Case Study 1

Mrs Walker is a 72 year old lady who lives alone and until recently was in her own home with a care package.

Mrs Walker has a diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia (4 months) and has deteriorated both physically and mentally over the last 8 weeks, she habitually paces up and down even though she has very poor balance and appears very pale and tired.

Mrs Walker has been deemed to have 'lost capacity' by her Psychogeriatrcian and the Enduring Power of Attorney has been enacted.

Mrs Walker's family and the health team caring for her have all agreed that she is a danger to herself and others, a decision has been made to place her in a residential facility within a secure environment.

Mrs Walker has had to be physically escorted into the residential facility and is very distressed.

Mrs Walker has a severe contracture of her right hand caused by burns received in her kitchen 11 months ago, her noncompliance with physiotherapy have rendered that hand useless.

Mrs Walker weighed 62kgs a year ago, today she weighs 34.5kgs. Her family advise you that she is refusing to eat and that they often find Mrs Walkers dentures in bizarre places around the house, they tell you that Mrs Walker is still drinking plenty

3b) Discuss the type of restraint used for Mrs Walker and describe your obligations once it is in place.

4a) You are unable to weigh Mrs Walker as she is not compliant. Discuss in detail at least 4 possible reasons for Mrs Walkers weight loss. (Please note that it is not acceptable to produce a list without detailing giving reasons)