MEETING INDIVIDUAL CARE AND SUPPORT
NEEDS
In this unit you will:
A Examine principles, values and skills which underpin meeting the care
and support needs of individuals
B Examine the ethical issues involved when providing care and support
to meet individual needs
C Investigate the principles behind enabling individuals with care and
support needs to overcome challenges
D Investigate the roles of professionals and how they work together to
provide the care and support necessary to meet individual needs.
Throughout this task you will need to make reference to the case
studies provided on the next page in order to demonstrate that you
are able to apply all knowledge to real life situations.
The aim of this group task is to support the development of your
research skills and team work, both of which are essential skills in
any Health & Social Care profession.
, Case studies:
Alice Fernandez
Alice Fernandez is 74 years of age and has recently lost her husband due to cancer of the
liver. Alice is an alcoholic and prefers to spend her pension on her habit, rather than on
healthy food. Alice’s alcohol intake has increased since her husband died and she has also
recently begun taking anti-depressants, prescribed by her G.P., which appear to be making
her lethargic. Alice attends an over-65s aerobics class at the centre.
The manager of the centre has discussed her alcohol consumption with Alice, as she
frequently smells strongly of alcohol when attending the class, causing distress to the trainer
and class members. Alice feels that she is being judged and has become distressed on
several occasions. However, the manager feels that other attendees must also receive
consideration and has suggested that Alice may wish to attend the local meeting of
Alcoholics Anonymous, rather than the aerobics session. Alice has refused unless she can
also attend the aerobics class. The manager is anxious not to discriminate against Alice and
has agreed, after discussion with the aerobics class that Alice can attend if she stands away
from the others in the group.
The manager has also become concerned about the effects the anti-depressants are having
on Alice and has advised her to visit her G.P. to discuss this. Alice feels that her G.P. does
not understand her needs, as she finds personal expression difficult. The manager has
agreed to accompany Alice on her next visit in order to act as advocate.
The manager suspects that the increase in Alice’s alcohol intake may be partially due to her
recent bereavement. Alice has been persuaded to meet with a bereavement counsellor,
who holds weekly sessions at the centre, to receive support in dealing with her issues and
reduce the need for medication.
Following a combined visit to the G.P., an appointment with a nutritionist has been arranged
to support Alice in eating more healthily. The G.P. has also taken blood samples to measure
her liver function and found that there is some cause for concern. He has, therefore,
referred Alice to a specialist consultant at the nearest NHS Trust and arranged transport.
The G.P. has revised Alice’s medication following feedback from the accommodation
manager who accompanied Alice on her visit. The G.P. has suggested that Alice may benefit
from sheltered accommodation, where she could receive support. Alice has agreed to a visit
from a representative from a local housing association, but has requested the presence of
the centre manager to act as advocate. This was not possible due to other demands on the
manager’s time and so the G.P. has arranged for a volunteer advocate to support Alice, who
will visit her at home prior to the meeting with the housing association representative to
discuss Alice’s wants, needs and wishes.
NEEDS
In this unit you will:
A Examine principles, values and skills which underpin meeting the care
and support needs of individuals
B Examine the ethical issues involved when providing care and support
to meet individual needs
C Investigate the principles behind enabling individuals with care and
support needs to overcome challenges
D Investigate the roles of professionals and how they work together to
provide the care and support necessary to meet individual needs.
Throughout this task you will need to make reference to the case
studies provided on the next page in order to demonstrate that you
are able to apply all knowledge to real life situations.
The aim of this group task is to support the development of your
research skills and team work, both of which are essential skills in
any Health & Social Care profession.
, Case studies:
Alice Fernandez
Alice Fernandez is 74 years of age and has recently lost her husband due to cancer of the
liver. Alice is an alcoholic and prefers to spend her pension on her habit, rather than on
healthy food. Alice’s alcohol intake has increased since her husband died and she has also
recently begun taking anti-depressants, prescribed by her G.P., which appear to be making
her lethargic. Alice attends an over-65s aerobics class at the centre.
The manager of the centre has discussed her alcohol consumption with Alice, as she
frequently smells strongly of alcohol when attending the class, causing distress to the trainer
and class members. Alice feels that she is being judged and has become distressed on
several occasions. However, the manager feels that other attendees must also receive
consideration and has suggested that Alice may wish to attend the local meeting of
Alcoholics Anonymous, rather than the aerobics session. Alice has refused unless she can
also attend the aerobics class. The manager is anxious not to discriminate against Alice and
has agreed, after discussion with the aerobics class that Alice can attend if she stands away
from the others in the group.
The manager has also become concerned about the effects the anti-depressants are having
on Alice and has advised her to visit her G.P. to discuss this. Alice feels that her G.P. does
not understand her needs, as she finds personal expression difficult. The manager has
agreed to accompany Alice on her next visit in order to act as advocate.
The manager suspects that the increase in Alice’s alcohol intake may be partially due to her
recent bereavement. Alice has been persuaded to meet with a bereavement counsellor,
who holds weekly sessions at the centre, to receive support in dealing with her issues and
reduce the need for medication.
Following a combined visit to the G.P., an appointment with a nutritionist has been arranged
to support Alice in eating more healthily. The G.P. has also taken blood samples to measure
her liver function and found that there is some cause for concern. He has, therefore,
referred Alice to a specialist consultant at the nearest NHS Trust and arranged transport.
The G.P. has revised Alice’s medication following feedback from the accommodation
manager who accompanied Alice on her visit. The G.P. has suggested that Alice may benefit
from sheltered accommodation, where she could receive support. Alice has agreed to a visit
from a representative from a local housing association, but has requested the presence of
the centre manager to act as advocate. This was not possible due to other demands on the
manager’s time and so the G.P. has arranged for a volunteer advocate to support Alice, who
will visit her at home prior to the meeting with the housing association representative to
discuss Alice’s wants, needs and wishes.
