You have been providing adult support services for Afreen, a 23-year-old woman with Down Syndrome, for 6 months now.

She has always been very happy with living in a residential care setting.

A care worker at the setting tells you that Afreen has become withdrawn and no longer participates in group activities that she used to enjoy. Afreen has also been telling staff at the setting that she needs to go home and she doesn’t want to live at the setting anymore.

You speak to her parents to see if they have noticed any changes to behaviour and her mum, Nadine, tells you that sadly she has been diagnosed with a serious illness. They told Afreen at their last visit and she was really upset.

1. What advice and guidance would you give to staff at the setting about how best to support Afreen during this difficult time?
2. What advice would you give her family?
3. How could this significant news have affected Afreen, and what are the risks to her mental and physical health?

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.