Case Study
This is an extension of the case study you looked at in the last two lessons.Aisha is an elderly lady who has recently moved into the care home where you work. She has medium-stage dementia, though she has not moved into the home for her dementia. Her family have been worried about her as she lives on her own, does not walk well and has lots of falls.Aisha has always managed most things for herself at home, like making drinks and reheating meals. She has always been able to choose what she eats and drinks and since coming to the home she has been reluctant to eat or drink.The meals are given from a set menu. There is a choice of two or three items each day. Individuals choose what they want the day before, but 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 he will be looking after Aisha during her stay. Tom tries to get Aisha to eat but says that’s the choice and there is no other food option. Aisha also gets stressed when Tom is around. Other colleagues are telling Tom to get her to eat and that she must go to the dining room with others.
- What action should Tom take?
- Should he listen to his colleagues?
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.