Case Study

Amerie is a 32-year-old who lives in a self-contained flat in a warden-supported residential block. Amerie has been a wheelchair user since the age of 11 due to a brain tumour that caused significant nerve damage. She communicates well and goes to a local college. Carers visit to help her get in and out of bed, and assist Amerie with personal care. Recently her eyesight has deteriorated and she has been in hospital after being diagnosed as an insulin-controlled diabetic. Amerie needs assistance to inject the insulin, but the carers can’t help her as they are not trained to do so. The care team are suggesting that she needs to be in full-time residential care, and have reported this to their supervisor. Amerie’s mother visits every day and is concerned that full residential care is the wrong decision for her daughter.

1. If you were the supervisor of the carers what action would you take?
2. What legislation are the carers not considering?
3. Is there a training issue here other than training staff to give insulin?

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.