Meeting the Needs of Service Users with Down Syndrome

This report discusses the care needs of an individual with Down Syndrome and outlines a care plan to address their physical and mental health needs, as well as promote independence and self-care. The report covers topics such as speech therapy, physical therapy, special education, and nursing interventions. The case scenario of Ola, a 30-year-old man with Down Syndrome, is used to illustrate the care plan. The report also highlights the importance of person-centered care and the use of assistive technology to promote independence.

Meeting the Needs of
Service Users

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
The down syndrome prevailed due to chromosomal errors. According to the studies, the
phenotypic characteristics of Down syndrome includes facial features and intellectual disabilities
(Bush and et. al., 2018). People suffering syndrome also have large variability in cognitive traits
and modifiability. Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an additional
chromosome number 21 in the developing infants. It occurs more frequently as mother gets old.
It is always associated with multiple development intellectual disabilities which vary from
moderate to severe and person to person. Studies conclude that physical problem which are also
related to Trisomy are heart defects, problem in hearing and vision, whereas, more serious
problem include small bowel obstruction (it can halt food passing from stomach into large
bowel), coeliac disease, reflux, imperforate anus etc. (Hill, 2018) Most individuals attain quality
of care and support by individualized in regards with their special needs. The report includes
demonstration of care needs of an individual who is dealing with Down Syndrome. Moreover, it
delineates the care plan of individual that might work on his various aspects such as physical
movement, learning skills that can be used for job profile and also encouragement for
independence.
MAIN BODY
Case Scenario
Ola is 30-year-old man with down syndrome who was living dependently with his
parents all his life. His parents supported him throughout his life and have done several things
for him which involves daily activities such as dressing him and so on. Ola has never learnt to
cook, travel alone and also he do not have job as well. His parents are frail now and struggling
whether they support themselves or maintain care and support for Ola.
Care Needs of individual
According to studies, it has been determined that as compare to normal beings,
individuals suffering from down syndrome have delay development or slow at learning, which
can also include such as cooking, dressing themselves, sitting, standing, talking etc, that can help
to fulfill their care needs (McKibben, 2019). Eventually, they develop these skills by observing
and learning, it just they need time to learn these basic skills of human beings. In the case of Ola,
he is completely dependent on his parents, his care needs that can be summarized as, he can start

with learning daily activities such dressing himself, cooking at home so that he can support his
parents. It might take time to develop, sense of independence in Ola's lifestyle.
According to studies, it has been considered that people with Trisomy syndrome have
variety of illnesses, which are called as health needs of a person and requires prevention and
quality of care. The health needs illnesses include thyroid, depression, diabetes, Alzheimer etc.
(Bush and et. al., 2018). These health needs can make Ola to visit health care center frequently
for health screening and administration of illnesses. As a social worker as there are high demands
to monitor to analyses risk factors such as sleep apena, hypothyroidism, compression of spinal
cord and also dementia may be considered essential disease to monitor.
Studies concluded that these illnesses can lead an individual to mortality (Santy-
Tomlinsonand Mackintosh-Franklin, 2020). Moreover, individuals with Down Syndrome, have
other complex need such as autistic or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It is
also consisted with ordinary illness such as behavior changing, in exceptional cases, it can also
loss of function failure (Sciaraffa, Zeanah and Zeanah, 2018). Hence, in order to prevent these
illnesses and their associated risk factors Ola needs to learn good use public transports as well,
which can also promote self-learning of an individual. This will help his parents to minimize
their struggles in regards with their son.
As per the studies, it has been discovered that patients who are suffering from syndrome
should be keep distracting themselves from negative thoughts. There most common mental
distress such as depression and hypertension of Down Syndrome (Taub and et. al., 2017). These
two factors can affect progress of development of a person. In order addressed care needs of Ola,
I will consider APIE model for assessment. This can be appropriate model for administration of
Ola, it is determined as problem solving and acre planning. In the following the Ola's care needs
have been identified of an individual need with the aid of APRIE component.
Assessment
It is a systematic intergeneration of qualitative and qualitative data should be attained
through an individual (Bush and et. al., 2018). It is an initial step to determined physiological
status of an individual such as routine observation of the temperature, weight, blood pressure and
pulse rate. Under the another aspects of patient's ideas, desires, expectations and concept are
developed, as a social worker can fulfil whole needs of patient (Mengoni and Redman, 2019).
For the evaluation of Ola's care needs systematic integration of physical health assessment is

