Task B Reflective account (HSC 036 2.2)
Bi Write a reflective account detailing an example of how you have, or could have, used a person centred approach in a sensitive or complex situation.The account must contain a description of how person centred values were or could be put into practice in the situation. Suggested word count: 350 – 500 words
Whilst working a shift in a residential home, I became acquainted with an elderly lady in her eighties. She had been a widow for many years and had no children. She was a very quiet, private person, who didn’t like showing her feelings, being made a fuss off or being hugged. She had lived in the home for about five years. The only visitor that Mrs B had was an elderly man, a friend of her husband. He would come and visit every Monday and have afternoon tea with her. They would reminisce and Mrs B looked forward to his visits. One Monday the elderly gentleman did not arrive and Mrs B thought it was unusual. The following day we had a message that the elderly man had been found dead at home. I was asked to tell Mrs B.
I chose to walk in the garden as I know it was a place that Mrs B enjoyed being. So I took afternoon tea out into the summer house and asked if she would like a walk in the garden. We looked and chatted about the flowers as we walked to the summer house. We had afternoon tea listening to the birds and relaxing. I explained gently and in simple terms that we had had a phone call and unfortunately her friend had died. Mrs B said she was shocked but at least he had not suffered. We spoke briefly of how kind he had been to her and how much she would miss him. We chatted briefly and I asked Mrs B if she wanted time to herself. She said she did so I took her to her room. I asked if she needed anything and she said no she would be fine. I held her hand briefly, said I was sorry to hear her news and would pop back