Case Study

This is an extension of the case study you looked at in the last lesson.Aisha is an elderly lady who has recently moved into the carehome where you work. She has medium stage dementia, though she has not moved into the home for her dementia. She does not walk well and has lots of falls. Her family have been worried about her as she lives on her own.Aisha has always managed most things for herself at home, like making drinks and reheating meals; she has always been able to choose whatshe eats and drinks. Since coming to the home, she has been reluctant to eat or drink.Meals are decided from a set menu and there is a choice oftwo or three items each day. Individuals choose what they want the day before. Aisha gets confused by this and doesn’t want to eat anything from the set menu. Tom is a new care worker in the home and you are Tom’s supervisor. Tom will be looking after Aisha during her stay. He tries to get Aisha to eat but says that’s the choice and there are no other food options. Aisha also gets stressed when Tom is around.

1. Looking at the scenario above, explain practical ways of helping an individual with dementia to maintain their dignity.
2. Why do you think Aisha gets stressed when Tom is around?
3. Why should staff have recorded a full history about Aisha and her cultural beliefs?

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.