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How to deal with new case manager

TopDeckSenior Contributor17 Dec 2022, 10:44 pm AEDT

How to deal with new case manager

So the case manager I had for 2 years I got on really well with, he was very helpful and I found him to give very good care. When I had my last hospital admission, they changed my case manager to a new guy and this guy is condescending, rude, he's said things like "oh you think you've got problems I've got it worse", he's terrible with the depot injection (really rough and has left lumps in my arm from it), he's of the opinion that I should be working and trying to "fix" me despite that I've been dealing with schizoaffective disorder and voices, hallucinations, delusions, mania, etc. for 10 years. I am on DSP and NDIS for a reason but I think he may jeopardize that if I get reviewed. He says it's my choice not to work despite that every time I have worked I've ended up in hospital or things have gotten too much with voices or something else happens and I barely keep a job for more than a couple weeks, maybe a month if I'm lucky. He doesn't understand this though.

I am wondering what the process is to get a new case manager or how to handle him. I've spoken to the team leader, they wont give me back my old case manager because he's apparently moved on to a different department. I filed a complaint to HCCC and they're not doing anything. I am sick of this. I'm not even on a CTO - I'm doing this voluntarily and the team leader had the nerve to tell me to go private if I wasn't happy with the treatment. How can you expect someone on the pension to go private?

It's also extremely concerning because if I get reviewed and this guy claims I can work and gets it all wrong, then I'm screwed. I'll have no more DSP and I'll either be homeless, in hospital, or living with my dad again and none of these options are good. I'm scared that this new case manager has so much power over me to the point of changing my psychiatrist and changing everything around. What are my options, what should I do, who should I contact? I hate it when mental health reiterates to me that I have less rights than a prisoner.

3 replies

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In response to: How to deal with new case manager

AppleblossomSenior Contributor18 Dec 2022, 3:10 pm AEDT

Re: How to deal with new case manager

@TopDeck

The turnover within the MH system is high and with complex cases, sadly, it often takes time for them to fully understand the situations. I have dealt with that kind of stuff and it can be very hard.. eg been badly burnt by public system but still trying to work for best outcome within it.

Do you have a Gp or psychiatrist. Gps can give depots sometimes. Maybe there are levels of private that can get you better support than just the Community Mental Health clinic...and so to work around your current case manager. I am not meaning you need private health insurance, but find a bulk billing doctor and psychiatrist. At least you then can have some say about appointments etc.

My son has told me some horrible stories about how people have treated him while giving it. Can be a real power ploy.

In response to: Re: How to deal with new case manager

TopDeckSenior Contributor18 Dec 2022, 5:14 pm AEDT

Re: How to deal with new case manager

I see a psychiatrist once every 3 months, I could tell you some real horror stories. I was actually in the SHIPS program in Orange, everyone got kicked out once they sold up. I was homeless and a lot of other people were as well which is why I refuse to go into disability accommodation. The organisations running them claim it's secure housing but that's a lie, it's one of the least secure housing options. Especially now. NDIS can slash the funding whenever they choose, they usually end up selling the houses up and the unfortunate people receiving these services end up homeless.

I am not sure about the bulk billing. A lot of doctors and psychs here in Sydney don't do it, very hard to find one that does it. Even some of the medical centres are no longer doing bulk billing. It is getting increasingly harder, the only ones that have been helpful are the NDIS supports (have an amazing support worker and an amazing co-ordinator) but with mental health not getting the full picture since I know if I tell them too much they'll put me in hospital, it isn't a therapeutic relationship. Besides getting me on DSP and NDIS, I've found mental health to be of little help and even a detriment at times.

In response to: Re: How to deal with new case manager

tymeModerator18 Dec 2022, 8:18 pm AEDT

Re: How to deal with new case manager

Hey @TopDeck ,

Sorry to hear what's been happening. It sounds so tough indeed!

Have you heard of our Guided Service? You can check you eligibility here https://www.sane.org/referral

Hope you get the support you need.

Thinking of you,

tyme

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