Read case study. What issues does Maya face in communication with other residents?
Case Study : Maya and Benny
Maya is an Aboriginal lady from the Kimberley region. She lives in a small, remote community but has recently entered an aged care facility as she is seriously ill with cancer. She is not expected to live more than a few months. The closest aged care facility that could take her was four hour's drive from her home. The facility does not have any other Aboriginal residents, or any Aboriginal staff and has approached the local community centre where you work (Grandan Community Centre) because they know you have an Aboriginal support worker, Benny.
Maya has not been settling well into the facility. She does not eat the food unless it has been brought to her from her family. She will not allow male staff to assist her with tasks such as dressing and bathing. She often refuses to shower. Other residents have complained that Maya is rude and often ignores them, and never looks them in the face. They also say she is dirty and they do not want to associate with her.
You arrange for Benny to visit Maya three times a week and care facility staff report that she enjoys chatting with him. Maya tells Benny that he is the only person who understands how she feels about being so far away from home.