Describe how to dispose of out of date and part used medications in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

Legal and organisational procedures for disposing out of date and part used medication are to follow disposal procedures of suppliers. We usually dispose out of date, unwanted and part used medication with main medication supplier (such as Boots, Lloyds and other chemist). The following way we can dispose out of date and part used medications –

·         Fill out the MAR (medication administration record) chart with appropriate letter code (such as E- Refused and Destroyed, R- Returned, G- Explain own reason, whichever supplier has provided)

·         If medication is boxed and labelled, then leave it in disposal tray or box as it is.

·         If the medication we intend to dispose is from supplier’s blister pack or MDS box, then we should put it in a small sealed envelope with the medication name and strength on it.

·         Keep record of date and quantity are returned

·         Record name of the patient and reason for disposal

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe how to report any immediate problems with the administration

In any unfortunate event when mistake or error occurs, we have to ensure that the person is safe at first. If there is any reason to call the emergency service, then we have to do that first. If there is no need for emergency service to be called, then we have to contact GP for advice and instruction. We have to record instruction in person’s care plan including Doctors or health professionals name, date and time. We also have to inform and apologise to the individual and their families and any action taken to eliminate present and future risks. We  must fill out incidence  form and report to the registered manager immediately.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the appropriate timing of medication e.g check that the individual has not taken any medication recently

Exact time for the medication can be found on medication administration record chart (MAR). MAR chart has to be signed with appropriate code after administering medication. If medication has already been administered then we will find the MAR chart signed. We can also check the blister pack or MDS to find out whether it has been administered or not. We can also talk to the colleague to find out whether they have administered it on time or not. We can also check with the individual as last resort if they have got mental capacity and not suffering from any mental illness.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Identify the required information from prescriptions/medications administration charts

The following information we require from prescriptions or medication administration charts–

·         Patient’s photograph (Only on MAR chart)

·         Patient’s name

·         Patient’s date of birth

·         Patient’s address

·         Medication’s name

·         Medication’s strength

·         Medication’s dose

·         Medication’s time or interval

·         Medication’s route

·         Allergy advice

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe the common adverse reactions to medication, how each can be recognised and the appropriate actions required

Most of the medications have some common adverse reactions. Those are described here in below-

·         An individual may suffer from severe allergic reaction or skin rashes

·         An individual may suffer from diarrhoea or constipation

·         An individual may feel nausea or sick

·         An individual may suffer from vomiting

This symptoms can be recognised by observing an individual's reaction after taking specific medication. In the event of any adverse reactions, we should contact the prescriber immediately for advice. 

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the potential consequences of not following food safety standards

If we do not follow food safety standard, then we will not be able to recognise food safety rules which can increase chances of food contamination. Contamination of food can cause food poisoning and food-borne disease in our body. The following common pathogenic bacteria can get into our body from food –

·         Bacillus cereus

·         Staphylococcus  aureus

·         Clostridium perfringens

·         Campylobacter

·         Salmonella

Above mentioned pathogens can even cause death in some cases. If we do not follow food safety standard, then we will be subject to be investigated by health and environmental officer who can even suspend further food services in our premises.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how to store food, maximise hygiene when handling food and dispose of food

 

a)   Store food: Storing food is very important part of food safety, as correct method of storing can help to stop growing bacteria in food. Some food should be stored in the fridge. Therefore, we need to keep the fridge temperature below 5⁰c. Avoid food temperature danger zone (5⁰c-63⁰c). All food must be stored by label and date. Cooked food must be stored with cover on and separated from raw meat. 

b)   Maximise hygiene when handling food: Wash hands before handling food. Wear apron and food handling gloves before handling food. There are colour coded chopping board for different uses. We should use right chopping board to cut foods. We should use spoon and tong to serve foods.

c)   Dispose of food: Food must be disposed properly as it can be used for different purpose. Therefore, we can use food caddy bin to dispose of food. Commercial waste service can turn them into fertilizer. If we do not dispose food properly, then it may be inviting wild animals, pests and insects in our environment.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe the main points of food safety standards in a social care setting

Food hygiene regulations 2006 was introduced mostly based on preventative food safety management system by The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). HACCP model has four simple areas which are described here in below –

·         Cooking

·         Chilling

·         Cross-contamination

·         Cleaning

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the consequences of handling medication without specialist training

