Question

Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow. Case study (questions 1–8) Peter is 74 and has Parkinson’s disease. He resides in his own home in the community. When the support worker arrives, she finds that Peter has left all his washing in the basket in the laundry. When the worker asks Peter why he hasn’t hung out the washing, he tells her that he can’t lift the sheets and towels onto the clothesline because they are too heavy. 1) How would supporting Peter to hang out his washing promote self-esteem and confidence? 2) What support strategies or resources need to be implemented to ensure Peter can remain living as independently as possible?

3) What process would you use to report Peter’s difficulty in hanging out sheets and towels?

4) How could the worker communicate this to Peter in a supportive way?

...

Answer 1

1). people with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease do exhibit difficulty in performing the activities daily living and would require aid. being a support worker the aim is to have a positive and encouraging approach to Mr. Peter. Support must be given by encouraging him to be proactive in initiating the task i.e to hang out his wash with the aid. Boost the confidence telling that he can do it and that I am there to extend my helping hand. Encouraging him to recenter his thoughts on his strengths and supporting him to be proactive ultimately promote self-esteem and confidence.

2. Parkinson's disease could weaken the spirit of Mr. Peter as well. There is a need for various strategies and resources to be implemented. First and foremost regular exercise, walking, playing badminton, attending various classes on yoga, meditation, swimming would boost their self-esteem and confidence.  Secondly, support by family members enables well being. Thirdly, encourage him to perform more frequent exercises and initiate activities. Furthermore, advice to use walking sticks, wheelchairs, and so on as required. Moreover, patient listening is much needed. Meting with the occupational therapist is also required. There are a variety of therapies available to promote the well being of persons with Parkinson's like relaxation therapy, art, music, creative writing, reading and singing aloud so on and so forth.

3. The difficulty in hanging out sheets and towels is because of the neurodegeneration. First and foremost assessment must be done about the severity of the disease and the initiation from the client to perform the task. Timely intervention could prevent the symptoms to not to peak at its highest and causing incapacities. Thus,  the detailed description of the difficulty with the severity must be reported from time to time.

4. Every client has the right to information. Hence, informing the client about the condition is very necessary which would aid in the process of active participation to treat it. Communicating about it is a very difficult task because there could be denial or depression following it. Anticipating the best positive outcome the supporter could explain the "why" of difficulty in hanging out the clothes. Moreover, the supporter could also mention that physical exercises could help in improving the condition. A positive approach is necessary and also listen patiently to the client as well.