required, such as as motoring the body weight and temperature of body. It also involves
individual's strength preferences, aspiration and personal goals assessment is required in order to
identify the final care needs of the patient. In the case of Ola, it has been determined the body
wight and pulse rate of an individual is normal, his strength is education which he appeared till
age of 18, another strength of Ola's can be interest and self concern about the improvement of
health condition in order to become independent and improve quality of life. He requires the
physical support, to perform daily life activities. It is important to demonstrate person centered
understanding to Ola.
Nursing Diagnosis
The major areas for diagnoses are: Delay or slow growth development which is related
to impaired ability to attain development tasks. It can also involve self-care deficit such as
bathing and hygiene, dressing, feeding, toileting by their own which is in regards with cognitive
impairment (Sciaraffa, Zeanah and Zeanah, 2018). Another, diagnoses elements hat can be
include as impaired verbal communication which is in regards impaired receptive as well as
expressive skills of an individual.
Planning
A plan should focus on the patient preference, biological elements which are essential to
assure the patient centered care plan, that can be recorded, observed, directive and can be
understood (Taylor, Vasquez and Donehower, 2017). I have determined that on the basis of
APIE theory, planning of an individual should be person center care, valuing needs of patient
and the social model of disability. Person centered care is type of care, under which an
individual's needs administrated or accomplished by GP along with the person's medical needs,
which can help an individual to attain his desirable goals, whereas model of disabilities can
involve the model of management.
Goals
The major goals that can determined for Ola are as follows:
An individual will able to learn, to perform daily activities such as cooking, bathing and
dressing. He will attain learning of self-care and self-hygiene which can beneficial him to
manage individual care. An individual can able to use public transport to travel alone. An
individual will able to develop effective communication in which he will be to explains and

express his needs. Also, goal is to search job role for Ola, to provide employment. Moreover,
there is illustration of person-centered care plan in regards with identification of Ola's needs.
In the case of Ola, individual model of the disabilities can help to identify physical as
well as mental disabilities, which are due to his genetic disorder. On the other hand, there are
lack of understanding, awareness and anxiousness of social participation of an individual. Due to
lack of employment of people with disabilities, decay of understanding of public facilities as
well as there is lack of accommodations (Bush and et. al., 2018).
Speech therapy
There is need of speech therapy in the case of Ola. The down syndrome consist of
development of vocabulary intervention that can help Ola to express himself. As there are lack of
self-care and management, so there is high demands of self-care education for Ola to understood.
It can help an individual to learn vocabulary and the way it should be expressed to someone.
Person centered care learning
In this, involvement of proper self-hygienic, healthy diet, behavior and knowledge of
public transport will be demonstrated to Ola. The person centered care also focus on the
management of individualized care (Bush and et. al., 2018). There is need to demonstrate the
awareness of use of public transport to Ola, within UK, there are list of facilities are considered
to facilitate an individual with disability for traveling, such as passenger assistance schemes,
travel cards, safe place as well as audio information and so on.
Physical therapy
In the case of Ola, it can be considered as most essential factor which can help an
individual to improve his physical movement. It can also aid him to live independently. Physical
therapists can help him to learn balance, strength, movement skills and also coordination of body
muscles. Collectively all these factor may help an individual to learn quality of life and can help
to improve independence of daily activities (Verkuyl, and et. al., 2017). There are key exercise
which should be performed by Ola that are jumping, skipping as well as dribbling. Therapists
can also aid him to determine appropriate exercise and diet.
Special education
Due to lack of Ola's skills and self-care learning as there are high demand of
individualism and self management, in which main learning which should be provided to him,
are maintaining proper hygiene, healthy dietary pattern, behavior and also public transportation

