Topic: Supported decision making

Norma, has been living in the care home for some time, but appears to be becoming increasingly confused and has started to refuse her medication. The care staff, who know her well, have noticed that she quickly forgets what they explain verbally and have made efforts to make accessible information cards with pictures of each medication for her to keep at hand so she can remind herself whenever she feels anxious about it. However, although this strategy has created a helpful conversational context around giving medication, it has not resolved the problem. Staff have noticed though, that when the GP visits her Norma is happy to take her medication from him and so they try adding a photograph of the GP to the cards they have made to see if that helps Norma feel more reassured. It seems that, with the addition of the photograph, Norma is better able to relate to the information on the card and now she usually agrees to accept her medication when offered.

What do you need to know more about with regards to this situation?

What specific elements of the MCA might apply?

How might your preconceptions/assumptions about this person influence you?

How would you ensure your approach is ethical and unbiased?

How do you ensure you are communicating in a way to involve the individual in the decisions made about them?

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