Handling medication without specialist training can cause harm and injury to an individual’s health and wellbeing. There are also increased chances of error, omission, over dose and under dose of medication, which can result in death of an individual in some circumstances, if medication is handled without specialist training. If such consequences occur then responsible person can be subject to disciplinary procedures and even can lead to legal action. Service provider can have bad reputation or even suspension of business operation for handling medication without specialist training.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why medication must only be handled following specialist training

Understand procedures regarding handling medication

Medication can save an individual’s life by improving their health and wellbeing. It also can cause harm to an individual’s health and wellbeing if instructions and guidance of handling medication are not followed. In some circumstances, it can result in death. Therefore, a social care worker must have specialist training before handling medication. Without specialist training, a social worker will be unaware of the purpose and importance of specific medication for an individual. They also would not be able to recognise side effect, adverse effect and any other symptoms or indication caused by some medications. Hence, an individual’s health and wellbeing would be at greater risk.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication

Main points of agreed procedures about handling medication described here in below –

·         Ordering and Receiving Supplies

·         Storing Medication

·         Administering Medication

·         Control Drug Procedures

·         ‘When Required’ (PRN) Medication Procedures

·         Record Keeping

·         Disposing of Medication

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Evaluate strategies for managing stress

• Increase social interaction and find out other people who may have gone through the same situation. We may find solution to our stress by interacting with other members.
• Keep away from stressful situation
• Contact with your GP for consultation
• Fitness program sometimes help to manage stress
• Talking to your families can help to manage stress
• Spending times in leisure can help to manage stress 
• Talk to your  reliable close friend
• Doing your favourite things can help sometimes

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe factors that tend to trigger own stress

Social: Stress can be triggered by social behaviour and interactions.

Financial: Stress can be triggered by financial crisis such as struggling to meet needs

Family Issue: Stress can be triggered by internal family issues such as family relationship and commitments

Work related issues: Stress can be triggered by work related issues, such as from professional relationship, indirect discrimination, bullying and harassment.

National Issue: Stress can be triggered by national issues and crisis. It has been proved to trigger a person's stress enormously (such as, EU workers in Great Britain after Brexit).

Education: Stress can be triggered by engaging in education and learning.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe common signs and indicators of stress

Understand how to manage stress

Common signs and indicators are described here in below –

·         Sleeping at work or feeling drowsiness due to insomnia overnight

·         Feeling tired, lack of energy and headaches

·         Loss of interests in certain things that once was favourite to them

·         Change of appetite and weight

·         Become agitated and frustrated easily

·         Forgetfulness

·         Poor judgement

You can classify under physical and psychological including cognitive behaviour. Or you can write down all together under bulleted list.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the importance of having an emergency plan in place to deal with unforeseen incidents

Incidents always do not occur expectedly. Things always do not go as planned. Therefore, we require a backup plan to deal with unforeseen events. Backup plan is often called emergency plan or emergency crisis plan. This plan is made of different strategies using imaginative and unforeseen incidents and situations. It can only be executed as last resort in case of failure of main proposed plan. Having an emergency plan, any unforeseen incidents and situations can be dealt with efficiently. It also can prevent interruption of service operation due to unforeseen incidents. In some circumstances, it can even save lives.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain procedures to be followed in the social care setting in the event of fire, gas leak, floods, intruding and security breach

a)   Fire: Raise the alarm. Gather in the first fire assembly area. Call 999 for emergency fire service. While on the call, identify areas are affected using fire panel equipment. Send a trained staff to determine the truth and exact location of fire. Respond to the emergency staff on the phone immediately. Follow the evacuation plan and gather everyone in the fire assembly area outside of the premises.

b)   Gas leak: As soon as you smell gas, call the local gas network team immediately. Turn off all the appliances release heat and fire. Turn off any motor if running nearby. Leave the area isolated until professionals are arrived.

c)   Floods: Call the flood rescue team immediately. Wear lifeguards where available. Follow evacuation plan if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to carry out evacuation, then wait for rescue team to arrive. Stay always upper level to avoid being drowned.

d)   Intruding: Call the Police immediately.

e)   Security breach: Call the police immediately. Report to the organisational security commission as soon as possible.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain procedures to be followed in the social care setting to prevent fire, gas leak, floods, intruding and security breach

a)    Fire: Install smoke detector in every room. Carry out weekly fire alarm test to check all equipment and devices are working order and staffs are following procedures. All staffs must undertake fire safety training. Carry out fire drill at least once a year. Report immediately if any issues are found which can increase risk of fire.

