Facilitating The Empowerment Of People With Disability Essay
Question
Case Study: Lloyd Lloyd is a war veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a time he was a prisoner of war. He is 81 years old and receives a pension from the Department of Veteran Affairs (he has a Gold Card). He has just moved into an Aged Care facility with his wife Elaine, who has dementia. Lloyd is not coping with the move into the facility, he misses his independence and is having difficulty adjusting to an ‘Institutionalized’ environment. When asked how he’s feeling, his reply is that he feels depressed. His GP has recommended counselling, but Lloyd says he hasn’t got the funds to pay for it and Veteran Affairs won’t cover the costs because he can’t prove his current condition is related to his PTSD.
What could you do to empower Lloyd to access counselling? Please include the names of any Advocacy services you would recommend.
Expert Answer
Step-by-step
- Listen actively to Lloyd: Empowerment begins with active listening. As a facilitator, you should listen to Lloyd’s concerns, fears, and feelings regarding his current situation in the aged care facility. Listening actively can help you to understand his needs and how to provide support to him effectively.
- Research and provide information about free counseling services: You can research and provide information to Lloyd about free counseling services available for war veterans, which can be accessed through various organizations such as the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS). You can also provide him with a list of advocacy services that can assist him in accessing these services.
- Explain and assist with the application process: Once Lloyd has decided to access counseling services, you can assist him with the application process. This may involve explaining the application process and helping him to fill out the necessary forms. You can also follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure that his application is processed promptly.
- Advocate for Lloyd: If Lloyd is having difficulty accessing free counseling services due to issues with his veteran affairs coverage, you can advocate on his behalf. This may involve writing letters, making phone calls, or attending meetings with relevant authorities.
- Empower Lloyd to take control: Empowering Lloyd to take control of his situation can help him to feel more confident and in control. You can support Lloyd in making decisions about his care, providing him with information and resources to help him make informed decisions.
- The National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP): This program provides free advocacy services to people with disabilities, including war veterans.
- The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): This advocacy service is specifically designed for older people and can provide support in accessing aged care services.
- The Veterans Advocacy Service (VAS): This service provides advocacy and support to veterans and their families, including support in accessing counseling services.