Kwan Ching Wu

In this situation, Mrs Jones has strongly expressed her will to not wear a wig for the big day. However, Sarah, the care assistant, did not take in her words at all. Instead, she expressed in strong words that she prohibited Mrs Jones from going to church without a wig as she sees that as “undignified”. Sarah in this scenario has placed upon her own view and perspective over Mrs Jone’s autonomy.

As a carer, it is important to communicate well with the person in care and help them in achieving what they want to achieve, or, to get back into a normal life. No doubt Mrs Jones, with alopecia and dementia, is less independent and requires care from others. However, her thoughts and saying should be heard and should not be neglected. Although Mrs Jones is acting differently from how she normally would, Sarah did not give a slightest will to come to a compromise or to understand the reason behind it. Instead, she is just doing what she think is “right” to Mrs Jones to keep Mrs Jones “dignified”.

Dignity is a personal and subjective concept, which everyone has a different standard and perspective towards it. It is understandable for the act of Sarah’s as she was just trying her best prepare Mrs Jones for the special day, to look good and normal like everyone else, especially when it is a special occasion in church. As long as Mrs Jones is satisfied with her appearance and find herself “dignified”, her appearance should not be judged or forced to change. In this time-pressing situation, if possible, Sarah could have asked Mrs Jones on her reason for the action and phoned Mrs Jones’ daughter to seek help and advice, for what is the best for Mrs Jones. If Mrs Jones insisted, Sarah should let Mrs Jones leave without her wig, but advice Mrs Jones to carry her wig in her belongings as a backup, if ever needed, for Mrs Jones’ dignity.