Enhancing Health and Social Care Services for Older Adults

The assignment highlights the importance of health and social care in providing services to individuals suffering from different physical and mental illnesses. It emphasizes that service providers should follow proper time scales and measures to provide required services to patients. The author also shares their personal experience of working with a 60-year-old patient, ensuring confidentiality and implementing organizational policies effectively to safeguard the rights of the patient.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
1.1.................................................................................................................................................4
1.2.................................................................................................................................................5
1.3.................................................................................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2A.................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 (2B)........................................................................................................................................9
2.2 (2C)........................................................................................................................................9
2.3 (5a).......................................................................................................................................10
2.4 (5b).......................................................................................................................................11
2.4 (5C)......................................................................................................................................12
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................12
3.1...............................................................................................................................................12
3.2...............................................................................................................................................13
3.3...............................................................................................................................................14
TASK 4 (IN PPT)..........................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

TABLE OF FIGURES

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development within health and social care sector is generally
concerned with development of individual personalities towards health care and social attributes.
When a person undertakes his or her own personal development plan, then he polishes himself to
be able to take care of those people who are need of some or the other kind of physical or moral
support (Calnan and Rowe, 2006). This also helps in making a personal empathetic enough to
understand sufferings of people. Being part of a training module, researcher here will undertake a
discussion about the attributes to be followed within healthcare settings. Different case studies
have been provided within research paper which will allow researcher to provide clear
understanding of general healthcare practices and also about the ways to develop an individual
personality. Different styles and theories of learning will also be studied within along with
development of a personality development plan and self assessment.
TASK 1
1.1
Being a part of health and social care organization, it is very important for each and every
individual to understand the manner in which they are supposed to treat people suffering from
different illness or physical deformity such as HIV, Tuberculosis, etc. So, in order to handle
patients with such critical illness, I as a care worker need to follow some moral, ethical and
personal attributes which will help me in providing better care to these patients. The factors that
will help me further on focusing on better healthcare aid are as mentioned below:
Own culture and experience
Being just a pass out from college, I am not that good in handling people suffering from
Tuberculosis or HIV in that good manner. Although these are not infectious diseases, but does
create a kind of hesitation in me while going closure to them as their physical conditions get very
poor when they are in their critical stage. This cannot be said as a discriminatory element but yes
generates a hesitation in me. But I am a spiritual person and do believe in serving humanity and
maintaining equality. This personal attribute might help me in being familiar with these patients
with passage of time.
Thus it is quite significant for service providers to keep their motives and priorities
towards serving humanity and also practicing moral characteristics while serving patients with

such complex health problems. Personal cultural values and right of equality needs to be adhered
while serving people.
On the basis of comparison between personal values in the context of HSC settings and
own personal values, it has needed to said that the service providers have required to developed
the various skills like as communication, core competencies, knowledge and ability to deal with
the patients. The own beliefs of the social car workers has affected the personal values of HSC
such as diversity, individuality, self-esteem, culture etc in may be positive or negative manner.
From the above comparison, it has been found that the the care workers of HSC has not the
proper knowledge to handle the diversified culture of patients and use the effective method to
deliver the quality services to the customers.
1.2
Personal values within healthcare settings:
When the personal values are brought into comparison with the principles of general
support and care that is required to people with such critical illness, there will always exist a gap.
The reason because of existence of this gap is that every individual has his own ways of
performing (Dhanam, 2008). If a person is new to healthcare industry, then he might behave
immaturely in handling certain patients or situations, but if he is aware then he is likely to
showcase great deal of self control and patience. I have been brought up with good family
culture where I have always been taught to treat people with respect and care for their sufferings.
These values and beliefs will definitely help me in supporting patients with these illnesses within
healthcare settings. Manners and etiquettes will further help in interacting with patient and
understanding their problems to provide them best of the assistance without complaining.
Although these values are inbuilt, but can be taught through training and development sessions
organized for service providers so that they can learn the ways to serve critical cases (Zaccaro
and et.al, 2001).
The personal culture and experience has influenced the support which has provided by
the care workers of HSC to the service users. For example as care provider is more religious and
emotionally attached with the patients. Therefore, in the context of delivering the care support to
vulnerable and diversified culture patients, the personal values of social worker may be create a