learning and knowledge. In UK several facilitates are being provided to people who are with
disabilities. Such as audio information, travel assistance card and so on (Nightengale and et. al.,
2017).
Nursing Intervention
Nursing interventions can be concluded as:
Render adequate nutrition & Frequent Consultation:
Maintaining balance diet is essential part of quality of care. Due to health complications,
the Ola's diet must include balance amount of proteins and vitamins. Nurses should also promote
the information of proper way of intake of food and should provide a good nutrition counselling
(Bush and et. al., 2018). Whereas, Frequent checkups of hearing and vision can help to review
progress report of an individuals. It can also provide a support to service user.
Valuate understanding of Trisomy 21
Educating an individual in respect to their illness can play effective role in developing
independence. Through this intervention, nurse practitioner can demonstrate required care witch
should be followed by Ola can be demonstrated, in order to deal with disorder independently.
Promote emotional support & Foster motivation
Patients who are dealing with Down syndrome have several mental disabilities such as
depressions, social isolation and also complicated anxieties (Santy-Tomlinsonand Mackintosh-
Franklin, 2020). As a social worker, I will like to arrange the relevant accommodation for Ola.
For the effective result of Ola, it is important to motivate him for his positive behaviors as well
as social gathering. I will also provide support Ola during these trying times, as people dealing
with syndrome need concrete support and guidance, from time they started developing sense of
independence.
Assistive technology
Ola also needs learn a good use of assistive technology. It is a staff responsibility to make
sure Ola is being assisted for the work activities. It can be acknowledged by relevant supportive
tools, such as touch screen, three sided pencil's touchscreen, usage of keyboard with large
graphics (Sciaraffa, Zeanah and Zeanah, 2018). As a social worker I will make sure availability
of each facilities to Ola. I will like to collaborate with technical specialist in regards with Ola to
promote learning of appropriate tools along with aid he can do work in specific job role.
Employment can be effective intervention which can help to promote independence. I have also

shortlisted a jobs and also contacted with organisation in regards with patient technical support
needs and can able send technical specialist in order to aid the Ola with assistive technologies for
smooth working.
Implementation
It is key step which describe the process of care and also involves the application of
relevant care plan by ensuring the clear inputs. This step also involves the intervention that can
help an individual to self-care. In order to apply person centered care strategy, I have developed
therapeutic relationship with Ola, so that he will be free to communicate with me in regards with
his queries or problem. On the basis of Valuing people plan and Care Plan Act-, it has
determined that it is mandatory to manage care practices, task as well as therapeutic relationship
with the implementation of relevant skills (Taub and et. al., 2017). I will also make sure
implementation of effective communication skills, patience and also required attention in order
to manage the Ola. I will also make sure that individual is being treated with respect and dignity
as well as queries and considerations should respond me and manage properly.
Evaluation
Evaluation is a final stage which cover the implementation of care plan, which have
considered and ensure that goals of an individual have been fulfilled and addressed. It is type of
clinical review which also involves the cerebration of professional development of the nurse
practitioners and also main element of learning procedure. The determined criteria of care plan is
to recognize the key factors of the improvisation such as Ola care plan evaluation is about
determining progress in his muscle movements, fine motor skills, communication and level of
social participation of a person. In the case of Ola, the major objectives are to achieved as it can
be attested by progress report of a person. He will be to do daily activities such as cooking,
dressing and bathing etc. which can facilitate his parents and able to minimize their burden of
illness towards Ola. It can also evidence by an individual performs self-care as well as self-
control all over him (Verkuyl, and et. al., 2017).
REFLECTION
From above care plan assessment, I have developed multiple skills in which most of them
are professionals and whereas some skills belongs to my self-learning and help me in future
practice. Below, there is brief explanation with the help of Gibbs reflection model.

Description -I have administrated an individual, name Ola Adeyemi, who was 30 years
old and a patient of Down syndrome. His parents were taking a good care of him, by doing daily
activities such as dressing. But due to ageing, they were found to be in dilemma whether they
support themselves or continue the constant care to Ola. As a social care, I have analysed the
patient care needs which are attained as improvement in physical movements, speech,
socialisation and also awareness of using public transport) and determined a care plan which
involves physical therapy, language therapy etc.
My role was to coordinate with all specific GP in regards with care plan intervention,
such as I contacted with physical therapist, speech therapist etc. The outcome that has been
observed that an individual can lead to lifetime progression and independence along with
relevant employment. I was there to provide support and appropriate advice to patient and his
family to overcome with this situation. My main aim was to make Ola independent, so that he
would able to take care by himself without any external help.
Feelings- At the time of administrating Ola, I felt compassionate towards his situation
and health complications which he was dealing. My predications were positive that Ola will able
to achieve quality of life. I have also observed that he was also taking initiatives while
performing task, by his own after providing assistance. I have analysed that his parents were
seem to be supportive towards my ideology and interventions. According to me, I have also
analysed that his family is satisfied with final results and they also recognized Ola's
improvement. In most of time, I was feeling anxious and doubtful about my services, whether,
they will be helpful to attain desirable goals for an individual or not. After, achieving positive
outcomes for Ola, I am feeling relieved.
Evaluation
One of the most effective skill that I have achieved to learn from this assessment is to
application of care planning framework APIE. I have learned numerous care models such as
valuing people plan, social model of disabilities. I have determined that Ola was willing and
coordinating with me in order to learn and can fulfil his special needs, this can considered as a
good experience of practice. While Ola was not able to speak and had hearing problems issues,
so there were times, when I was not able to express task or my feelings to him, which I will
consider as bad experience of my practice. According to me, I have made a strong interaction
with Ola and his family which went well, but there were still communication errors. I have

