76-year-old person Sam contacted ADA Law’s SLASSS team with the assistance of his grandchildren. Sam was seeking support to return to his remote home and community, and was concerned that Sam could not access his finances.
Sam was placed into residential aged care (a long way from home) post partial amputation of lower limb 2 years ago, after extensive rehabilitation in hospital.
Sam reported that family members reside over 500km away from him, and that Sam’s partner has never been able to visit in person due to travel distances.
Sam reports feeling socially isolated and distressed at not seeing his partner for an extended period of time. Family members alleged that Sam’s adult child was redirecting their aged care pension and denying access to finances.
Sam's home community is located in an area with limited access to aged care facilities, or aged care support. The only facility for older persons is a supported independent living arrangement located near the local hospital, with Home and Community Care services providing social support and transportation only.
Sam reports that RFDS provide clinical support to the local community, alongside the local Hospital Multipurpose Health Service.
SLASSS was able to confirm that Sam was not eligible for supported independent living accommodation as he has complex medical conditions.
SLASSS referred Sam to the QPS - Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU), who was able to confirm that Sam’s adult child was previously appointed to make financial decisions. No current formal Enduring Power of Attorney could be established to exist.
With SLASSS and QPS – VPU advocacy, the RACF manager arranged for transport costs to be covered by the RACF, to enable Sam to access a wheelchair Taxi and support to visit Services Australia and the local branch of Sam's bank.
Sam shared that he was also concerned about personal care and medications not being administered properly or on time. SLASSS advocated alongside Sam to have these concerns addressed, and a care plan review was initiated with the RACF.
An OPG-Investigation request was submitted by SLASSS, to look into the actions of the adult child, with the Senior Investigator confirming that no further action would be taken at this time, as Sam has the capacity to make decisions. SLASSS provided information to Sam in relation to the completion of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) to assist Sam in safeguarding his assets and finances.
Sam will continue to engage with SLASSS, whilst he considers the completion of the EPOA and awaits the completion of police investigations in relation to their finances.
Sam has recently reported that since lodging the complaint about his cares, the RACH staff have implemented new practices, which he is satisfied with.