b)    Gas leak: Carry out building’s gas safety check by appropriate professional each year. All gas appliances must be serviced and maintained by appropriate professional.

c)    Floods: Drains and gutter must be serviced and maintained at regular interval. Sand bags can be placed around the fences and doors where there is high likely of flooding.

d)    Intruding: Keep the door always locked. Install CCTV camera in the premises and put notification at the entrance. Not to share access code with anyone else.

e)    Security breach: Keep office room and file cabinet locked. Not to let anyone access and use office computer for personal use. Keep work computer password protected. Not to share access code, pin or password with anyone else.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the dangers associated with not following these safe practices

By not following safe practice of storing, using and disposing hazardous substances, we can cause harm to anyone including ourselves and most valued environment. Survival of our ecosystem depends on our contribution. What we give to our environment is what we get back. In general the consequences can be sickness, viral or bacterial infection, radiation related disease, chemical burn, asphyxia, organ failure and other infectious diseases. The cruellest potential threat for not following these safe practices can be our extinction.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe types of hazardous substances that may be found in the social care setting

Hazardous substances that may be found in health and social care settings are described here in below –

·         Corrosive

·         Flammable

·         Poisonous

·         Radioactive

·         Environmental  Dangerous

·         Skin Irritation

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the potential consequences of assisting and moving an individual without specialist training

The potential consequences can be devastating. Due to lack of equipment operational knowledge, an individual may fall off the equipment and break limbs, skull, hips, ribs and pelvis. If we do not know the safer moving techniques then we can twist or sprain our muscle and also can damage our nerve or backbone. In serious situation, an individual can suffer death.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why it is important to have specialist training before assisting and moving an individual

Understand the principles of assisting and moving  an individual

Without specialist training we would not be able to assist and move an individual safely as we are unaware of safer moving methods and techniques. We will also not be able to recognise equipment, operations and its purposes. If we assist and move an individual without specialist training, then we may cause harm and injury to an individual as well as ourselves. According to legislations, we should not undertake any tasks if we are incompetent.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why it is important for moving and handling tasks to be carried out following specialist training

Moving and handling tasks involve moving person or inanimate object using various equipment, methods, position and posture. There are various methods and techniques necessary to apply in order to carry out safer moving and handling. These methods and techniques only can be learned from moving and handling training. If we do not know safer way to operate moving and handling equipment, then we can cause harm or injury to individuals. Even if we do not know right position and posture, we can cause injury to ourselves.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain situations that may require additional supports necessary for safer moving and handling

Understand how to move and handle equipment and other objects safely

Additional supports can be training, instruction, demonstration, legislation and guideline. If any new equipment is introduced in workplace, then we require instruction and guidelines on how to operate and maintain it safely. If any related legislation changes, then we require undergoing for training to be well informed about recent changes, and how it would affect our service provision. Even if we are unsure about specific tasks, we should seek supports from appropriate professional.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how following principles for safe moving and handling protects those in the social care setting from injury or harm

Understand how to move and handle equipment and other objects safely
Many injuries and harm occur in health and social care settings due to not following principles of safe moving and handling. Safe moving and handling requires using equipment, right position and posture. Working without using equipment and using bodily force can cause harm to our body and individuals. If we do not follow proper moving and handling techniques then we may cause injury to our backbone, muscle and nerves. If we use provided equipment for moving and handling then we can protect individuals and ourselves from injuries or harm. By assessing risk of injury from manual handling beforehand, we can implement right method to carry out specific task which can prevent injury or harm.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the consequences of failing to follow emergency first aid procedures

Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness

An individual’s life can be saved or health can be restored following emergency first aid procedures. If emergency first aid procedures are not followed, then an individual may lost their life. Even though consequences do not result in death in some situations, there can be other impact on individual’s health such as loss of limb or sensory impairment and paralysis of body part for failing to follow emergency first aid procedures.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why it is important for emergency first aid tasks only to be carried out by qualified first aiders

Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness

A social care worker must know the procedures to follow in the event of emergency which requires first aid. Therefore, they should have recognised first aid qualification. They should be very competent to carry out emergency first aid procedures. An individual’s health and life may depend on first aiders’ procedure in some situations. Individual may lost their life due to wrong procedures. Undertaking any tasks which we are incompetent is violation of legislation and codes of conduct. Therefore, it is very important that a social worker only undertake emergency first aid procedures if they are qualified and competent.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur

Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness
We are well informed about Health and Safety’s RIDDOR (Reporting of Incidents Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence regulations) policy. We have organisational procedures to follow in the event of any accident and sudden illness, which requires us to report any error, serious and near miss incidents and sudden illness to the manager immediately. In any of such unfortunate incident, we have been advised to think of our safety first. If anyone requires medical attention, then we have been advised to call for medical assistance (such as ambulance, doctor, nurse) immediately. If we are out of danger or witnessed the incidence, then we have to fill out the accident and incident form to report it to the manager immediately.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in a social care setting

Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness
Different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in a social care setting described here in below –

·        Fracture

·        Burn

·        Amputation

·        Loss of Sight

·        Dislocation of joint

·        Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia

·        Electric Shock

·        Diarrhoea

·        Vomiting

·        Cold, Flu and Headache

·        Muscle sprains and twists

Above mentioned injuries and sudden illness may occur at workplace due to trip, slip, fall, fire, heat, sharp edge, cold, bending, twisting, noisy machinery, food poisoning, national viral infection, contamination and uncooperative professional collaboration.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between an individual’s rights and health and safety concerns

Understand risk assessments and their importance in relation to health and safety
Dilemmas usually arise from conserving individual’s rights while maintaining their health and safety. It is a very common dilemma in health and social care settings that an individual’s choices sometimes do not comply with health and safety rules. Hence, we need to undertake risk assessment so that we can implement control measure which can preserve both. An individual’s main rights are to be free from harm, danger and abuse which can only be achieved by maintaining health and safety of the individual. Risk assessment helps to identify and assess health and safety risks of an individual, and apply control measure to eliminate risks, in order to keep individual from harm and danger. Therefore, risk assessment helps us to protect individual’s rights and maintain their health and safety at the same time.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how to address potential health and safety risks identified

Understand risk assessments and their importance in relation to health and safety
We must have good knowledge and skills about various health and safety issues, before addressing health and safety risks. If we do not have knowledge and information about various health and safety issues, then we would not be able to identify risks, let alone to address it. Therefore, we must have appropriate training and skills.

We have to assess the severity of potential health and safety risks after it has been identified. We also have to identify group of people or users who will be potentially affected. Then we have to determine control measures according to severity of potential risks on group of people and users. After we determine right control measures then we can put it in place to eliminate risks.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why it is important to assess health and safety risks

Understand risk assessments and their importance in relation to health and safety

Without assessing health and safety risks, we would not be able to determine  the group of people may potentially be affected. We also would not be able to determine exact control measure in order to eliminate risks. There might be another risk behind the identified risk or further risk may arise from control measure which has been placed. If we do not assess health and safety risks properly then we will not be able to determine right action plan to eliminate the risk and can cause harm to anyone.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why specific tasks should only be carried out with special training

Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in social care settings
Training is very important before carrying out any tasks, as it gives us in-depth information, instruction and guidance about the task, and also informs us current laws and legislation should be followed. Some training also provides practical demonstration, which can help us to learn how exactly the specific task should be carried out. If we undertake any special task without training, then we may cause harm or injury to an individual and ourselves as we would not have enough information about the specific task.

In health and social care sector, we should not undertake or deal with any task if we are not competent as it is a big public concern. It is also against law and legislations to carry out any task without training, which requires special training. We have to undertake moving and handling training before moving and handling patient and object. Purpose of this training is to provide knowledge and demonstration, about how to move and handle patient and unanimated object, without causing harm and injury to an individual and ourselves.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the importance of using agreed risk assessment processes to support choice

We have different uses of risk assessment in health and social care settings including food safety, fire safety, moving and handling, medication management, nutritional and environmental. These risk assessment processes must be carried out agreed ways, using person centred values which support individual’s choices. If we carry out risk assessment person centred way, then individual and family members will be involved in procedures, which can help individual to support their own choices. Agreed risk assessment processes not only support to identify and eliminate risk but also promote and support individual’s choices. It is very important that an individual must not be deprived of their choices due to risk assessment and legislations. If agreed risk assessment processes do not support individual’s choices then it can fall under the standard and can become safeguarding issue.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain why risk assessments need to be regularly revised

