Supportive care focuses on meeting the wants and needs of the service user. Oppressive care prioritises the values, needs and choices of someone other than the service user. Donna is an extremely busy service worker in an aged care residence. Phillip needs help showering and getting dressed. If Donna approaches her role as being task orientated rather than person focused, she risks de-humanising Phillip.
It’s time for Phillip to have a shower.
Donna, a support worker, enters Phillip’s bathroom and immediately turns on the shower.
Donna knocks on the door then she asks Phillip if he had a good night and if he’s ready for his shower now.
Even though he would like to wear his favourite shirt today, Donna just grabs the first shirt she sees when she opens his closet because it’s easiest for her.
Ask Phillip what he would like to wear. She could organise this the night before when there is more time.
Assisting Phillip to shower as quickly as possible.
Phillip finds a long shower relaxing and often likes to just sit and feel the warm water flow over him.
Buttoning Phillip’s shirt without allowing him time to do it himself.
Phillip likes to button his own shirt and will ask for assistance if required.
Silently performing tasks to get them done as quickly as possible.
Use shower and dressing time to chat and get to know each other.
Once the tasks are finished, Donna immediately rushes out of the room.
Hand Phillip the call bell and ask if there is anything else you can do for him.
The end