Understand the nature and characteristics of learning disability
Table of Contents
Case Study
Martha and David have been caring for their daughter Joan who has Down’s syndrome since her birth 33 years ago. They are now both in their 70s and David has increasingly failing health and Martha finds caring for both Joan and David very stressful and tiring. Joan has a number of health problems and suffers from epilepsy which is controlled mostly by medication. Martha has been considering putting Joan into residential care as she is aware that soon that decision may need to be made. David is adamant that Joan will not go into care while he is still alive and Joan wants to stay with her parents. The situation is getting very strained as there have been a number of big arguments, and Martha is showing signs of stress. Joan gets upset every time the subject is mentioned and David is becoming increasingly stubborn and refuses to discuss it. A support worker comes in 3 times a week to help Joan have a bath.
- If you were Joan’s support worker and Martha and David had addressed this situation with you, what might you do first of all to try and help the family find a solution to this problem?
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.