How Sonder’s Closing the Gap ITC program supported Michael on his path to better health
Michael, a proud Aboriginal man, faced significant challenges managing his health due to complications associated with diabetes and mental health concerns. These difficulties made it hard for him to leave his home and attend medical appointments, impacting his ability to effectively manage his condition.
Michael’s journey with Sonder began when his podiatrist at Muna Paiendi identified his need for additional support to manage severe diabetic foot wounds, amputations and other complications. Recognising the barriers Michael faced, the podiatrist referred him to Sonder’s Closing the Gap Integrated Team Care (CTG ITC) program. This program provides Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with personalised care coordination, self-management skill development, and practical assistance to access necessary services.
Setting goals and overcoming challenges
Michael’s primary goal was to regain control of his health. However, his mental health concerns created barriers that prevented him from accessing necessary medical support and attending appointments. The anxiety of leaving his home and engaging with new environments proved overwhelming.
To address these challenges, Frank, Outreach Worker and Maddy, Care Coordinator from the CTG ITC program stepped in to provide comprehensive care coordination, practical transport assistance and advocacy. This enabled Michael to attend his medical appointments regularly, which was crucial for managing his health effectively.
The team also connected him with several essential services to support his overall health and wellbeing:
- My Aged Care: Michael was assessed and referred to Resthaven for a Home Care Package, which has since been upgraded to a Level 4 package to meet his increased care needs.
- Muna Paiendi: Michael continued to receive wound management and medical footwear recommendations from a podiatrist at Muna Paiendi to help manage his diabetic foot wounds and deformities from amputations.
- John Street Pharmacy: Regular medication dispensing was arranged to ensure Michael received his medications on time.
Gaining independence
With the support of the CTG ITC team, Michael began to develop essential self-management skills. Initially, he relied heavily on the team to schedule appointments, provide reminders, arrange transport, and accompany him to medical visits. Over time, however, Michael gained the confidence to book his own appointments, arrange transport with a support worker from Resthaven, and attend appointments independently. This progress significantly improved his comfort with leaving his home, managing his anxiety in new environments, and advocating for his health needs.
Maddy, Care Coordinator, reflected on Michael’s progress, stating:
It has been incredible to see Michael grow in confidence and take control of his health journey.
When he first started with us, he was hesitant to leave his home and engage with new services. Now, he not only attends his appointments independently but also advocates for himself.
It’s a testament to his strength and the power of providing culturally sensitive care and comprehensive support.
The team also assisted Michael in purchasing medical footwear, which has reduced the recurrence of diabetic foot wounds and infections. Through education provided by the podiatrists at Muna Paiendi, Michael learned to recognise early signs of infection and diabetic wounds, enabling him to address these issues promptly and avoid hospital admissions. He also became more comfortable with nursing services visiting his home for wound management when necessary.
A positive change in everyday life
Reflecting on how participating in the CTG ITC program has impacted his daily life, Michael shared:
The support I have received has given me a better way of getting to my appointments, making me attend them, and confidence within myself again to care for my health.
Michael now feels more empowered to manage his health and make decisions that support his wellbeing.
Grateful for the support he received from Sonder, Michael expressed:
I want to thank Sonder for being there for me, for always being positive and for never letting me down ever. They have helped me to feel really good and have helped me feel more connected to my culture. Thank you for allowing me to be me and to find myself. My health is better and I’m a lot happier.
Michael’s journey with Sonder’s CTG ITC program is a powerful example of the transformative impact of culturally sensitive care and support, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people manage chronic health conditions and achieve a better quality of life.
Looking for culturally sensitive care?
To get started, make an appointment with your regular GP or Aboriginal Health Worker, and ask them to complete a 715 Aboriginal Health Check and/or a GP Management Plan and make a referral to Sonder’s Closing the Gap ITC program.
If you do not have a regular GP, contact us and we can support you to access the service. Call (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au to chat with our friendly team.
Closing the Gap Integrated Team Care is supported by funding from Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Program.