Frankie has just started a new job and is meeting with Trevor, an older person who has lived with a serious mental illness for several decades. In reviewing his care plan, Frankie is concerned that Trevor has not been formally assessed for nearly five years.

After getting coffee and getting to know each other a little, Frankie feels that some rapport has been established and begins to ask about Trevor's services through her workplace.

'Can I ask you about the services you're receiving? I've got your service plan here, but I'd like to hear about your experiences. Is that okay?'

Trevor looks tired. 'Yeah, they've got me going to stuff every day.'

'You don't sound happy about that, Trevor.'

'It's okay. You guys know best. I just go where I'm told.'

Frankie looks concerned. 'I don't think that's right at all, Trevor. I think you know best about you. Does that mean you're getting services that you don't think you need?'

Trevor looks uncomfortable. 'Um, dunno. I'm the crazy person. I figure you guys have me doing all this stuff because you think I need it.'

'What would you like, Trevor?'

Trevor smiles. 'I like my garden. I don't get enough time in my garden with stuff happening every day and the stupid day program. I worked in a nursery for a bit, but they kicked me out because I was crazy. I don't work anymore.'

'I bet your garden's beautiful. I think we should re-examine your service plan, because it doesn't sound like you've been treated fairly. Is there anyone else I should speak to who's involved in your recovery?'

Trevor looks confused. 'Recovery? If you mean living with a sick head ...' He pauses. 'I guess there's my brother. And my GP, she's pretty good. And the old head shrink.'

Question

What are two preferences, meanings or needs of Trevor that you can observe in this conversation?

Question

What are two measures that Frankie should take to ensure that a formal assessment of Trevor is conducted according to best practice principles?

Question

Identify two barriers that Frankie and Trevor should discuss and two ways that these barriers might be affecting his life.

Question

How might Trevor have been discriminated against and what are his rights? Identify two examples of discrimination Trevor may have potentially experienced and explain his rights in your answer.