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An independent family trust director approached us to arrange care for the trust's beneficiary, a 55yo woman with mental health challenges.
© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions
Recently DR Care Solutions was approached by an independent director of a family trust to arrange care for the trust’s beneficiary, a 55 year-old woman with severe mental health challenges.
During childhood, Rachael* was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition inherited from her father.
Despite his condition, her father enjoyed a very successful business career, and on Rachael's 18th birthday, he set up a trust for this daughter. It ensures that Rachael, who is unable to work because of her condition, is well cared for throughout her life.
The trust provides for a house for Rachael, a granny flat for her carer, and funds for Rachael’s constant care and pursuit of interests and activities. This is all monitored by three independent trustees.
The Problem
On reaching middle age, Rachael’s mental condition has deteriorated. The situation recently worsened with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s syndrome.
To this point, a social worker cared for Rachael on weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, and various regular casual carers accompanied Rachael on two- to three- hour outings on weekends.
The deterioration in Rachael’s condition and the imminent resignation of the social worker prompted the trustees to seek professional care advice from DR Care Solutions to ensure Rachael’s care needs were being met.
The Care Solution
DR Care Solutions was engaged and within one week, DR Care Solutions:
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Completed a comprehensive care needs assessment with Rachael at her home, taking into account all her wants and wishes.
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Conducted an exit interview with the outgoing carer/social worker.
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Developed a Life Plan™ for Rachael, with clear recommendations on what could be provided by way of mental health care and support.
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Gained the acceptance of both Rachael and the trustees, to the Life Plan™ and its leading recommendation that Rachael’s weekly care be shared amongst two carers and a registered nurse, all with mental health experience.
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Gained trustee approval to increase the allocation of finances for care and pass on the increase to carer wages.
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Commenced implementing the plan, with firstly the appointment of an interview panel to recruit suitable carers, the commencement of interviews, and the appointment of a care manager to oversee the ongoing care service provision to Rachael.
The Outcome
One registered nurse and one carer, both with mental health experience, commenced their six-week trial within 10 days of DR Care Solutions being approached to assist.
Rachael’s condition appears to have stabilised thanks to the skills brought by a care team specialised in providing mental health care. Rachael also appears to be enjoying the variety brought about by having a team of carers.
A fact brought out during the DR Care Solutions care assessment was Rachael’s lifelong love of dogs, yet inability to care for one of her own...
We found a solution, with Rachael now enjoying the company of each carer’s dog for the day!
*Names have been changed to protect the identity and privacy of the client.
If you need assistance with arranging long term care for your loved one, please reach out to Danielle Robertson at DR Care Solutions for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one at the right time and in the right place.