Life is not constant. It changes from time to time and so do our environment, rules, necessity and choices. Whenever something changes, we have to look into these changes to find out whether any new risk has arisen and need to be reassessed. We also have to ensure that current risk assessment is up-to-date, according to current legislation, and right for the purpose. If we do not revise risk assessment regularly, then we will remain unaware of current changes, which can cause significant harm to individuals and others. Therefore, it is very important to revise risk assessment regularly so that we can meet individual’s current needs and follow current legislations.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the importance of supporting an individual in a way that promotes their sense of identity, self image and self esteem

In order to support individuals with health and well-being, we have to promote their sense of identity, self-image and self-esteem. If we promote individual’s identity, self-image and self-esteem then their physical and psychological needs will be met and improved. It also helps most importantly to provide dignity. An individual gains self-esteem when their values are recognised and cultures, beliefs and views are respected. Self-esteem is very important as part of their health and well-being, as it helps individual to protect from potential harm and abuse. Individuals with low self-esteem are more prone to become the victim of harm and abuse. Low self-esteem is also responsible for self neglect and contributes to other mental issues. Promoting identity, self-image and self-esteem, we can support an individual’s health, well-being and longevity.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe ways to contribute to an environment that promotes well-being

Environment is one of the main factors for individual’s well-being. An individual living in a safe, lively and supportive environment can enjoy all aspects of their life. Individual needs to enjoy all aspects of their life to feel valued and gain self-esteem which is very important part of their well-being. The following ways we can contribute to an environment that promotes well-being by-

• Following health and safety rules and legislations and supporting others to follow rules and instructions


• Using signs and marks for directions and instructions


• Providing equipment to assist with mobility and accessibility


• Promoting person centred values


• Arranging various entertainments for residents (such as quiz, bingo, board game, theatre, day trip, arts, knitting, cooking, religious service etc.)


• Encouraging all for active participation


• Providing 24 hours support and assistance


• Promoting equality and diversity


• Providing safe, secure and easy entrance and exit facilities

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the links between identity, self image and self esteem

An individual’s identity is their name, age, gender, religion, culture and ethnicity. Self image is personality that made up of an individual’s identity, unique quality, views, notions, experiences and profession. An individual without identity may not build self image. Self-esteem is by other means sense of worth or value. An individual understands their worth or values if they have self image. An individual gains self-esteem when their values are recognised and cultures, beliefs and views are respected. A graph is given below to understand the link-

                                                                                

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe different approaches to support an individual to make informed choices

• Verbal Communication: We can use different techniques of verbal communication to support an individual to make informed choices.
• Written Communication: We can communicate in written format so that an individual can read and make informed choice. This can be providing menu, leaflet, brochure and Braille services.
• Visual Display: We can show all of the choices available at that time so that they can recognise and choose. We also can show picture, symbol and sign to make informed choices.
• Translation or Interpreter Service: We can provide translation or interpreter service to support an individual with language and cultural differences to make informed choices.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how to promote the understanding and use of active participation

Before promoting active participation, one must have sufficient knowledge about it. Therefore, we will be required to accomplish training and qualifications. When we are occupied with appropriate knowledge and skills then we may help others to achieve it. We may also arrange training, discussion and provide leaflet about benefit of using active participation. We can encourage individual to active participation by arranging activity interests to them.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how to work with an individual and others to agree how active participation will be implemented

Every individual is unique and so do their choice, preferences and tastes. An individual’s interests and choices can be found in care plan. We also can contact their family members to find out most recent interests. It is a best practice to inform individual about activities beforehand so that they can choose whether to attend or not. If they would like to attend then care worker can discuss with the residents to be agreed on level of support they would like to have. Therefore, a brochure or leaflet for weekly activities can be supplied to every individual to plan ahead for their activity. It also can help social care workers to make a schedule for their residents to provide support with their daily activity. Communication is one of the vital tools to work with an individual and others (family, friends, activity co-ordinator, and supervisor) to agree on how active participation will be implemented.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how the holistic needs of an individual can be addressed by active participation

Active participation supports an individual to attend all kind of activities including meetings, discussions and socialisation, where they are able to have their say on the matter concerns to them. It helps them feeling more valued and gaining self-esteem which helps them to identify their needs and express liberally. It also increases the opportunity of social interaction which helps them to identify needs and become more liberate to express their needs.

