topic Trapped in supported accommodation in Long-term support over the journey

Trapped in supported accommodation

kanga_brumby — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:07:32 GMT

I have various people on my team supposedly helping through my depression, and other issues I have. They requested I go into a care facility for a one month stay. Which I agreed to fully expecting to return home about one month after. As soon as I mover in to the place there attitudes changed. All of a sudden I had to stay in the supported accommodation. Because I was not going to be supported in my home. Even though the support I need is available from various agencies. Around Melbourne by various counsels or privet agencies. Providing attendant care and home help. I believe I should be eligible for funding for disability. I have raised this with the people who are my advisers. But get caned every time I am not consulted. About the decision I am told just sit back do as we say. When your ready we will help more then. The plan i am not consulted on it's not working it's just stagnating. My family are no help. I am that fed up where I am. I am rely contemplating ending it all my life has no meaning in here. Just a worthless piece of meat that gets treated like a 3 year old. I know a warehouse full of stuff. That no one can now use. I cannot help anyone in here not even myself I'm not aloud.

Kanga

Trapped in supported accommodation

Croix — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 06:44:55 GMT

Dear Kanga~

I would be hopeless at advising you on practical matters to get your situation sorted, so I'll say that at the start so you don't expect the wrong thing from his post.

I can do a couple of things. The first - as you would expect - is to tell you how much you are valued here buy an awful lot of people. You are valued for the unique person you are, with your blend of serious, kindness and fun.

When I've looked at posts that upset me, or when the brain has gone on strike due to internal gloom and I sit there blankly looking at a post and wondering why I can't say anything I can head to the two threads you dominate and feel refreshed straight away. I see the silly fun and feel better - even if I do not post - which I ought to do more. It may seem trivial or even frustrating to you, it is a boon to me and others.

Some posters, even long term ones, tend to take a lesser role as time goes on - you remain a constant, reliable, there.

As we get older (and I've done that rather a lot:) our lives change. The things we used to excel at are no longer easy - or not possible. Tuning the car -a standard male life skill - is now bogged down in spaghetti wiring and chips controllers. Kids have left the nest and now regard parents with amused affection - if one is lucky. And so it goes on. Ability, occupation and respect have to naturally move into fresh areas.

I can't do the physical things I did, I'm not as up to date in my field as I should be. but I'm reasonably content as I'm steering a younger person using my life experience as a potential replacement in my area. I find it good and there is relief in not stretching to try to keep up

You do knew a warehouse full of stuff, much of it practical, an awful lot of it bound up in entertainment and fun. You know the majority of Goon Show episodes, many just about by heart, Yes Minister is no stranger to you, and a whole swag more. This is a great thing - please don't underestimate it.

Apart from dealing with your situation I would be most surprised if there is not a niche where you can find respect and usefulness (you have already achieved much here). There are whole skits, programs and books you could write or recount just to name one thought off the top of my head.

I'd like to regard you as a friend

Croix

Trapped in supported accommodation

Fiasco — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:18:41 GMT

Kanga, for what it's worth, I would miss you. You have touched so many lives here on the forums. Thank you. I'm so so so sorry to hear the awful time you're having. I have no words to offer as consolation or to talk you out of things. All I can say is, I'm here, and I'm thinking of you. And whatever positive energy exists in the universe, I'm doing my best to send it your way to support you through this. I can't say I know how you feel, because I'm not you, but I have felt hopeless, overwhelmed, unnecessary and powerless. As much as it means coming from an anonymous stranger, please please please be safe.

Trapped in supported accommodation

kanga_brumby — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:44:10 GMT

Because of the agency involved I keep telling them I wish to go home. They indicate the help I require which I cannot afford, and they aren't willing to pay for. So I am trapped in here. I am also a people person, I need contact with people. None of that in here. No family members visit not even my children. No friends, acquaintances on one not even to advise or share information with. Hell I cannot even go to a church if I wanted to. I have nothing in here. All I have is Beyond Blue I am restricted in what I can do in here. Plus it's limited in what I am aloud because of privacy. Which is for all of our protection.

The only reason I know a lot of 'yes minister' is because I have worked in the public circus ( Service). Having to deal with ministers. They come in wanting things done there way. Which don't work. Because of the way the department is structured it wont work there way. Because they are protecting there cushy jobs.

