Mary is a new resident in a care home. She has recently come out of hospital following a stroke.

She has been seen by an occupational therapist who has given her exercises to do to assist her in becoming more mobile and improving the use of her left arm.

Mary talks actively with the occupational therapist and Sally who is caring for her, and appears keen to get involved with tasks and talk to other residents. However, when her daughter, Ashley, visits, Ashley says everything must be done for her mother and that she should not be left to do things for herself. Ashley says Mary mustn’t do the exercises as they are ‘too much’ for her.

After her daughter’s visit, Mary appears quiet and withdrawn and reluctant to try and walk with the equipment the therapists have left for her to use.

1. How could you explain to Mary and her daughter how active participation could benefit Mary?
2. What are the barriers to Mary’s active participation?
3. How could you reduce the barriers and encourage Mary’s active participation?