Elene and Theo

A simple phone call helped Elene to find a range of supports for her brother Theo, who lives with mental illness and struggles with alcohol and prescription medication addictions, while also helping to look after her needs as a carer.

A year ago Theo, 45, was transported to hospital by ambulance after an overdose of prescription drugs and alcohol. He was known to Calvary Hospital, as he had been hospitalised on several occasions for depressive periods associated with bipolar disorder. Theo was discharged from hospital after seven days. During his stay, Theo's parents accessed free interpreter services.*

His sister Elene, 40, was very concerned for her family. Theo was unemployed and living with their aged parents who were unfamiliar with the mental health system and not confident or comfortable about speaking to doctors about their son's condition. There were limits to how much Theo's parents could help out as his father was also living with heart failure. Elene felt responsible for helping out her family.

Upon discharge, Theo was connected with a community mental health team. However, Elene was concerned that Theo was relying on her parents to take him to appointments. She was also concerned that he was not connected into the community and was becoming increasingly isolated. She phoned the Mental Health Foundation ACCESS Information and Referral line for assistance. The phone operator suggested that she contact the Partners in Recovery (PIR) program for assistance. With Theo's permission, Elene made a referral to PIR, and a Support Facilitator visited Theo in his home to discuss his support needs.

Over time, the PIR Support Facilitator has coordinated services for Theo, including community transport to take him to appointments at the community mental health service and his GP for regular monitoring of his diabetes. The Support Facilitator has organised appointments with a nutritionist and dentist, and Theo has also been linked into CatholicCare's SAILS Outreach Service. With the support of his SAILS worker, Theo has begun to participate in exercise programs.

The PIR Support Facilitator also gave information to Elene about Carers ACT and she has since accessed counselling services with a counsellor to support her in her caring role for Theo, and also for her parents.

* Phone 13 14 50 for free translating and interpreting services.