Laura Burton

I understand that the care assistant thinks she is doing best by Mrs Jones by trying to tell her she has to put her pearls and synthetic wig on because she is aware that this has always been Mrs Jone’s routine and the image she has always held. For the dignity of Mrs Jones I believe that although she has dementia, she does still have rights and therefore it should be entirely Mrs Jones choice what she wants to wear and how she wants to look. Mrs Jones may not remember herself in that way and therefore this could make Mrs Jones become overwhelmed and agitated and then possibly not want to go out at all. I believe that the care assistant did the right thing by asking Mrs Jones a couple of times as this could have reminded her but if she still said no, I think that the care assistant should respect that and as long as Mrs Jones is happy her autonomy is adhered by and her decision is not causing her any harm, discomfort or distress then she should be able to make her own choices and wear what she likes. In my opinion the care assistants bald statement “But you can’t go to church bald- your daughter will be very upset”. Sarah argues. It’s the Christening today- there will be photos….”. was a very unethical and unprofessional statement. This statement could have a big impact on Mrs Jones self-esteem. If she doesn’t understand and does not remember that is how she used to look, she could think that the care assistant is telling her that she doesn’t look good naturally for photos without her synthetic wig or pearls. She may also feel low because she may take this statement the wrong way and think that her family are ashamed of her for the way she chooses to look now. I also believe that although it would be sad for her family to see her differently to how she used to look, if they love her then they will also want what is best for her and her wishes because they will just value spending time with her being happy than if she was forced to do

something she didn’t want and therefore she may not enjoy her day and this could reflect how she is with her family at the christening.