Trapped in supported accommodation

Croix — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:32:27 GMT

Dear Kanga~

Yes I've an idea of your situation from reading that thread Paul started. Being on the end of institutional neglect is a horrible thing.

I've no idea what resources you have, or even if you can move around. I'm lucky in that I can get around with only marginal disability. All I do know is you have a computer and a sense of humor.

I remember one time years ago when I was going hough a rough patch I tried to distract myself by trying to learn music. This was something I'd never had a go at. As a youth I'd sung in a classical environment but never attempted to learn an instrument. I did not have much cash so I bought a secondhand keyboard plus headphones from a thrift shop for a very few dollars (I think the batteries were more) and started.

I know that nowadays you can get programs like Virtual Keyboard for free that let you use you computer as a piano. I found it very difficult as I had no coordination or any real musical sense. That was all to the good and kept me thinking and frustrated with my efforts. Eventually I could pick out the melody of some things (mainly waltzes). It stopped when my life changed.

I'm not suggesting you try to fill all your time with anything like that, just it might be a distraction to work out frustrations on sometimes.

Think it might be any good?

Croix

Trapped in supported accommodation

Guest_128 — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:45:14 GMT

Hey I really don't know if we have properly met,

Have read a lot of stuff from you,

I know you are in a black hole,and I feel for you.

I haven't been on here for long but I see you are a major player and I would like to Thankyou

Hang in there,you of all know this will pass.

Later

Trapped in supported accommodation

topsy_ — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 10:45:26 GMT

Hi Kanga

I haven't written to you directly before but I have read a lot of your posts & admired your opinions.

If I was in your position I would be mad as hell!! I'd feel tricked & abandoned. For the life of me I can't work out why the powers that be can't take your wishes into account.

I was under the impression that the government wants us to live at home & have services come in each day to help us. It's cheaper for them that way!!

Is there any way you can challenge whoever thinks they have the right to make decisions about your life? Maybe a solicitor??

In the meantime do you have any hobbies you could do to pass the time of day? When I feel stumped for things to do, I ask Google. Like "what kind of things can I do to fill in my free time each day?" You can ask much better & more specific questions that suit you better.

I play a lot of card games on my iPad & iPhone. I've also been doing jigsaws too using the same. But I'm not a people person like you.

I dont know if I have been any help Kanga. I have to say I'm decidedly unimpressed with this growing old business. It's not much chop at all.

Wishing you well, Lyn.

Trapped in supported accommodation

CMF — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 11:40:09 GMT

Dear Kanga,

I am so sad to read your post and hear of what is really happening there. I Feel so helpless to help you. Can they really keep you there against your will?

Kanga, I would miss you so much if you were not here. You are my cheer squad, my friend,you keep things going here with your sense of humor and your wit. There is no other like you. It would be so empty here without you.

I wish i could help,make you feel better, give you hope. Is there an ombudsman you could write to, someone, anyone?

cmf

Trapped in supported accommodation

CMF — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 13:36:15 GMT

Yelling wnanna mentioned a solicitor. What about legal aid?

Trapped in supported accommodation

blondguy — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:12:59 GMT

Dear Kanga

Im sincerely sorry that you are in this dark place right now. As said above you are a highly respected part of the Beyond Blue Family. You bring light to so many people's lives on the forums Kanga.

What is the expected turnaround to see a mental health care worker at the moment?

Hugs

Paul

Trapped in supported accommodation

geoff — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:14:09 GMT

hi Kanga, it's been a real struggle since you first posted a long time ago, and absolutely nothing has gone your way, maybe sometimes but only temporarily, but never to it's full advantage.
It seems to me that you were conned into going into this care facility by those knowing exactly how to achieve this, resulting in you being totally dissatisfied, unfortunately this has been the case for a long time, where you have never had a chance to really express yourself, don't get me wrong here, because you have been trying to make your views to those who are concerned, but it's fallen on deaf ears, that's not how anyone would want to live their senior years, and it's something that I have also feared in later years/days, who knows.
I would also be horrified if none of my family came to visit me, that's the pits of life, wanted when you can, but neglected when you are of no use.
I do feel so sorry that all of this has been going on, but you must never lay down and do what is expected from you by those in charge if and when you are unhappy, it doesn't matter whether they take notice or not, you are stamping your ground. Geoff.

