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COPYRIGHT © 2013 Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand (CMSA)
CASE STUDY 17 – GLENYS
Glenys is an active 67 year old caucasian woman who lives alone in a small 2 bedroom unit within a 6 unit complex. Glenys
moved into the rental property over 12 months ago after being evicted from her previous residence. She does not speak
to her neighbours and keeps to herself. Glenys is an avid collector and regularly goes through the local bins in the area
and is seen walking the streets during the council’s hard rubbish collection days in search of more treasures to bring home.
Glenys’ neighbours have made formal complaints about the amount of items she has accumulated in piles around her
unit, including broken bicycles frames, old garden chairs and boxes containing magazines, newspapers, stuffed toys
and other items. There has also been complaints by local residents of an infestation of rodents and the complex being
frequented regularly by stray dogs. The landlord has informed Glenys that her tenancy is in jeopardy and she will face
eviction if she does not clean up “her filthy mess”.
When you visit the property you initially observe Glenys through the glass panels in the front door watching as she steps
over a number of items to reach the front entrance. Glenys refuses to let you in and holds tightly onto the door frame with
her other hand continually scratching her skin, hair and clothing. Glenys is dishevelled in her appearance, refuses to meet
your gaze and her eyes dart left and right over your shoulder. Through the partially opened door you note that her living
area is piled almost shoulder height with belongings. Your attention is drawn to the right where flies in their multitudes
fill the air above an open saucepan. The area is strewn with pots and pans and newspapers and the floor is covered with
plastic bags, papers, bottles and cans. In addition to the strong odour you deduce is coming from the kitchen area, you
note the overwhelming presence of another smell which you suspect is urine.
The referral documentation for Glenys indicates previous involvement with a service provider and provides a summary
of actions taken to manage the clutter. A final record refers to Glenys detainment in hospital whilst workers cleaned and
removed rubbish from the home. This included the removal of 5 skip bins of waste. Upon Glenys’ discharge from hospital,
she refused to engage with the service provider and exited from the program. Three months later the landlord served her
with an eviction notice.
Additional information
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You can see evidence of bruising on Glenys arms consistent with a fall.
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Glenys clothing is soiled and her personal hygiene is extremely poor. She tells you that she has no hot water in the
bathroom.
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Glenys has a gas stove and uses matches to light the gas.
Instructions:
1.
Please answer each of the questions below.
2.
Please complete this activity with reference to the resource materials provided.
3.
Please document and report your findings back to the group.
Questions:
1.
What guidelines from each of the CMSA National Standards of Practice for Case Management would you utilise in
this case?
2.
How does your proposed case management provide evidence of:
A. Facilitating the personal development of Glenys?
(i.e. her individual, diverse and special needs, including her aspirations, choices, expectations, motivations,
preferences and values)
B. Advocating for Glenys rights?
(including developing Glenys strengths to advocate for himself)
C. Addressing Glenys needs?
(i.e. purposeful case management)
D. Promoting sustainable solutions for Glenys?
(i.e. balances Glenys needs with the available resources and any of your possible limitations as a case manager)
E. Effective communication?
(i.e. with Glenys and other Key Stakeholders