GP Social Work

was referred to our GP social work (GPSW) program because he was having to vacate his current accommodation and had limited capacity to access services without assistance. In addition, Robert had complex health issues due to a recent fall. This made the situation of future planning, moving, and packing both mentally and physically challenging.

Our GPSW team conducted a psychosocial assessment of his current situation. The team used a person-centred approach based on his needs and goals, which were to find secure housing and access social assistance.

Due to the physical challenges Robert was experiencing, the social worker had to ensure his wellbeing was a priority. For that, motivational interviewing skills were used with Robert throughout the process, to encourage and advocate for him during his significant period of transition.
A social worker also linked him with the Proveda Volunteer Program to support him with packing and cleaning his house. Robert was able to secure a private rental with the help of the Proveda GPSW team and has since moved in.

While he is at this short-term accommodation, Robert will be supported on his journey to find stable public housing.

* The name and image has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.

Is an elderly woman who had multiple falls over a period of a few months. Her family was having difficulty advocating fully for her support needs.

Our GP social work (GPSW) team provided information, advice and guidance regarding My Aged Care and liaised with the Home Care Package (HCP) service provider to review Harriet’s care. The team requested additional supports based on her current needs.

The GPSW team then completed an advance care plan and a safety plan due to Harriet’s fall risk. They requested for Harriet’s vital call alarm to be updated and her emergency plan reviewed.
Additionally, the GPSW team assisted in arranging a functional Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment to get recommendations for assistive technology (i.e. a suitable walker).

As a result, Harriet now has additional personal care, social support, and physiotherapy services through her HCP. Harriet’s HCP provider also updated the vital call alarm equipment and the emergency plan. After her OT assessment, she now uses an OT recommended walker, which has helped her with her posture and walking.

Harriet reports that she now feels safe accessing and engaging with the community at large.

* The name and image has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.

Is a 42 year old female who was referred to the GP Social Work (GPSW) program because she required assistance in locating family-based support services, and navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for her son who had been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and anxiety.

Our GPSW team supported Jane to obtain the evidence required from her son’s treating team to request a NDIS plan review, and provided information, advice, and guidance on the submission process.

Additionally, the team connected the family with a local area coordinator to support the plan review process, and ensure that Jane’s son was allocated the funding he required for his ongoing quality of life.

Jane also disclosed that she felt that the current school her son was attending did not cater to his needs and subsequently, Jane’s son was refusing school attendance. The Proveda team provided information on local schools that were specialising in differing behavioural/learning needs, and assisted in the enrolment process.

Upon discharge from the GPSW program, Jane was referred to the Catholic Care Family Support Service for ongoing family-based case management and support with the goal of strengthening relationships through family therapy and specialised intervention. Jane has expressed thanks to the GPSW team for connecting her and her family with essential and long-term support services.

* The name and image has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.