Disability Liaison Officers are available in many public health regions in Victoria and can provide free assistance to you both before, during, and after a hospital stay.
These workers can be both proactive and reactive as your needs change. A simple phone call or email can link you to your local DLO.
Prior to stay
If you have a planned hospital stay coming up at a facility you are unfamiliar with, speaking with a DLO in the week prior can be helpful in getting your bearings.
They can provide you with information on the following:
- Where accessible parking is located
- Disability access into the hospital if you have mobility aids
- Preadmission for elective surgeries
- Planning and preparation
- Parkinson’s education for healthcare professionals
During a stay
DLOs can be useful advocates for yourself or your loved one during a stay. If you are struggling to feel heard in the hospital setting, they can advocate on your behalf or help you advocate better for yourself.
Some of the areas they may assist you in include:
- Self-advocacy
- Helping source the right specialist to work with you
- Communication between health services and teams
- System navigation
- Expediating your care, ensuring you get the right care at the right time
- Education on medication administration times for hospital staff
- Assistance and advocacy to combat communication issues in appointments
- Extending visiting hours
After a stay
The first few nights after a hospital visit can be a blur as you resettle into your regular routine. A DLO can help make the transition back to home easier by linking you into services and ensuring your care notes are passed on to the appropriate people.
They might:
- Link you with post-visit services such as meals on wheels or community transport
- Help arrange bookings for follow up appointments
- Ensure the information and results goes back to your GP
Who can contact DLOs
Anyone can contact a DLO on your behalf, or you can contact them yourself to see if they are able to assist you during your hospital visit.
If you would like further information on how a DLO can assist you can call the Fight Parkinson’s health information line or contact a DLO directly via Contact a DLO by emailing DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
For further information and information on DLOs in your local health services, visit Better Health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/disability-liaison-officer-program
