Indigenous health systems and services
Case Study
Jonas is a 53-year-old Wiradjuri man originally from a small country town in the far north west of New South Wales. He was an excellent swimmer at junior state level and at 14 years old won a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. He was extremely homesick, so after a few months returned home.
Jonas managed to successfully complete Year 12 and eventually a law degree through Sydney University.
He did further studies in the USA, coming back to work as an academic in Sydney, and lives with his partner and their son.
He struggled with his weight until having gastric band surgery at age 42.
Jonas regularly exercises and loves playing team sports, although mostly at a social level now.
Two years ago he visited a dentist three times to try to get the intermittent pain in his jaw fixed, no dental cause was found for this pain and the dentist referred Jonas to the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) general practitioner who then sent him for cardiac assessment. It was discovered that the pain was angina and that Jonas required a triple bypass operation.
He recovered quite well but was diagnosed with type two diabetes during his hospital stay.
Jonas has come to the AMS as he is feeling quite frustrated and wonders what else he can do with regard to managing and improving his health.
He feels very low and somewhat frustrated with trying to maintain BGL levels in a good range.
You are on placement in the Social and Emotional Well-being program and have been asked to sit in on the meeting.
Describe how you could work with Jonas collaboratively to support his health and social wellbeing. Consider what referrals you may suggest and why?