Question

Cherrie has Down syndrome and also experiences episodes of mental health issues associated with having schizophrenia. Cherrie lives in her own unit, which has a small courtyard. She receives support with her daily living activities. 

When the worker attends one morning, she finds Cherrie very upset, saying men in a helicopter came down close to the clothesline and stole all her underwear. She then states that a burglar has stolen her money from her little toolbox (where she keeps her weekly spending cash and her bank book). Cherrie says she wants help to go to the police. The worker checks Cherrie’s medication and notes that she hasn’t taken her medication for 20 hours.

1. what steps should the worker take to ensure a positive and respectful relationship with Cherrie is maintained?

2. After checking Cherrie's little toolbox, the worker finds that there is no money in it. what steps should the worker take to follow up Cherrie's claim of being robbed?

3. what could the worker do to support Cherrie to become more empowered in this situation?

4. what are some assumptions about the situation and how might these influence a person's view of what has occurred?
   

Answer 1

1.When caring for cherrie with Downs syndrome ,it is important to remember that she may struggle with speech,learning,mobility,thinking and self care needs.She must be treated with dignity and respect even she explains situations that are not true or may not happened.Always the worker should provide quality care with a positive attitude.

2.After checking the tool box,the worker finds no money,instead of directly going to the police she should check all through the house,that there are chances where she might have forgotten or kept somewhere,If the situation has really happened they should go to the police with proper evidence.

3.First of all it is observed that her medication has been missed for about 20 hours.The worker should guide her and make her take the medicine first and give her social support.Positive reinforcement and role playing might help her particularly in encouraging her to be socialised with people around her.Her daily living activities must also include acceptable behaviors like waving goodbye,saying hello,responding to their name,and to greet any visitors.The worker should take care of her time to time.

4.some assumptions by cherrie like helicopter one is generally a mental health illness as stated.It is an abnormal social behavior and the failure to understand what is real.Lack of motivation causes more in such kind of situations.