P1-1
Table of Contents
Case Study
Marek is an 84 year old man, who has Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and is on various medications. He lives with his wife of 30 years, Kasia. He is visited by his daughters from his first marriage once a week. Kasia, 72, is his main carer, but carers from your team also go in three times a day to help with Marek’s care.The carers have always found Kasia to be quite prescriptive on what Marek needs when they go in. Occasionally they have noticed that Marek gets very agitated with Kasia. They are aware that Kasia is very insistent that Marek likes to go to bed in the afternoon on most days. Occasionally Marek says he doesn’t want to go to bed in front of the carers, which makes Kasia angry and distressed.Over the last week they have noticed that Marek is becoming increasingly drowsy when they go in. One of his daughters has also expressed concern about this. Marek’s GP is contacted and visits to review his medication. Following investigation by the family and the GP it becomes apparent that Marek is being over-medicated. Marek is taken in to hospital and the social worker, who has been involved with Mary before, liaises with the GP to arrange residential care for him. On further investigation it is confirmed that Kasia has been giving Marek all his medication. Kasia had become depressed and angry at having to care for Marek.
- Was this a case of ineffective practice in the promotion of the safeguarding of vulnerable adults?
- What action could you take as a supervisor in this case?
- Could anything have been done sooner to prevent this happening?
- What could be put in place to prevent reoccurrence?
- Was putting Marek in care the correct decision?
- What, if any, type of abuse occurred?
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 assessor.