Case Study

Yvonne is an elderly lady who has recently moved in to Riverside care home. She has medium stage dementia but has moved into the home primarily because she does not walk well and has had a number of falls. Her family have been worried about her as she lives on her own. Yvonne has always managed most things for herself at home, like making drinks or reheating meals and she has always been able to choose what she eats. Since coming to the home she has been reluctant to eat or drink. The meals are given from a set menu and there is a choice of two or three items each day. Individuals choose what they want the day before, however Yvonne gets very confused by this.

1. If you were asked to support Yvonne, how could you give Yvonne a better selection of food and increase her opportunity to make choices over the preparation of her food?
2. Considering the Mental Capacity Act 2005, what are the dangers for a practitioner who is supporting Yvonne?
3. Is there a chance Yvonne is not being allowed to make her own decisions, or do you think someone should be making her decisions for her?
4. What could happen if Yvonne does not get the opportunity to make decisions for herself, even though she is perfectly capable of doing so?

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.