Case Study

Harry is a 70-year-old gentleman who was recently in hospital, but now has been at home for a few days in his small cottage. He is cared for by the rapid response team. The home assessment was carried out by the occupational therapists and it was decided that Harry could care for himself once he was downstairs in the morning. The rapid response team will be handing over to the local team once a care plan is put in place. Harry has two daughters that take it in turns to visit him every day. Joan, one of the experienced rapid response team, went to get Harry ready for bed. Following discussions with the family and Harry, it was discovered that carers took Harry up to bed by standing behind him and supporting him as he managed each step slowly. Joan was concerned because Harry is a lot bigger than her, and even with his daughter’s help it was a risk to try to help him up the stairs in this way. Joan contacted her area manager and said she wasn’t prepared to take the risk of taking Harry upstairs on her own. Ric, the area manager, said she must; no one was available to help her. Joan still refused and discussed it with the family, who were also concerned. The manager told Joan that he may have to go through a disciplinary procedure if she didn’t carry out the task. Joan explained calmly that there had not been appropriate risk assessment carried out. The family said that one of them would stay with Harry tonight and that he would be safer on the downstairs settee. Ric said he couldn’t do anything else but would discuss this with Joan in the morning and speak to the day care team to ensure there are two staff put on the evening call for Harry.

1. Was Joan correct?
2. Was the manager’s approach correct?
3. What action should have been taken to prevent this situation?
4. Did the practitioner comply with agreed ways of working?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether 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 assessor.