Case Studies
Determining client choices for care and support
Stan was a young man going through a difficult time. He had just separated from his partner and one of his children was diagnosed with autism. He had one simple desire...to build a loving home for his family. He was just so overwhelmed and struggling with what was happening in his life at the moment he did not know how he was going to make that happen.
Villa Maria was asked if they could help Stan and his family...
Villa's community care workers, John and Leah, headed off to meet with Stan. It was a two and a half hour drive so they had plenty of time to plan their visit.
Often as a carer it is easy to assume that we have all the answers but often that frame of mind results in care that is perhaps not meeting all the needs of the client. Perhaps the physical but not the emotional.
John and Leah decided to use the TALE (Talk Ask Listen Engage) technique to understand Stan's true needs, fears and aspirations..and they were glad they did.
Having the cards laid visibly on the table allowed Leah and John to quickly develop a safe environment. The cards became a means for Stan to quickly identify his needs, his aspirations and his priorities..and to articulate them through the cards. They truly did help Stan talk and ask and helped John and Leah to listen and engage.
And when they said that 'Yes we can make this happen' and allow Stan to be the boss of his life, they could physically see and feel Stan's sense of relief and more importantly his hope.
Leah and John left Stan knowing the TALE cards had helped them reach the best outcome for Stan. They really felt they had got it right.
Stan watched them go and was simply glad there were people in this world that could help achieve his life goal.to build a loving home for his family.