Case Study

Dennis is 21 years old. He has been living in a supported house with two other people for the last four years. He attends the social activity centre for five days a week.  He is the second of four children in the family; he has an older sister and two younger brothers who still live with their parents. Dennis’ development appeared normal until the age of about six months when he was taken ill with an infection diagnosed as encephalitis. His rate of development then became very slow and a brain scan in his teens showed that large areas of his brain were damaged. Dennis does not wash or dress himself and, although he is put on the toilet regularly, he does not use it reliably and is therefore kept in nappies. Dennis has a ready smile and is quite popular. He will approach adults and will accept cuddles and kisses, although he does not initiate these. He shows little interest in the people he lives with or other service users at the social activity centre. Dennis does discriminate between people as is shown clearly by his evident delight when he sees any member of his family. You are new to the team and have been trained in active support. The rest of the team have been working in the supported house for a number of years. They are very set in their ways and resist change. You are upset that Dennis seems to sit in the house doing nothing.  Sometimes he sits for hours rocking backwards and forwards.

1. How will you introduce the idea of active support?
2. What changes could you suggest?

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.