Healthcare Report: Supporting Individuals Through Life Events Analysis

This report analyzes the impact of significant life events, specifically focusing on Alzheimer's disease in an 80-year-old man named Peter and cancer in a 16-year-old girl named Rachel. It examines the potential and actual impacts of these events on the individuals, including symptoms like memory loss, hypertension, fatigue, and depression, and discusses the influence on their families, friends, and wider social networks. The report then explores the roles of external agencies and healthcare assistants in providing support, along with a critical discussion on the relationship between the individual's experience and the impact on their networks. Furthermore, it delves into how organizational policies and procedures support individuals in health and care settings, including a reflection on the effectiveness of these policies and the overall approach to promoting coordinated support. The report concludes with a reflection on the author's role in supporting individuals and an evaluation of how care facilities respond to individuals experiencing significant life events.

SUPPORTING
INDIVIDUALS
THROUGH
SIGNIFICANT LIFE
EVENTS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
ACTIVITY 1....................................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1. Discussion of the impact of expected and unexpected significant life events on individuals
.....................................................................................................................................................1
P2. Discussion of impact of different significant life events on individual's social networks....3
M1. Critical Discussion on the Relationship Between Impact on individual and impact on
wider social networks..................................................................................................................4
D1. Critical Evaluation of Impact of Significant Life Events on Individuals and Wider social
networks......................................................................................................................................5
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................6
P3. Comparison of how different external voluntary and statutory agencies support
individuals...................................................................................................................................6
P4. Discussion of Role of Healthcare or care assistant in providing support to individuals......7
M2. Critical Analysis of barriers to partnership approaches for individuals and families.........8
ACTIVITY 2....................................................................................................................................9
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................9
P5. Analysis of the relationship between organisational policies and practical support
available in health and care settings............................................................................................9
M3. Critical Review of effectiveness of policies and procedures.............................................10
D2. Critical Reflection on organisational approaches to promoting effective and coordinated
support.......................................................................................................................................11
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................11
P6. Provision of a period of appropriate support to an individual and their social network.....11
P7. Investigation of referral processes available to support an individual and their social
network......................................................................................................................................12
M4. Reflection upon effectiveness of own role in supporting individuals...............................13
D3. Critical reflection on how effectively care facilities respond to individuals......................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Significant Life Events are the occurrences within an individual's life which have a major
impact on their health and well being. Moreover, these events are quite important to be
considered and analysed in order to understand the how these events influence the life and
mindset of individuals suffering the same. There are usual and unusual significant life events that
occur to a individual in an expected, as well as unexpected manner respectively. Majorly, these
are associated with health of an individual and has an influence over the person, along with their
peers in an evident manner (Gordon and et. al., 2018).
Hence, in this context, the report below is based on two case studies who are
experiencing significant life events and is divided into two parts. The first part of the project is
related to assessment of the impact of significant life events on individuals and social networks,
along with reviewing of roles of extra agencies that provide support for these people through
significant life events. Furthermore, the second part of the report includes explanation of how the
organisational policies and procedures support individuals and their social networks. In addition
to this, the report also involves reflection on how individuals who have experienced significant
life events are supported in care service provision.
ACTIVITY 1
LO 1
P1. Discussion of the impact of expected and unexpected significant life events on individuals
Significant Life Events have a very crucial impact upon individuals who experience the
same, along with leaving a major impression on their lives. Hence, as a healthcare assistant, it
becomes very crucial to appropriately and effectively discuss the actual and potential impact of
significant life events on these people. Thus, below are the two diagrams that illustrate the
events, stages, potential, as well as actual impact:
Conceptual Diagram of Peter's Event:
Discussion:
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Age: 80 Years
Potential Impact:
1. Irritation
2. Confusion
3. Impaired Memory
Actual Impact:
1. Hypertension
2. Memory Lapses
3. Blackouts