issue and affect the quality of services. It has created the barriers for care worker to understand
the background of the patients and unable to handle the diversified people.
These work ethics and values will help not only me but all the people working within the
sector to monitor and enlighten themselves towards theirs as well as patient’s emotional side.
This will lead to providing needful assistance to the sufferers, both physical and emotional.
1.3
Legislation, policies and other fundamental laws
I have to first understand the legislative and regulatory aspect of different laws and
policies which will help me in being familiar with norms to be followed while serving these
patients. National Health Service of UK drafted a Health and Social Care Act in 2012 which is
followed within all institutions serving people with different medical needs. Such acts bring a
very optimistic impact on the work culture and general healthcare practices that I and other
service providers will follow. Other legislations that have been passed in this regards are as
mentioned below:
- National Health Service and Community Act of 1990.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Place, 1999.
- Health and Social Service and Social Security Adjudication Act of 1983 (Publication
policy and guidance, 2011)
Other than this, there will be some internal conflicts that I will be facing with my
personal practices and healthcare values. But being a social person, I have to make efforts to
overcome those internal tensions and concentrate more on serving humanity. There have also
been many new up gradation and developments that have taken place within this sector so as to
teach service providers the ways in which they can behave in a self oriented manner (Kelly and
Norwich, 2013). Trainings for the same can be provided by using visual and digital methods,
seminars and meetings, demonstrating live examples, and also conducting regular patient-doctor
interactions. Other than this, government in UK have also undertaken different initiatives along
with other nonprofit organizations to come up with strict policies and rules to avoid any kind of
discrimination or social abuse of the patients (Evans, 2003).

TASK 2
2A
Key influences on learning
The influences on learning in health and social care can be different within the course
that I a undertaking with regards to development of some of the key influential skills. This is a
foundation level course within HSC and does require certification to be able to treat patients with
different healthcare needs. There are also different mentors, tutors and peers who are providing
their constant support in successful completion of the project (Brown, Miller and Eason, 2006).
Other than this, there are also numerous opportunities that are available for learning which helps
an individual to develop skill competencies in a better manner within healthcare sector. The
skills that are required to be able to work within this sector are: research skill, numeracy, social,
motivational, leadership, etc. on the other hand, skills required for undertaking research work are
browsing internet, reading articles, monitoring own performance, etc (Locke, 2013). all these
have wide range of influences on learning processes which can be better explained as mentioned
below: Past learning experiences: Within healthcare sector, there are different researches that
have been conducted on different types of illness and disabilities. These sources can serve
as a great source of learning for the person who is new to the industry (Wolper, 2004).
The only drawback of this style is that the theory a person might have come across might
not be feasible or practiced in present.
 Learning styles: learning styles can be self learning using modern means or using
theories. Modern means that can offer great learning can be internet, healthcare online
seminars, and direct communication with professionals or use of Google glass (Scott and
Spouse, 2013). Their drawback is that they are not all the time feasible to provide right
information as there is no authentication for the same. While on the other hand,
theoretical learning style can be like Henry and Mumford learning (Elkins, 2008). This
model comprises of four stages where first stage talks about having experience, second
expects a learner to review that experience himself. In third stage, learner needs to
conclude his learning from the experience and lastly plan his further steps on the basis of
weaknesses in his learning that he has experienced (May, 2009).

Figure 1: Henry and Mumford Style of Learning
(Source: Mumford, 2000)
 Formal vs. informal learning: Formal learning can be conducted by taking proper course
within college or university while informal learning is a self learning through self
observations and learning from own failures and experiences. The former method always
helps a person to get authentic and formal knowledge of the course that he has pursued
while the later might lead to development of certain misleading conception and beliefs
(Mary, 2011).
Ways in which personal learning and development benefits others
 It helps in understanding different issues in better way and also helps in improving
intellectual level of personal communication, attitude, behavior and general code of
conduct.
 A person is able to perform different tasks for his and organizational benefits.
 If any attribute is left to be learned, then it can also be put into learning process
(Mumford, 2000).
 A continuous development practice within health and social care will also help in keeping
track with the changing organizational practices and also provide improved services to
the users of same.

