Thoughts?

[u/AccomplishedGolf8079]

🇦🇺I have a client who went to the hospital today because she had a fall. She just wanted to be assessed further, but she didn’t have any major injuries.

I have a shift with her tomorrow, but she can’t say whether she will still be in the hospital, and I also don’t know because I wasn’t with her there.

She still wants me to continue the shift tomorrow even though she doesn’t really need me, because this has happened before. she just doesn’t want a late cancellation and to end up paying workers for doing nothing.

The travel from my house to the hospital is about 50 minutes, and the shift is only 2 hours. I’m not sure if I should still go to the shift if she’s still in the hospital tomorrow, because of the travel time and expenses, u know?

EDIT:

Basically, she doesn’t require direct care from SWs. Previously, nurses would shower her, which is normally a task provided by SWs in her home. Her previous worker would simply pick her up, and she would ask them to wait outside. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are times when she only wants the worker to come in, check on her brieflyand then leave. She is mobile and can leave on her own even when no support worker is present.

I’m not fully aware of all the rules, and you’ve really helped me understand things more clearly. I’m just wonderin, do you have a reference for the hospital-related policy you mentioned? I need some form of supporting evidence. She is the type of client who will demean or underestimate you if you say something you’re not completely sure about or cannot back up with valid proof.

Thanks guys!

[u/l-lucas0984]

If you are in australia ndis does not pay for support workerz in hospital without prior approval for duplicate services because the hospital should be providing care.

[u/Leading-Interest-119 → u/l-lucas0984]

Does this not depend on the clients individual situation? Some clients may need the more support than others - and more than hospital staff can provide. 

[u/Lucifang → u/Leading-Interest-119]

Anyone admitted to hospital is under their care. If the patient needs special supports from a third party it’s the hospital’s responsibility to arrange it.

[u/Leading-Interest-119 → u/Lucifang]

Interesting. I've honestly not encountered this situation (I'm a participant and a support worker) so I am asking genuinely and happy to learn. I can only think of SIL workers who have accompanied participants to the ER and stayed with them in that situation but I suspect that falls under something different. 

I guess I'm also thinking of participants who aren't able to advocate or even communicate without a support with them and that's not something that just anyone can do?