Case Study

Harietta is 78 years old and has vascular dementia. She came to Olive Tree House from hospital where she had been admitted after attempts to support her to remain in her own home were unsuccessful due to her failing memory, disorientation and lack of understanding of risks. These problems caused her to neglect herself and frequently leave her own home and get lost, often in the middle of the night. One of the things that made her particularly vulnerable was her tendency to talk to complete strangers, telling them that she lived alone and where her home was.
When Harietta arrived at Olive Tree House she was very frightened and angry and did not understand why she was not able to remain in the flat that she had lived in for over 20 years; she was suspicious of everyone, believing that they were all in some way to blame for what was happening to her. Staff started to gather as much information as they could about Harietta’s life history and significant events. They were given useful information by neighbours, a friend of many years and Harietta’s GP who had known her for over 20 years.
- How are Olive Tree House supporting Harietta?
- What were the risks that Harietta faced in here own home?
- How can the setting manage the risks to Harietta?
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.