 Lastly, it will also help in providing better employment opportunities for future leading to
enhanced standard of living (Henderson, 2002).
2.1 (2B)
SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
I have good interactive skills and confidence
in my communication. I also undertake sound
research and analytic on different subject
matters.
The overall industrial experience is quite
limited which can be a drawback. Other than
this, I am unable to deal with critical conflicts
which further increase my overall level of
stress.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
I can attend seminars and conferences held by
professionals so that I can learn new
developments taking place within HSC.
Moreover, I am also working as an intern with
a renowned college which will help in gaining
real-time experience.
There are many people who are quite
professionals and knowledgeable in this field
and they are generally provided preference at
many places. Other than this, recession has
also impacted the employ ability scales within
the country.
Assessment of own skills, knowledge and practices
AREAS CURRENT EFFICIENCY AREAS TO BE
IMPROVED
Technical skills I have undertaken a
professional degree course
and can operate basic office
automation.
My practical skills are quite
weak, so I need to have an
specialization within this area
with special regards to HSC
Personal skills I am presentable enough and
have good sense of
communication with
proficiency in language
I need to boost my level of
confidence as I am new to
HSC
Team work I have always worked solely
because of which I have a
quite restricted personality
I need to make more efforts to
improve my team working
skills.
2.2 (2C)
PPD Plan
ACTIVITY (3MONTHS)
Short term
SKILLS REQUIRED TIMESCALE
I can undertake online classes
with help of different
professionals and also read
out online books and journals
Build confidence and
improve strategic
communication. Time
management skills also need
6 weeks

to be improved
ACTIVITY (6MONTHS)
Medium term
SKILLS REQUIRED TIMESCALE
Networking, attainment of
team goals and gaining
proficiency in communication
Delegation and management
skills
12 weeks
ACTIVITY (1YEAR) Long
term
SKILLS REQUIRED TIMESCALE
Managing personal as well as
team work, become efficient
leader and control actions
Leadership, delegation and
management skills
20 weeks
(Genkeer and et.al, 2002)
2.3 (5a)
Reflective account
ALWAYS
APPROPRIAT
E
MOSTLY
APPROPRIAT
E
AVERAGE POOR
Physical
appearance
√
Willing to take
initiative
√
Understand and
follows given
responsibility
√
Able to
communicate
with others in
appropriate
manner
√
Health and
safety conscious
√
(Boyatzis and Kolb, 2005)
a. What have you attained from your placement? – Professionalism, conflict and stress
management, problem solving skills.
b. Which target have you achieved? – Improved communication, working within time frame,
higher motivation, about HSC regulations and policies.
c. What have people related with you have learned? – Controlling anxiety, temper, empathy.
2.4 (5b)
Organizational structure and job roles

Following are the organizational structure and job roles in health care organizations in UK.
Figure 2: Organizational Structure
(Source: Goel, 2009)
2.4 (5C)
DATES HRS PER DAY ACTIVITIES
UNDERTAKEN
19-1-2014 to 26-1-2014 8am- 3pm Attend seminars, lectures
27-1-2014 to 2-02-2014 8am-3pm Regular attend staff meetings
and keep track with changes
in regulations
3-2-2014 to 13-2-2014 8am-3pm Communicate ethical and