Example: 

• An individual with a broken spectacle went to the daily activity, and came to know from another resident, that his spectacle was repaired by community optician in here. She asked us to arrange the same service for her.
• An individual became aware from our welfare meeting, that we will arrange church service on every Sunday and she expressed an interest to go.


By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be readily established

If consent cannot be readily established then a social care worker should act on an understanding of individual’s health and wellbeing status. A social care worker must understand the individual’s needs and preferences. They should understand whether the individual has mental capacity to make decision or not. They must have all relevant information available and explain properly so that the individual can understand and take the decision. They can also contact family members, advocate and power of attorney for gaining consent. If an adult with mental capacity makes decision to refuse care or treatment at any point, then the decision must be respected and service procedures can be stopped. In the following circumstances care can be provided without consent -

• An individual doesn’t have mental capacity to make decision about their care and treatment due to inability to understand, retain and use information.


• If an individual requires emergency treatment or care to save their life and they are unable to give consent.


By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain how to establish consent for an activity or action

Consent to care can be found in care plan. It is also important to obtain verbal consent prior to any activity or action. It is a good practice to ask for consent each time before carrying out each task, as it preserves and respects individual’s dignity. An individual with mental capacity or without capacity can be asked for consent prior to an activity or event. We have to explain in full about the activity before asking for consent and also any consequence for non-compliance. We can obtain consent verbally, in writings or understanding body language and gestures. If any activity or action needed to be undertaken for an individual without mental capacity then it has to be in person’s best interest. We may also seek support from family members, friends, social service, therapists, GP and nurses to obtain consent if it is in individual’s best interest.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Explain the importance of monitoring an individual’s changing needs or preferences

Observations and monitoring are vital in health and social care. An individual’s needs and preferences are not constant. It fluctuates due to their health, wellbeing, interest and mood. Something they liked entire their life, may not continue to like it. Even something they never liked before, may show an interest to it. An individual may start life journey with two legs but they may not have two legs or can use both legs at any point of time of their life. For this reason, it is very important to monitor an individual’s physical and mental health changes, as well as needs and preferences, so that we can adapt with these changes and deliver care according to their current needs.

An individual in our service provision may develop other medical conditions which may interrupt their ability and preferences. Due to constant unexpected changes to an individual’s life, level of support fluctuates. An individual may need more or less support as part of their care, because of these changes, which affect their ability and preferences. We should also be vigilant that all of our practices are meeting their changing needs and preferences.  Therefore, we must have to monitor an individual’s changing needs and preferences to determine level of support, and to provide support maintaining person centred values and their current needs. If we do not monitor an individual's needs or preferences then we will be unaware of individual's current needs and can cause harm.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar

Describe ways to put person centred values into practice in a complex or sensitive situation

If we can determine the issue in any complex or sensitive situation,  then we can always seek advice from GP, specialists nurse or health professionals, family members and friends. We can also take best interests decision if individuals are unable to take best decision themselves. Two complex situations are being described here in below:

v  An individual in my service provision is suffering from Schizophrenia, likes to go out himself as part of his rights and choice. By not letting him go out, makes him aggressive towards staffs, furniture and other residents. I had to evaluate the situation and took into account his status of mental health, rights, choices, safety and others safety. I then consulted with his GP and called for best interest meeting with social service, family members, manager and GP. I proposed for him to go out just in the garden with a carer whenever he wants. Family members have advised us to contact them if things get worse. His GP prescribed him relaxation medication as and when needed basis. We all have been agreed to this. I have updated his care plan and put an action plan to check his whereabouts every 15 minutes and also advised to leave garden door unlocked, so that he can exercise his freedom of movement.

 

v  An individual in my service provision is suffering from dementia, has communication difficulties. I have been aware that she only drinks but does not eat anything. She is on normal diet and has no known allergy or restriction. Evaluating the situation, I went through her care plan (such as biography, nutritional needs, wishes and preferences) but could not establish any reason for being not interested on our food. I have contacted local dietician and nurses but we all have been failed on this occasion. Then I have contacted her daughter about this issue and she said they believe in Judaism and her mom will not eat anything unless it is Kosher. I have informed the kitchen manager and they have arranged Kosher meal for her. I have updated her care plan and put an action plan for all staff to follow - that her meal must have been labelled as Kosher when serving. I have also requested kitchen manager to make a customised menu for her.

By Md Foisal Miah Talukdar