Betty is an 82-year-old lady, who has recently moved into a care home as her Dementia was resulting in her being unable to manage at home.
Before retirement, Betty was previously a Nurse Practitioner at the local hospital. Since moving into the care home, she believes that she is
back at working at the hospital. Betty will explain that she is at work if in conversation with others and believes she is younger than the other
residents as she refers to them as ‘older people with Dementia’. Betty does not have insight into her Dementia and does not consider self-care
or leisure tasks as she believes that she is always ‘at work’. When walking by other residents’ rooms she attempts to assist them with their daily
routine and tidy their space. This results in a lot of aggression from other residents as Betty forgets that she has already been in their room
numerous times during the day. At times, Bettys relationships with other residents can become hostile due to this.
Betty is happiest when fulfilling her worker role – so when challenged to take part in other roles, more aggression can occur. Due to Bettys
perceived worker role, does not willingly engage in self-care and leisure as it is inappropriate in the ‘workplace’ and she states she is ‘too busy’.
The care home staff are concerned about Bettys health and wellbeing, and safety of other residents so call the Occupational Therapist for
some advice.
- What are your concerns for Betty?
- How would you encourage Betty to explore other meaningful activities?
- How could you incorporate Bettys worker role for her own self care and leisure?
- What information can you gather about Betty and her beleifs according to the CMOP-E?