Case Study

Patryk in his early 50s was admitted to a hospital because of increasingly odd behaviour. His family reported that he had been showing memory loss and strong feelings of jealousy. He also had become disoriented at home and was hiding objects. During a doctor's examination, he was unable to remember his wife’s name, the year, or how long he had been at the hospital. He could read but did not seem to understand what he read, and he stressed the words in an unusual way. He sometimes became agitated and seemed to have hallucinations and irrational fears. He was moved to a care home suitable to meet his needs. 1. Do you think it is the best choice for Patryk to be cared for in a home? 2. Do his symptoms suggest dementia, or could they be related to something else? 3. If his diagnosis is confirmed as dementia, what would be the next steps in caring for and supporting Patryk long-term? It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.