Well, I'm stunned

[rabbitearbandicoot]

My wife has just had an operation on her good shoulder. Why? Because she had torn tendons etc and couldn't use her stick to walk with - some make recall she had a stroke a few years back and is hemi-plegic. She couldn't use her right arm without pain - even to push herself up off the chair / bed etc.

Well, I just received a phone call from the Social Workers in Nambour hospital telling me that she is not entitled to any help - rehab, physio, home help with showering, toileting etc. Why? I asked. Because she elected to have surgery on her shoulder. The help is reserved for someone who falls and breaks something and is incapacitated from that fall.

So, in summary - she has BOTH arms useless - one from the stroke, and the other in a sling for 6 weeks - she is paralised down her left side - I have to go up tomorrow to discuss bringing her home.

I asked the Social worker - what happens when she falls over, breaks a hip - she said Oh, well that would be a different matter. You should have arranged something prior to the operation if you needed help with her. You can come and discuss it with the Social workers up here but I'm sure it's a done-deal.

So, any suggestions ????? Apart from shoot myself I mean.

[punch*drunk]

Have you tried your local council or distict nursing service?

[small_creeps_friend]

Not yet Mate..... I know how it works in NSW, but I'll have to search QLD.  Please give your good lady a kiss on the cheek from me.  Ta xox

[freddie*rooster]

Tell them she will be staying in Hospital until she is able to use the arm.

[jean2579]

Is there any chance your local member, either State or Federal could help? Best wishes to your Wife.

[small_creeps_friend]

This might help http://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/community-care-program/

[the_great_she_elephant]

That is outrageous, Rabbit. If all else fails, go to the media.

[rabbitearbandicoot]

I just this minute got off the phone with another Social worker - he rang me. He said I understand that you are coming up to see your wife tomorrow afternoon - we have been discussing the case and I would prefer that you come up at 11:00 so that we can show you what you have to do to help your wife. There are some things that will be required of you, as it is your responsibility and not ours. You should have arranged something before she came in for the operation.  I understand that she has a wheelchair but the brakes don't work effectively - so, you will have to hire a wheelchair and some other equipment.

This person was really short and said several times that it is YOUR responsibility.

I was trying to ask if any help would be available -  he cut me  off and said  we will see you tomorrow at 11:00.

I suppose if she had fallen over in a drunken stupor or overdosed on drugs she would get all the help she needed and more besides...... maybe I'll put her on a boat and set her adrift ....

[just_me_karen]

It might sound hard, but health really is our own responsibility.

Have you approached your GP to request a care plan? That'll get you 5 sessions of professional help. You could also call the physio association or ask the hospital for bulk billers or low cost help.

Or, ask the physio tomorrow for lessons so you can help.

[the_great_she_elephant]

Ring your local paper and arrange for a journalist to come and sit in on the meeting with you.