contributed effective strategies and formulated accurate care plan that will facilitate Ola to
overcome with barriers.
Analysis
From case of Ola, I have achieved learning that each individual has right to live quality of
life, no matter what, if they born with disability. I have attained knowledge that proper care
planning interventions can be beneficial to improve quality of life of a person.
Action Plan
I am glad that I have attained learning that each individual requires a support in variety of
aspects. In which some wants social and emotional support, and whereas, some requires personal
or physical support from service providers. In order to improve my self-practice, I will use this
experience in my future practice which can help me attained more effective results.
CONCLUSION
Overall, it have been considered that Down syndrome occurs, due to genetic disorder in
individual's body. It can affect an individual in different aspects which can lead an individual to
face physical as well as mental health challenges. In order to make an individual's improvement,
the responsibility of social workers are to determined care needs of an individual. For the Ola
care plan, the determined care needs where in regards with physical activities, speech, motor
skills and so on. In this assessment, I am able to learn effective communication skills,
professional skills along with care plan evaluation process by which I have attained positive
outcome for a person. It can help in my future practice.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bush, D., and et. al.,2018. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for developing pulmonary
hypertension in children with Down syndrome. The Journal of pediatrics, 202, pp.212-219.
Hill, R., 2018. Planning, Implementation Evaluation Process of (APIE): Nursing and The.
Essentials of Nursing Practice, p.205.
McKibben, L., 2019. Exploring the value of reflexivity in learning disability research. Learning
Disability Practice, 22(6).
Mengoni, S.E. and Redman, S., 2019. Evaluating health visitors' existing knowledge of Down
syndrome and the effect of a training workshop. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual
Disabilities, 16(1), pp.30-36.
Nightengale, E., and et. al., 2017. Understanding hearing and hearing loss in children with Down
syndrome. American Journal of Audiology, 26(3), pp.301-308.
Santy-Tomlinson, J. and Mackintosh-Franklin, C., 2020. How to be a Great Nurse–the Heart of
Nursing. M&K Update Ltd.
Sciaraffa, M.A., Zeanah, P.D. and Zeanah, C.H., 2018. Understanding and promoting resilience
in the context of adverse childhood experiences. Early Childhood Education Journal, 46(3),
pp.343-353.
Taub, J.W., and et. al., 2017. Improved outcomes for myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome: a
report from the Children’s Oncology Group AAML0431 trial. Blood, The Journal of the
American Society of Hematology, 129(25), pp.3304-3313.
Taylor, M.S., Vasquez, E. and Donehower, C., 2017. Computer programming with early
elementary students with Down syndrome. Journal of Special Education Technology, 32(3),
pp.149-159.
VanZant, J.S. and McCormick, A.A., 2021. Health care transition for individuals with Down
syndrome: A needs assessment. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A.
Verkuyl, M., and et. al., 2017. Virtual gaming simulation in nursing education: a focus group
study. Journal of Nursing Education, 56(5), pp.274-280.

Appendix 1
Ola Adeyemi centred care plan
Assessment Nursing
diagnosis
Goals and
outcomes
Interventions Implementati
on
Evaluation
The areas in
which there is
need of
improvement
are physical
activities,
motor skills ,
education,
awareness,
self-care and
healthy diet of
Ola.
Speech
therapy,
physical
disabilities,
intellectual
and cognitive
skills
problems.
Improvisation
in speech and
motor skills.
Inclination of
awareness and
knowledge
about self
care,
dependency,
achieve goal
job role.
Special
education,
knowledge of
using public
transport,
physical
therapy,
speech
therapies and
assistive
technology
and emotional
and social
support to an
individual.
Effective
relationship to
attain patients
trust ans
support in the
care process.
Motivation
and social
support should
be provided to
an individual
which can help
him to
encourage
improvements.
Improvement
in the
individual
participants to
social
gathering.
Patient will
able to take
self care and
will be eligible
for using
public
transport.
Achievement
of job role and
related
accommodatio
ns.