Case Study

Ian is a 32-year-old man who lives in a care home. He has a girlfriend called Bella. Bella visits him most days. They usually spend evenings watching television and sometimes they go to the pub for dinner – accompanied by care staff. Ian has told the care providers several times that he would like Bella to stay the night sometimes, and now he has told you in confidence that he doesn’t think that the majority of staff understand that he would like to spend some time alone with Bella. Ian thinks that many of the staff believe that people with disabilities shouldn’t have sex. He has explained that he won’t need any practical changes to be made, and thinks that they could both sleep in his single bed.

1. As a member of staff how might you deal with this situation in a person-centred way?

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.