social practices to be followed
within health care and ways
to improve medical services
for older people
14-2-2014 to 20-2-2014 8am-3pm Meet business clients and
ensure timely delivery of
projects undertaken
(Boyatzis and Kolb, 2005)
TASK 3
3.1
According to the requirements of case, I am supposed to be a part of multidisciplinary
team (MDT) to take care of a 60 year old patient who is into depression, is visually impaired and
also suffering from dementia. This MDT will hold a meeting every six months to keep a regular
check on quality of care provided within health care institution. This 60 year old male also is in
need of adequate motivation because he exhibits the need for challenging behavior.
With regards to his case, there are different professional relationships that can be created
to resolve different issues that exist with regards to service users. There also exists a need for
carrying out an explicit attitude to provide required care to the patient in order to let him recover
from his ill condition. As witnessed, there are proper teams of professionals and service
providers, physicians and psychologists who are taking care of the patient (Perks and et.al,
2001). They are taking care of him and monitoring his stages and recovery on a regular basis.
These professionals consider it their first and foremost responsibility to take care of their service
users and help in his recovery. Moreover, a team of doctors and health professionals are
regularly examining the routine activities of the patient and improvements in his physical
conditions. This has helped them to track all the improvements that he has made since the start of
his treatment (Anderson and Keller, 2002).
Other than this, the old man also requires a regular check from psychological end so that
he can monitor the mental conditions of him also make initial efforts to stabilize the same.
Dementia and depression are two major and critical mental situations for the person at this age
and it is very important to keep a regular eye on him as he might also hurt himself or others if
found a chance (Moriarty, Manthorpe and Cornes, 2014). Psychologists in this case will help in
dealing with his mental state in an effective manner. He can be provided different meditation
sessions, relaxation therapies, etc which will help him in forgetting about the mis-happenings

that might have occurred with him in past and will also provide him in having a relaxed mind.
This will further help in lowering down the overall mental stress situation (Corlett, 2013).
Doctors with this specialization by the time will better understand the corrective measures that
can be taken for minimizing the negative impacts of ill situations on his mind and body. This
level of assistance thus has created a sense of relaxation in minds and heart of people about the
kind of service that is being provided to him (Wigfield and et.al, 2013).
3.2
As per the given case, this 60 year old person has dementia as well which is a kind of
mental illness where a person after certain age suffers memory loss and visual impairment. Thus,
both social and medical models can be used within this situation. Medical model is the one that
sees a disabled person as a problem while social model is the one believes in the fact that
impairments and chronic diseases do exist and might pose a real difficulty. As per the case
scenario, the suffering of 60 year old man might be considered as a problem for medical model
but social model might consider it as a chronic issue. As the beliefs of both these models are
different, the comparative table given below will further help in understanding this difference
more clearly:
MEDICAL MODEL SOCIAL MODEL
Dementia is an abnormality. Dementia or any kind of disability is a
difference.
If a person is disabled, then it is a negative
state of mind and body
This model considers dementia or any other
disability as neutral.
The only remedy for dementia is providing
cure for the same to the individual
The remedy is to bring changes in
interactions with society and
individuals(Smith, 2012)
The medical model of disability will try to
give medical treatment to the old patient to
treat his visual impairment rather than
providing him audio book.
According to case, the old patient was
visually impaired and wanted to read a book
for example. As per the social model of
disability an audio book can be provided to
the old person.
3.3
Being a part of MDT, I have performed my part in quite effective manner and have taken
due care to check if all the care and necessary assistance is being provided to the patient within
the given set of time and resources. It was witnessed that this 60 year old man was provided

close assistance and every service provider executed his part of responsibility in effective
manner. I also maintained all the confidentiality of data and information related to the client and
this entire course of action was taken through regular collaboration with the other clients and
team members. I also make sure to implement organizational policies effectively to safeguard the
rights of the old patients. In addition to this I also made sure to maintain good professional
relationship with other care workers. In current situation, all the industrial laws and policies were
effectively followed because this patient was a critical case of dementia and depression and any
kind of ignorance would have cost heavily (Calnan and Rowe, 2006).
TASK 4 (IN PPT)
CONCLUSION
The overall attribution that can be drawn out here is that health and social care is a sector
that requires special care and treatment to the people suffering from different physical and
mental illness. It is thus very much expected that service providers follow proper time scales and
measures so that they can provide required services to the people associated with the same. A
proper personal development plan has been undertaken demonstrating different activities that are
required for personal betterment and the ways in which an individual can mold himself to
become suitable to the industry.

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