Kailani
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.
‘At the … place I worked … their basic human rights and needs were not getting met.’
Kailani is in her 50s. A few years ago she worked for a disability service provider who managed group homes and supported independent accommodation. Kailani worked in a number of different homes with residents who required 24/7 support.
Kailani told the Royal Commission the provider didn’t treat the residents with ‘respect or dignity’ and spoke about them ‘very poorly’. She said, ‘When I raised that, I ended up in a HR meeting where I was reprimanded.’
One time, Kailani worked with Jess. She has a cognitive disability and is non-verbal. Kailani found some white powder in her cupboard and suspects it came from another resident.
Kailani was worried Jess had ingested the substance and called an ambulance. She reported it to the team leader and called Jess’s father who wanted the substance tested. The team leader took 40 minutes to arrive. He berated Kailani for calling the ambulance and scooped up a small amount of the substance.
The team leader later told Kailani it was soap powder. Kailani does not think this is true – the substance did not smell like soap powder. Kailani also found out the substance wasn’t tested.
Kailani said she did not feel supported throughout this incident and believes the team leader did not follow protocol such as notifying police.
The team leader removed Kailani from the house because she was ‘too emotionally involved’. He forced Kalani to do ‘pages of reflections on [her] behaviour’.
Next, Kailani supported two elderly men with development disabilities. One client had lived there for 15 years and also had epilepsy. Kailani said this client was having seizures during the day and had not seen a neurologist for years.
Another time, Kailani raised a complaint after a client was forced to catch busses despite previously having issues with public transport. Her supervisors bullied her for making the complaint and performance managed her. Kailani said reports were paper-based. This meant reports could go missing or be amended without the author’s knowledge.
Support workers did not assist clients with personal hygiene. Kailani believes they had the capacity to do this but chose not to. Kailani said oral health was badly neglected. One client had a fungal infection that spread from the sinus into the teeth. Kailani took him to dentists and specialists and had to send the invoice to his sister. It cost $23,000 to fix his teeth.
Kailani is now working for a different service provider. She said the service is ‘amazing’, very supportive with a strong focus on client safety. Clients are happy and safe. Support workers adjust their communication style to ensure clients have choice and control.
‘It’s just such a different atmosphere,’ she 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.