Being Kāpō and Diabetic
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa NZ Inc.
Member Stories
Edna Kaha is 35 years old of Tuhoe decent and resides with her partner Sam in South Auckland. Edna is a diabetic and has dialysis three times a week. Edna lost total vision in 2015.
Background:
Edna was referred to Kāpō Māori Aotearoa through her social worker from Middlemore Hospital in early March 2016, whom had come across information about Kāpō Māori Aotearoa through a website search. The social worker advised that she had attempted to engage with the Blind Foundation about appropriate assistance that would enable Edna to better manage her diabetes, however, she had not received a response. The social worker also shared that Edna was not attending scheduled dialysis treatment sessions and as an alternative the hospital was assessing whether Edna could do her dialysis at home, however, Edna’s accommodation status was a concern. Edna and her partner Sam live in a garage and use kitchen, toilet and bathroom facilities in their friend’s house, which is separate to the garage. The social worker was very concerned about Edna’s safety in particular her mobility and sort the assistance of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa.
Edna confirmed she was a diabetic, a dialysis outpatient and that she had lost total vision the year previous. A pressing concern for Edna and her partner Sam was accommodation. Added to their accommodation concerns was that Edna struggled to maintain her dialysis appointments, as an alternative the hospital had offered that they could assist her to do her dialysis at home.
In addition Edna’s relationship with her whānau was strained because they did not like her partner. Both Edna and Sam acknowledged that combined the issues were overwhelming them. Sam also shared that he was concerned that Edna’s health was deteriorating due to, he believed, stress. He also indicated his frustration at being excluded in managing Edna’s diabetes and dialysis and due this he did not feel he could be with Edna while she as undertaking dialysis. Edna shared that she was concerned about Sam’s health because he had to do a lot of her cares. She also felt Sam was ignored during interaction with the hospital social worker and because he felt he could not be with her when she went for dialysis she did not want to go. Both Edna and Sam shared that they did feel intimated when working with the hospital social worker and as a result they didn’t like communicating with her.
Upon discussion with the Blind Foundation it was ascertained that a call had been received from Edna requesting a cane and that she had been informed that before specialist vision services could be provided she would have to undertake a vision assessment. Due to an internal miscommunication the referral had not been sent on to Kāpō Māori Aotearoa. The Blind Foundation was unaware of any contact from the hospital. Edna’s referral was received from the Blind Foundation at the end of March 2016.
Goals:
Edna identified her goal was to regain independence through having home based dialysis and improved mobility. To achieve home-based dialysis required her and her partner to find new accommodation.
Support:
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has supported Edna and Sam since the initial contact by the Middlemore Hospital social worker in early March 2016. This support has included initiating engagement and access to Blind Foundation specialist vision services specifically through submitting a referral for a vision assessment, attending the assessment and post assessment follow-up.
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa maintains its relationship with the Middlemore hospital social worker and in April attended a meeting at the Middlemore hospital dialysis unit with Edna and Sam. This meeting was very enlightening for both of them and they were able to ask questions that previously they felt they couldn’t e.g. could Sam stay with Edna while she was having her treatment. Unit staff affirmed Sam could and they were more than happy to explain the process to him. They also took the time to assure both Edna and Sam that they could adjust Edna’s dialysis schedule e.g. afternoon versus morning. The option of home dialysis was deferred until such time Edna and Sam could find alternative accommodation. Middlemore hospital social work services also initiated an application for social housing.
The Blind Foundation completed Edna’s vision assessment in April 2016. The Blind Foundation were also able to provide a letter confirming her sight loss and need for accessible accommodation. An Orientation and Mobility worker also visited a property to assess its accessibility however it was deemed not suitable.
Update:
Edna and Sam are still looking for rental accommodation. What constrains their ability to progress this goal has been rental prices and Edna’s health, in particular diabetes related complications as well as additional respiratory complications, the combination of both resulting in Edna being admitted into hospital for long periods, this cycle commenced in September 2016.
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa maintains regular communication with Edna and Sam and during hospital stay’s Sam has become very adept at sending text up-dates on Edna’s condition. Prior to Christmas a text was received from Sam advising that Edna was back home and on Christmas Day he sent a text from Edna and himself wishing Kāpo Māori Aoteaora Christmas and New Year best wishes.
At this time Edna’s focus is to get well. Given her ill health Edna and Sam feel they are not able to plan too far ahead and prefer to take each day one day at a time.