Read the following case studies and answer the related questions.
Case Study One
You are a support worker for Mrs Ahmed who is 89, physically frail and lives alone. She has diabetes. Mrs Ahmed wants to eat foods that are not suitable for her medical condition, and asks you to shop for her as she is not able to get to the shop herself.
Bi Describe the difficulties for you in exercising your duty of care and upholding Mrs Ahmed’s right to choose.
I would consult Mrs Ahmed’s care plan, and advise her about your concerns that she follow a healthy diet, stressing that she will feel much better if she does so. I would also advise her about alternative foods.
Bii Where could you go to get advice, information and support to deal with the dilemma?
I would seek advice and support from my manager, get information from Mrs Ahmed’s care plan and talk to a nutritionist/ a dietician to know about alternative food.
Case Study Two
Leon Quashie lives in supported housing. He has learning disabilities. You are his support worker.
Leon tells you that he has a new friend who comes to his home and plays on his games console. A few days later you notice that the games console is missing. Leon tells you his new friend has borrowed it.
Biii Describe the difficulties for you in exercising your duty of care to Leon and upholding his rights.
As Leon’s support worker I would explain to him that he has the right to make mistakes and choose what he does with his possessions. But that I would explain to him that I ‘m there to protect him from being exploited or taken advantage of. I would explain to him that I can call his friend and ask him to return the games console, and if it does not get returned then I may have to inform the police
Biv Where could you go to get advice and support on how to ensure you uphold Leon’s rights but also follow your own duty of care?
I would get advice from my manager, social worker and maybe the police if needed I