Case Study

Parul is twelve and has cerebral palsy. Parul can’t walk unaided and gets very distressed when she becomes incontinent. Her wheelchair is fitted with back and side supports. Helena is one of Parul’s support staff; she notices that Parul has been incontinent and needs to be taken to the bathroom. Parul becomes agitated when Helena approaches her to ask her to let her take her to the bathroom and says she can’t stand, and refuses to go to the bathroom or to be helped. Helena says she must go to the bathroom and she can see that Parul’s clothes are soiled and wet. A colleague comes to help Helena, but is impatient and tells Helena to rush Parul to the bathroom.

1. If you were Helena, what would your assessment be of the risks to Parul and yourself?
2. Describe what action Helena should take, since Parul’s wishes conflict with her EHC plan.
3. How should Helena react to her colleague’s comments?

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.