Caring for Elderly Patients: Case Studies and Skills Demonstrations

Assignment One: Caring for a Blind Elderly Patient

a) Assignment One (20%) – Word Count 1000 words (+/- 10%) 

Patrick is 82 years old and is a client that you work with. Patrick is blind, he has slowly lost his sight over the last 5 years.  Increasingly over time, Patrick has begun to isolate himself socially.  You are required to write an assignment based on Patrick and include the following items:

1. Outline the physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual issues to be aware of when caring for an elderly person – (5 marks)

2. Identify the different care needs between Patrick who is blind and a sighted resident.
discuss in particular the difference in dressing and eating needs (6 Marks)

3. Describe how you, as a health care worker, would support and assist Patrick to satisfy his social needs (3 Marks)

4. Reflect on key learning achieved during this assignment (3 Marks) 

Demonstrate evidence of critical thinking, additional research and correct referencing (2 Marks)

b) Assignment Two (20%) – Word Count 1000 words (+/-10 %) 

Mary is 72 years old and is a client that you work with. Mary has recently had surgery and needed to have a colostomy device.  This has caused a major upheaval in her life and she is finding it difficult to adjust.  You are required to write an assignment based on Mary and include the following items:

1. Outline the issues to be aware of when attending to Mary’s personal care needs post-surgery (4 Marks)

2. Discuss best practice in relation to stoma care (4 Marks)

3. Discuss how you could support Mary in maintaining:

• Her dignity while assisting her in changing her colostomy device
• Enhance her Independence
• Promote positive self-image (3 Marks)

4. In terms of Infection Prevention & Control, describe how you would dispose of any soiled linen (3 Marks)

5. Reflect on key learning achieved during this assignment (3 Marks)

Demonstrate evidence of critical thinking, additional research and correct referencing (2 Marks)

You are required to conduct 2 skills demonstrations as detailed below.  These must be completed while on work placement.  There are 2 elements to each demonstration:

• You must demonstrate the skills under the observation of your supervisor who should fill out the required  documentation. (See Workplace Competency Schedule)
•  You must then provide a written record to demonstrate your understanding of the task, as detailed below.

a) Skills Demonstration 1:  Bed Bath - Workplace Competency Schedule 13%

Written Account 17%

You are required to outline and demonstrate your ability to assist a client with a Bed Bath.  You should use the below guidelines to write your written account.

Introduction and aims: - (5 marks)

Title of skill

Advance preparation

• Preparation of area, what equipment is needed? (1 Marks)
• Health and safety precautions taken? (1 Marks) 

Identifying the needs of the client

• What are the specific needs of the client? (1 Marks)
• What information do you need and where do you look for that information? (1 Marks)
• How do you prepare the client for the specific task – consent, explanation of task etc.? (1 Marks)

How did you assist the client while completing this skill – step by step of what you did. (2 Marks)

How did you promote independence and dignity while carrying out the skill? (2 Marks)

How did you show effective communication with the client and other members of the team? (2 Marks)

Discuss the importance of being observant to changes in the clients condition during the procedure (2 Marks)

Evaluation & Conclusion - (4 marks)

Describe how you would ensure that correct report writing measures were followed (1 Marks)

How did you promote positive attitudes in relation to care of the older person in the home or in a residential facility? (1 Marks)

Brief evaluation of your performance during the skill – how did you do & what did you learn? (2 Marks)