Harlem
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.
‘I think she was after the money.’
Harlem, early 50s, has bipolar disorder, dyslexia and depression.
He told the Royal Commission he employed a woman, Saskia, as a cleaner. Over time she started involving herself more and more in his life.
When the NDIS was introduced Saskia took Harlem to his first planning meeting. ‘I hardly got a word in. She … put me down quite a bit in the conversation that she had about my abilities.’
When Harlem’s plan was approved Saskia became his support worker.
Initially she was supposed to work a few hours a day, two days a week. Before long she was working six hours every day. She was supposed to help Harlem and take him out. Instead, Harlem said, ‘she sat on a chair and played with her mobile [phone]’.
Saskia didn’t understand Harlem’s disability. She complained on social media he was unmotivated. She often called him ‘lazy’.
Each morning Saskia called Harlem to wake him. She charged him $100 for the call. Harlem said she called weekends and public holidays and he didn’t even want the call.
One time, Saskia attended a mental health appointment with Harlem. She spoke about him, and over him. After the appointment the nurse called Harlem and said she was worried about him and did not want Saskia coming to any more appointments. When Harlem told this to Saskia she blamed him.
Another time Saskia agreed to take Harlem to see a concert. She made Harlem pay for expensive accommodation. Worried about his therapy dog, he was unable to sleep and got out of bed a number of times. Rather than offering emotional support, Saskia scolded Harlem for disturbing her sleep.
Returning from the concert, Saskia told Harlem to go to a large grocery story. Harlem wanted to go home to his dog but he didn’t feel strong enough to say no. She really wanted to shop for herself and convinced Harlem to buy things he didn’t want. She charged him for the time she spent in the shops.
Saskia was very dominating and organised things without consulting him. Harlem became so stressed he ended up in hospital.
When Harlem eventually stood up to Saskia, refusing to allow her to charge the hours she wanted to, she resigned. Harlem told his support coordinator what had been happening and she is helping him prepare a formal complaint.
Harlem has been a lot happier since Saskia left. His new support workers are ‘fantastic’ and make him realise how unprofessional Saskia was.
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.