Strengthening Care Relationships: Case-Based Approach to Client and Family-Centered Care

QUESTION

For this assessment you will be observed using strength-based solutions to respond to three clients and their family members or significant others.

Three different case studies are provided. Participate in a skills practice session as the worker with each of the three “clients” and significant others.

Case studies

Case study 1: Malcolm

Craig is an experienced HACC support worker. He was recently assigned to support Malcolm, who has an acquired brain injury (ABI). Four months ago, Malcolm was walking across a busy road and was hit by a car. Malcolm, who is in his mid-forties, had been a sales consultant for a telecommunications company, but now he is left with impaired mobility and speech function. Malcolm’s wife Alice works extra shifts in a clothing factory and much of the primary support role seems to be undertaken by the couple’s twelve year old son Ben. There isn’t any indication in the individualised support plan that Ben is the primary carer, but Craig is aware that Ben seems to be missing quite a lot of school and that he often seems tired. The family appears quite close, and Ben and his father seem to share an affectionate relationship.

Case study 2: Lily

Lily is a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which means both her arms and legs are affected. In Lily’s case, the muscles of her trunk, face and mouth are also partially affected and her intellectual capacity and eyesight is diminished. Lily lives at home with her mother Judith, who provides much of her support outside of the hours that support worker Rhonda is on duty. Judith had to go from a well paid, full-time job, to a part-time job, so the family is struggling financially. At least once a week, Judith’s parents Ron and Beth provide back-up support for Lily, so that Rhonda can have some time off for shopping or to attend appointments. Ron and Beth have recently retired and they would like to take a twelve month extended holiday to travel around Australia.

Case study 3: Angelina

Angelina is a 72-year-old woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Her 73-year-old husband Giovanni has been diagnosed with dementia. Angelina’s care and support needs emerged first and Giovanni has been caring for her. They receive aged care services such as home modification, aids and equipment, transport and house cleaning. Angelina and Giovanni’s son Luca, is working up north and doesn’t get home much. Their daughter Anna lives nearby and helps out when she can, but with three young children under ten and a fulltime job, her life is very busy. Recently, Angelina has been given a date for the hip replacement surgery she has been waiting two years for. On confirmation of Giovanni’s diagnosis, both Angelina and Giovanni’s needs as carers for each other are currently being re-assessed.

Care Plan (partial) Malcom

Date:31/07/2023

Care alerts:

For example: Allergies, drug reactions, smoker, falls risk, diabetic.

Care Needs:

For example: Speech and language, hearing, Vision, comprehension, mobility, ambulance transfer.

Personal care requirements:

For example: Continence, toileting regime, aids, shower and washing, toiletries, hair care, dressing assistance, clothing, grooming, teeth, dentures, nail/foot care, skin care, eating and drinking.

Care relationship:

For example: Role of carers, family members and significant others.

Assessment of current status of the care relationships:

For example: Routine and unpredictable problems, potential risks of change to the care relationships.

Plan for responding to the changes in the care relationships:

For example: Strength-based solutions to respond to both routine and unpredictable problems in the care relationships, involving all in the response.

Care Plan (partial) Lily

Date:

Care alerts:

For example: Allergies, drug reactions, smoker, falls risk, diabetic.

Care Needs:

For example: Speech and language, hearing, Vision, comprehension, mobility, ambulance transfer.

Personal care requirements:

For example: Continence, toileting regime, aids, shower and washing, toiletries, hair care, dressing assistance, clothing, grooming, teeth, dentures, nail/foot care, skin care, eating and drinking.

Care relationship:

For example: Role of carers, family members and significant others.

Assessment of current status of the care relationships:

For example: Routine and unpredictable problems, potential risks of change to the care relationships.

Plan for responding to the changes in the care relationships:

For example: Strength-based solutions to respond to both routine and unpredictable problems in the care relationships, involving all in the response.

Care Plan (partial) Angelina

Date:

Care alerts:

For example: Allergies, drug reactions, smoker, falls risk, diabetic.

Care Needs:

For example: Speech and language, hearing, Vision, comprehension, mobility, ambulance transfer.

Personal care requirements:

For example: Continence, toileting regime, aids, shower and washing, toiletries, hair care, dressing assistance, clothing, grooming, teeth, dentures, nail/foot care, skin care, eating and drinking.

Care relationship:

For example: Role of carers, family members and significant others.

Assessment of current status of the care relationships:

For example: Routine and unpredictable problems, potential risks of change to the care relationships.

Plan for responding to the changes in the care relationships:

For example: Strength-based solutions to respond to both routine and unpredictable problems in the care relationships, involving all in the response.

ANSWER

Strengthening Care Relationships: Case-Based Approach to Client and Family-Centered Care

Introduction

In the field of healthcare, particularly in situations involving clients and their families facing complex health conditions, a strength-based approach is essential to foster care relationships and enhance overall well-being. This essay explores three case studies and develops care plans that integrate strength-based solutions to address routine and unpredictable problems in care relationships.

Case Study 1: Malcolm

Craig, an experienced HACC support worker, encounters Malcolm, who has an acquired brain injury (ABI) due to a road accident. Despite the challenges, Malcolm’s family, including his wife Alice and their son Ben, shares an affectionate bond. Strength-based solutions would involve recognizing Ben’s role as a primary caregiver and ensuring his well-being. By collaborating with school authorities, providing him with additional support, and offering respite care, the care relationship can be enhanced.

Case Study 2: Lily

Lily, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, relies on the support of her mother Judith, support worker Rhonda, and grandparents Ron and Beth. Financial strain and caregiving responsibilities have led to potential burnout for Judith. A strength-based approach involves involving community resources like respite care programs, connecting with local support groups, and facilitating financial assistance to alleviate their stress. This collaborative effort will nurture care relationships and promote holistic well-being.

Case Study 3: Angelina

Angelina, struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, is also the primary caregiver for her husband Giovanni, who has dementia. Their children, Luca and Anna, provide sporadic support due to their own commitments. Strength-based solutions would encompass coordinating with aged care services to provide adequate support to both Angelina and Giovanni. Connecting with local dementia support groups and arranging home health aides can alleviate caregiving burdens and nurture family relationships.

Conclusion

The strength-based approach is pivotal in enhancing care relationships and promoting the well-being of clients and their families. By recognizing the strengths and resources within the client’s ecosystem, healthcare professionals can create tailored care plans that address routine and unpredictable problems. Collaboration with various stakeholders, such as schools, community organizations, and support groups, is crucial in ensuring a holistic and effective approach to client and family-centered care.