Case study

You are caring for Mr Archer who has dementia. One day he asks you to take a photograph away that is on his bedside table. He says he doesn’t want it anymore. You are surprised because the photograph is a picture of his much loved late wife, but you do as he asks. You notice that Mr Archer becomes more distressed as the day goes on, but you are not sure what is causing this. When Mr Archer’s son comes to visit he is extremely upset that you have done this, and demands to know why you have taken the picture away when Mr Archer only asked you to take away the old newspaper on the bedside table.

1. How will you effectively tell Mr Archer’s son the full story and explain your actions?
2. How will you communicate to Mr Archer’s son that sometimes people with dementia cannot find the words they require, so they may replace them with substitute words that can be misleading for practitioners?
3. How might Mr Archer’s son react to your communication?
4. What might you say to Mr Archer about the situation?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if 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.