Language Matters
In this case, Isaiah’s family is labelled as ‘non-compliant” by the Pang health center nurses. Employing principles of anti-oppressive documentation, how could this be reframed?
Experiencing barriers to care / mismatch between system expectations and realities / limited access
Identify one visible axis of difference and one hidden axis of difference in this case.
Visible: wheelchair/SCI/Age. Hidden: colonial history, housing policy, language power.
Name one strength/support Isaiah has if he returns home.
Strong family network, respected role, motivation to return, cultural/community connection
Give one micro-level action J can do immediately with Isaiah as an individual to lessen the power imbalance.
Goal setting with interpreter, explore culturally relevant routines/roles, assess meaningful occupations, discuss what “thriving at home” looks like.
The nurses at the health center report that Isaiah’s family is often late. What are some factors that the nurses might not be considering when writing this in his chart?
Scheduling is affected by competing demands, transportation limits, and system barriers
Which intersectional factors most shape what “independence” can realistically mean for Isaiah?
Housing + caregiving context + geography + service availability.
Why might returning home be a health intervention, not just a preference?
Belonging, identity, purpose/roles, spiritual/land connection, mental wellness
Name one action at the meso level to support safe return home.
Coordinate with Pangnirtung homecare, train caregivers, create telehealth follow-ups, clarify equipment delivery/support plan
What is a culturally safer alternative to documenting “Isaiah refused”?
Isaiah declined at this time / Isaiah chose not to participate today
What axis of difference is being mislabeled as “non-compliance,” and what is a better interpretation?
Poverty, access barriers, historical mistrust, systemic mismatch → not “attitude.”
What’s one thing J should ask Isaiah directly before making recommendations?
“What matters most to you?” / “What does home mean to you?” / “Who should be part of decisions?”
Name one systems-level change this case reveals a need for.
Improved housing accessibility funding, equipment maintenance in Nunavut, more Inuit-led services, staffing continuity, culturally safe discharge processes.