Upcoming competition: Caring for John Jenkins:
Competition closes: Sunday 31st October 2021
What does the competition involve?
Read the scenario presented below and consider the relevant issues in relation to upholding the principles underpinning human rights. This can include (but not limited to) principles of dignity, respect, autonomy, choice, fairness and equality.
You can then either:
- a) Write a 300-400 (maximum) opinion on the scenario or
- b) Submit a 1-2-minute (maximum) audio or video recording of yourself, verbally expressing your opinion on the scenario.
Note: We are not looking for an ‘academic’ response so do not worry if you are not confident in your writing ability. The idea is for you to respond from a human perspective. No reference to theory is expected, although you can include relevant literature if you choose to. All opinions are valid, and we look forward to hearing them.
The scenario:
John Jenkins is a 75-year-old gentleman who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 5 years ago. He lived with his wife Helen during this time and has kept quite well. Helen and John were childhood sweethearts and have been married for 55 years. They had no children, but it has been a good marriage and loving relationship.
John’s dementia has progressively worsened, however he and Helen were happy living together and coping well with the support of carers who came to the house to assist John with his hygiene needs. John felt confident with the regular carers and was content to accept help, as long as Helen was close by.
Unfortunately, Helen recently had a stroke and passed away very suddenly. John came to the care home for emergency respite, where he has been for the past 5 days. However, John has become more confused in the unfamiliar environment and has started having episodes of incontinence for the first time.
John does not know where he is. He believes he is staying in a hotel and is concerned that his wife has not returned to their room. John is preoccupied with the lift in the care home. He waits by the lift throughout the day, expecting Helen to emerge from the lift each time it opens, only to become disappointed and worried when she does not appear.
John had been aware of Helen’s passing. However, he has since forgotten about this. It is likely he will become a permanent resident of the home. He has no close family or friends for support.
You work at the care home but have been on annual leave so are only just meeting John for the first time. You have been asked to care for John and to assist him with a shower. You have been told that he can be ‘resistive to care’ and may become agitated.
After the morning handover you find John sitting in his pyjamas waiting by the lift. You notice that he has been incontinent of urine.
John smiles at you nervously and says “I’m just waiting for my wife to get back. Then we can pay the bill and go home”.
What might your approach be in this situation?
How can I submit my entry to the competition?
Submit your written word document or video entry via the online form attached: FORM
You will need to complete the very brief form (should take you only 20-30 seconds at most) and then send your entry to the email link provided.
Remember, your entry can be written (300 words max) or be a 1-2 minutes audio/video recording. You can be as creative as you like. You may choose to write a poem, write it from the perspective of the person or even sing it as a song! Or, you may just choose to submit a written opinion- it’s up to you! Have a look at the previous competition entrants below for inspiration.
What will the prizes be?
First Prize: £75 Amazon voucher
Second Prize £50 Amazon voucher
Third Prize £25 Amazon voucher
All entrants will receive a certificate of participation for their CPD (electronic copy).
A small number of people may be asked if we may publish your entry on this website, even if you are not one of the winners. You can provide your consent to this by ticking the relevant box on the online form.
Who is funding this?
HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales) is funding this as part of the civic mission project to raise awareness of dementia.
Who will be judging the entries?
The panel will include:
Lesley Butcher (Lecturer in Nursing, Cardiff University)
Nigel Hullah (Former Human Rights Lawyer, Chair of 3 Nations Dementia Working group, living with dementia)
Dr Andy Woodhead (Former Director of a Multinational Business and Academic, living with dementia)
Care Home Manager (to be confirmed)
What is the closing date for submissions?
Please submit your entry no later than Sunday 31st October 2021 by 5pm
We are looking forward to receiving your submission. Best of luck!