Whaikaha

Description:  Hospice had made contact with me regarding a mutual client, and that the whanau were needing disability supports put in place.  I contacted carer mum to discuss there current situation.  Mum had stated differently and that she felt the whanau weren't in crisis.  I visited the home to get a better understanding of the living situation and need for the unwell client.  Soon after arrival I quickly realized that the carer was supporting her 92 year old mother and daughter with motor neuron disease (MND). She was the full time carer for both family members, mums capacity was stretched to the point of burn out.  Mum presented with so much positivity and grace and found it difficult to voice that she was in crisis, as she felt it wasn't right to express her feelings when she had an elderly mother and a daughter that was terminally ill. By using my Nga Takepu lens and creating a safe place (Ahurutanga) I was able to build rapport with whanau and the n...

Strength based practice theory is an approach in which the social worker assesses the strengths and self determination that each person has the ability to make choices and manage their own lives. The Practioner will assess available resources of Whanau ,Community and there environments.  The strengths theory is a way of viewing the client and whanau as resilient to difficulties. The Practioner will concentrate on the strengths rather than the problem, abnormality or malfunction. The initial focus in the supporting strengths practice is around the client/whanau desires, what's important to me? what makes life good for me? How can I keep healthy, well and safe? what do people admire about me? what do I want to keep the same? what do I want to change? what do I need support with? what do I want to achieve? how will I do this? who will help me? when will I do this by?  I know this has worked when? Strengths based practice gives the client choice and control over how they live, whe...