June was in the lounge at her residential care home as she knew there was a guest speaker that morning. An advocate presented about the Code of Rights. She learnt how the Rights apply to any health or disability care. June was interested to hear that she could raise concerns about her care. She worries about the time she receives her medication at the care home. June knew that the doctor had told her to have her pills with food, but the nurse brought her pills after breakfast. June knew that the nurses are very busy and doing their best. She felt that this issue wasn't important enough to raise. She has a good relationship with the staff and didn't want to make things uncomfortable. June thought if that happened, she may have to move.

After the presentation June spoke to the advocate about her concerns. She asked the advocate whether they thought it was possible to raise her concern. June explained that she wanted to be on good terms with the staff. The advocate said that they could make it clear that she appreciates the care she receives. While also working through the issues in a positive way. The advocate suggested June think about it and give them a call if she wants to take any action.

The next day June thought about talking to the manager. She wasn't sure how to start so called the advocate to talk about it. June said she felt uncomfortable that the medication was not given as directed by the doctor. June didn't know if this was OK.

The advocate asked June how she would like to sort this out, and discussed these options:

• Talk or write to the manager herself
• Have help from the advocate to write to the manager
• Meet with the manager to talk about solutions. The advocate said they could attend with her.

June said she didn't feel confident to speak to the manager on her own.  The advocate said that they could write a letter asking to meet with the manager together. June said she would like this to happen and talked to the advocate about what would go in the letter.

June was happy that the advocate wrote the letter in a positive way. She was surprised that the manager quickly came to her after receiving the letter. The manager said she was speaking to the team about solutions. June could see that the concerns were being taken seriously.

At the meeting, the manager was clear about the issues and had solutions prepared. The advocate made sure June had time to talk to her concerns set out in the letter. The manager explained the challenges of getting medication timing right for everyone. June was happy that the conversation was open and honest. The nurse in charge talked about what they will do differently. The priority is for June to have her medication with her breakfast. If this could not happen then one of the care team would bring some more food to have with the medication.

After the meeting June said that she felt good about the manager's approach. She was happy with the solutions. June said she would be able to go directly to the manager with worries in future. This was because the manager had apologised. June now understood the manager would like to hear about any problems straight away.