Case Study:

One evening when you are supporting Sharon to cook an evening meal. Her parents are out of the house, but her daughter (Vanessa) and grandson (Stephen) are present.

While you are helping Sharon cut up the vegetables, Vanessa comes into the kitchen and tells you "I have to go to the shops and get some medicine from the pharmacy, because he has a flu". She asks you "would you please look after Stephen while I'm at the shops and make sure he is okay?"

Sharon says that she would be happy to but Vanessa tells Sharon "You memory isn't very good Mum, it would be better if the worker does it".

The next time you are supporting Sharon she tells you that she would like to be able to help Vanessa more with Stephen. She says that she would like to be able babysit Stephen so that Vanessa can go out more.

Sharon asks if you would be able to support her to babysit Stephen next week.

You consider that, as this is a request for support from the client, it may fall into your scope of practice.

QUESTION:

1) Consider your scope of practice; is it appropriate for you to look after Stephen? Why or Why not? As you are currently employed just to support Sharon, this is the limit of your role without consultation and approval from your supervisor.

2) How would you confirm that it would be appropriate for you to help Sharon support Stephen? Who could you contact to seek more information and clarify what you could or couldn't do?