Case Study

Nafia and Prash have been caring for their daughter Sonia, 23, who has Down’s syndrome, since she was born. They are now both in their 50s. A support worker comes in 3 times a week to help Sonia with her bathing. Sonia has a number of additional health problems and suffers from epilepsy which is well-controlled by medication. Nafia has suggested to the support worker that Sonia should be more involved in her personal care, and that she thinks Sonia can learn to do more tasks herself. Prash is unsure that she will be able to do anything by herself.

1. If you were Sonia’s support worker, what could you do to help her situation at home?
2. What kind of positive interaction could you suggest for Sonia?
3. How could you use task analysis to make personal care easier for Sonia?

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.