’.
New support workers know nothing about the participants because there is no handover or buddy system or clear instructions from the provider.
‘If a service provider cannot deliver the basic requirements, such as roster and workers, how do they provide the consistent support for goals of cooking, cleaning and house chores of supported independent living?’
Han and the other residents are not supported to do the activities approved in their plan.
‘There is little choice and control for participants.’
When Ren makes a complaint, he is told to use the complaints process. He has made two official complaints and is still waiting to hear from the provider.
Ren and the other parents are ageing. They are very anxious about the future and worry what will happen to their sons and daughters.
‘There's a conflict of interest and focus between us as parents and the providers. Our concerns are better and quality care of our loved ones, and providers to maximise their profits.’
Ren wants the government to introduce a star rating system similar to residential aged care, and include participants and plan nominees in annual audits.
At the very least, he says, this would incentivise providers to respond to complaints in a timely manner.
‘We are searching for ‘caring’ signs not ‘dollar’ signs … So that the senior citizens of our nation can have peace in our hearts.’
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.