Case Study

Agnes is a resident in a care home. While assisting her to wash practitioner Sarah notices that her toenails need cutting. Agnes is unable to cut them herself. Sarah asks Agnes if it is ok if she cuts her nails for her. Agnes has dementia and limited speech; she nods and points to her feet. 1. Is this implied or explicit consent? 2. What else should you check before cutting anyone’s toe nails? 3. Think of the procedure you would follow in your own setting and how you would deal with this task 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.