About this Short Film
Bruce has had a fall (Bruce Kilkeary, Australia, 2017) quietly chronicles a hospital encounter after a fall, centring on Bruce — who is nonverbal and communicates with thumbs up and thumbs down — and the practical supports that keep him safe and understood. The film calmly observes ambulance and hospital staff consulting Bruce’s two‑day hospital support folder, using his Top Five communication tips, adjusting meals to a pureed diet to reduce choking risk, and planning a safe discharge with trained group‑home staff. Warm, matter‑of‑fact and respectfully person‑centred, it highlights everyday communication strategies and care planning that will resonate with health professionals, carers and disability advocates, making a thoughtful addition to the Focus on Ability festival.
Film Details
Film Transcript
Hey, thanks for coming so quickly. What seems to be the problem?
One of ours had a fall.
Yeah, I don't think it's broken. It's kind of hard to tell.
You do need to know Bruce is nonverbal. You'll communicate with him using a thumbs up and thumbs down, and he understands everything. Is that okay?
Have a look. Hi Bruce, I'm Sam from the ambulance. You got any pain anywhere? We had a bit of a fall. Do you remember what happened?
[Music]
So this is Bruce's hospital support plan. We also call it a two-day folder. It's just got all this communication in it. It needs to stay with him whenever he goes to a hospital. If he looks like he's getting a bit agitated they'll just take his folder. Let's see if there's anything in here. It actually says here that he likes music, so we'll give that a try.
Hi, I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, "Let it be." And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, "Let it be."
After this, he's had a fall in his group home tonight. He said no Nickelback. Fine. He's unable to weight-bear on this leg; he can put a little bit of weight on it.
Hey Bruce, we've got a hospital information folder here today. It's got some really good information on how to... well, Bruce, I know you're in pain, mate. We're going to get a doctor to check it very shortly to make sure the leg's okay. It won't be long.
Hello Bruce. I'll call the doctor. Ah, if there's something wrong with your hands let me have a look. That's actually in each folder. There's a sign—"sign" means he needs to go to the toilet. There's a top five here. It does some sign language that might help you out. Have a look. The whole medication chart is here. Okay, first you need to go to the toilet.
[Music]
Hi there, here's your lunch—oh, that's not right. Hi, excuse me. She's gone. I know you're hungry, mate, but you can't eat this. You could get sick or choke. I'm sorry about this, but Bruce is actually at risk of choking. He needs his food pureed and he was just given some sandwiches. Ah, that's no good. Sorry about that, Bruce. I'll go to the kitchen now and get them to send up a pureed lunch so he can eat. I think we've got a plan already.
Yeah, just so you know, all this information I'm telling you is in Bruce's top five and his medication plans in its two-day folder as well. But I'll just give you a copy of this checklist and then you can stick that in your nursing notes so all your staff get a copy of it.
That's great—we use these all the time.
Hi Bruce, how are you going? Are you going home in the next few days? I just need to talk to the support staff and come up with a plan for things that you'll need when you leave the hospital. Is that okay?
Okay. Well, the most important thing is that the staff from his group home are actually medically trained. I'm willing to organise the manual handling training before he gets discharged and that'll probably take a couple of days with the occupational therapist.
Okay, so Bruce will be with us for the next few days, but it's good that we're talking about this now, not on the day that he is discharged. This folder is a great addition; I don't have to repeat myself to staff like I've done for years.
Edward, thanks for all your help. Both of you, it was great to meet you, Bruce. We learned some really great ways to communicate with you—high five. We have his contact number here. It is Victor.
So I've put Bruce's medication in a blister pack. You just need to take it to the GP and get it written up. In the envelope here is his discharge plan and care plan for the next six weeks. Got his hospital folder; I think we're ready to go.
Okay mate, let's do it.
[Music]
Filmmaker
Bruce Kilkeary is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Bruce Kilkeary.
?
8 comments
Wow Bruce congratulations on a job well done I trully think you have a gift when it comes to acting .Loved this very informative.
Great work Bruce
You are a natural film star Bruce keep up the great work
An outstanding job by an outstanding young man. Bruce you continue to pave the way for your peers and your commitment to allowing your ABILITY to shine is inspiring.
Bruce - what an amazing short film - I've learnt a lot of things from watching the film today and also a I've learnt a lot about you
The film was engaging and was well acted. It reveals useful positive information that can be applied to many situations. Thanks
Bruce you are an inspiration and I am so proud to work along side you everyday. This video is a perfect example of your professionalism and can-do attitude which shines though every day.
What a beautiful movie. The actor who plays Bruce does a great job. Well done team Well done You get my vote