Question

Case study (questions 1–8)

Jun-Wei Yu is a 25-year-old man of Chinese heritage with Down syndrome. He lives in a group home supported by personal care workers, employed by a large disability support organisation.

Jun-Wei is able to do some of his personal care tasks with prompting. He can shower himself with reminders about proper washing and with assistance to dry his back, feet and hair; he can brush his own teeth, but also needs to be reminded to do this. With assistance, Jun-Wei can select appropriate clothing; he can dress himself but cannot tie shoelaces. He can shave with an electric shaver.

Jun-Wei loves chips and lollies. Staff must plan meals for Jun-Wei and other residents to ensure they are well-nourished. Jun-Wei can peel vegetables and make a sandwich without help. Jun-Wei does not understand the different denominations of money or how much things cost. However, he likes to have money in his pocket to spend at the shops. He can move around independently but cannot catch public transport or walk to places without being accompanied. Sometimes he wanders out of the house or away from his group, thinking he can find his way back when he wants to.

Jun-Wei also suffers from asthma that is sometimes brought on by exercise or stress, and eczema that is sometimes brought on by stress and heat. He has puffers and creams that he must be reminded to use. Those who know Jun-Wei well can understand him when he talks but strangers or those he doesn’t know well find him difficult to understand. This is partly due to him mumbling when he feels shy. Jun-Wei will sometimes hug and stroke people he feels comfortable with or when he is very happy.

Question

1.Choose two areas of personal care; for example, washing and mobility. For each area, identify any equipment, assistance (care processes) and aids that would be required to support Jun Wei, ensuring that these are appropriate for his level of ability.

2. What people should be included when gathering information about Jun-Wei’s abilities and support needs? How might the information be obtained?

3. What do you think the effect might be on Jun-Wei if a worker insisted on washing him in the shower rather than encouraging him to do it himself? What long-term effects might this have on him and his care?

4.Do some research using the internet or a library. What kind of effects might Jun-Wei’s cultural heritage have on the way personal care support is provided to him.

5. What are the physical needs that should be considered for Jun-Wei?

6. What risks could you identify in providing care to Jun-Wei? How would they be reported?

7. Imagine that you are introducing a new staff member to work in the group home where Jun-Wei lives. What information would you give them about encouraging Jun-Wei to participate in his own care and daily living activities?

8. What could a new staff member do to ensure they have put Jun-Wei at ease and confirmed his preferences for care?

Answer 1

1) Two areas of care that can be assisted for Jun-Wei are-

a. Washing or showering- He is able to shower on his own and wash his back, and body well.

Equipment that can be used to aid him in washing is temperature control shower with contra-angel jets.

The care assistant can be provided when he feels like showering who can help him remind the process and also provide him with proper resources and technical help to use assisted shower.

Aids appropriate for Jun-Wei in washing would be modular washroom with facilities such as proper ventilation and supplies, a care aide who can help him mange the technical facilities.

b. Independent Mobility- he is fond of wandering around but cannot remember directions or find his way back to home.

Equipment required to help him mobile freely includes, talking watches that could help him remember the directions, pocket jewellery to direct him to right path or sense his location.

The care assistant can be provided to him who would help him and accompany him during his walking or when he wanders around, he can also be provided walking aid if he feels tiered he can use the aid and assist himself for movements.

(please create individual order for each question)