Trapped in supported accommodation

blondguy — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 21:08:53 GMT

Hey Kanga

So people here have a better idea of what you are going through I have copied a section of a post by a health professional to shed some light on how people may be effected as you have been.

Sleepless1987 mentioned " I chase the doctors to prescribe meds I know that my residents need, but nothing happens. We had a lady who had a bad reaction to tramal I told the doctor straight away, it took over a week to get it changed. Had to withhold it for the entire time, so she had no pain relief"

I dont wish to go down the track of the other thread topic at all. I am only using Sleepless1987 as an example of how a persons general well being can be effected.

we are happy to be here for you Kanga....

Paul

Trapped in supported accommodation

White_Rose — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 23:30:56 GMT

Hello Kanga

We have not crossed paths before although I have read many of your posts. I am so sorry you are in this dreadful predicament. I want to offer some practical health. Obviously you have a computer. Please search for the Health Ombudsman in your state and contact them.

I am in Qld and health complaints go to the Ombudsman. In other states I'm not sure if it is the Ombudsman or a specific health complaints commission. Contacting your ombudsman will start the process. You can write to them but if you feel your letter will be lost then use email. I have a feeling you can also make a complaint on line. This process I suspect was to save time etc but it will work in your situation.

Similarly you could contact Legal Aid in your state and ask for help. I do know a little about about health care packages. You are in charge of the money and if you want to go elsewhere then you can say so. Tell whichever complaints authority you connect to that you have no say in want you want. With the advent of NDIS service providers do not have control of what you need, it's you who pulls the strings. They seem to have tricked you into moving from your home and now feel they do not need to provide a service.

Sadly we cannot make complaints for you but please find the energy to protest and go where you want to be.

Mary

Trapped in supported accommodation

kanga_brumby — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 05:27:21 GMT

Thanks Mary I will follow that up see where it takes me.

Kanga

Trapped in supported accommodation

White_Rose — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 05:51:24 GMT

Hello Kanga

Is this the best thread for you to talk on? I am happy to write to you on any thread, just want to keep it all together.

I hope this information will result in you receiving the assistance you want and need. Happy to talk more.

Mary

Trapped in supported accommodation

Quercus — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 06:04:56 GMT

Hi Kanga,

I hope your complaint works and you get to go home. Thank goodness Mary and CMF had some ideas about where you can go for help.

How are you holding up? I hope you stay strong and keep standing up for yourself. How I wish we could help you. But look at how many people appreciate you on the forums! You bring a lightheartedness that I would miss very very much.

I'm sorry you haven't had any visitors. Your kids are the ones who are losing out shame on them. We're here to keep you company though. Please take care of yourself Kanga.

Trapped in supported accommodation

kanga_brumby — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 06:27:20 GMT

Mary have tried the ondbudsman here in Victoria I contacted them just waiting on them for a chat to fill them in and get advice. The ball has been put in there court. Now it's the old waiting game.

Kanga

Trapped in supported accommodation

White_Rose — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:39:52 GMT

Hello Kanga

I consulted someone with a great deal more knowledge than me and further up the food chain. She said you should contact the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. You can phone them directly on 1800 550 552, use a landline if possible because of charges to mobile phones.

Web address https://www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au Once into the site it's easy to navigate to Making a Complaint. You can phone using the number above, or make your complaint on line by completing the proforma.

I am glad you have started the process but it may move faster if you contact the Aged Care Complaints Commission directly. I do hope this is not too stressful for you. I am personally disgusted that anyone can take advantage of those in need of help.

Just copy the net link to your browser and away you go. Love to know how you get on.

Mary

Trapped in supported accommodation

kanga_brumby — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 09:40:45 GMT

Thanks mary will be all over it like a $3.00 suit in the morning. Again thank you very much apreceiated. Sorry about my bad spelling.

Kanga

Trapped in supported accommodation

CMF — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 12:11:08 GMT

Mary, thank you for finding this info for Kanga.

Kanga, I hope you get somewhere with this info, I really do.