Peter is an 80 year old man who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This life
event is related to loss of memory, along with mental dysfunctionality. At this stage of life,
diseases such as Alzheimer's are somewhat expected, due to decrease in mental capacity and
unhealthy lifestyle. In context of Peter, the potential impact at this life stage is irritation and
irrational behaviour, along with major confusions within daily tasks and an impaired memory.
However, when the case of Peter was diagnosed within the care facility, it was determined that
he was experiencing certain memory lapses, which were very much frequent, along with certain
blackouts, which led to fainting and extreme fits. In addition to this, the impact of this life event
is very much certain and evident on Peter as he is also been experiencing hypertension, which is
causing him sleeplessness, along with will to be in isolation in order to deal with his condition in
a better manner (Olszewski-Kubilius, 2018).
Moreover, this impact has also been witnessed within the care facility, where he refused
to take certain medicines and treatments which could normalise his state of mind. Hence, at this
age and stage, Alzheimer's disease has a very evident and deep impact on Peter, as despite of
being prepared for diseases in old age, he is not ready to accept his disease, which is making his
condition even more severe.
Conceptual Diagram of Rachel's Event:
Discussion:
Rachel is a 16 year old individual who has been diagnosed with Cancer. This significant
life event takes place when the normal functions of the body stops working. Moreover, this could
also takes place when the cells abnormally starts growing within the body.
In the case study related to Rachel, it was diagnosed quite a while ago that the individual
has cancer, which is quite severe as it has reached to Stage III. Within this stage, there are certain
potential impacts which the person suffering from the same has been experiencing. For instance,
Lymphodema, constant body aches and fatigues are major potential impacts that patients with
this event experience after the cancer has started to or has spread within the body. During
diagnosis of the case, I determined that the actual impact of the cancer upon Rachel is consistent
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Age: 16 Years
Potential Impact:
1. Fatigue
2. Body Pain
3. Lymphodema
Actual Impact:
1. Loss of Appetite
2. Depression
3. Panic Attacks

loss of appetite. Since the cancer have been communicated to the patient, a consequence of the
same upon Rachel is that she has stopped eating much and always claim to have no appetite for
food (Bigby and Beadle‐Brown, 2018). Moreover, another impact that was witnessed within
Rachel was Depression. As a healthcare assistant, I was required t undertake detailed
examinations and inspections of different individuals with significant life events. Through that
time period, it was realised that Rachel had been constantly into depression as she does not feel
well most of the time and due to excessive crying almost all day. The individual also suffered
from several panic attacks, due to being unprepared of this unusual event. She was quite afraid of
her circumstances and the impact was most evident on her mental health, which was almost
equivalent to her physical health condition.
P2. Discussion of impact of different significant life events on individual's social networks
As per the above analysis, it is realised that the impact of events such as Cancer and
Alzheimer are quite high upon individuals experiencing the same. However, it is also necessary
that this impact of the same on the individual's care networks. Hence, the influence of significant
life impact is related below:
Peter's Case: Impact on Individuals: The impact of this event on individuals is that they tend to
experience memory loss, irritation, as well as loss of eye sight and constant headaches. In
addition to this, the event also tends to makes them very irritated and frustrated. Impact on Families: Families who are not prepared for this unusual and unplanned event
suffer tension and mental stress due to this condition. However, the age of the patient
suffering this is 80 years and in this stage, the families are usually prepared for such an
event to take place, which sometimes makes this impact lower (Magnusson and Stattin,
2018). Impact on Friends: At the stage where this individual is, there are chances that their
friends would also be suffering from a mental or physical problem. However, a sense of
dissatisfaction and regret could usually be witnessed within the friends of individuals if
they witness such life event.
 Impact on Wider Social Networks: The wider social network of individuals include
distant relatives, neighbours or people they usually meet, for instance, their staff, or
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shopkeepers. They have minimal impact of such an event as they are not emotionally
attached to the person involved.
Rachel's Case: Impact on Individuals: As for this case study, Cancer at the age of 16 is quite a
devastating event for an individual and have a very negative impact due to the
suddenness and unpreparedness for the event. The reason for this is because they have
several expectations that could not be fulfilled as this is quite a severe life event that
might lead to loss of life too (Messerschmidt, 2019). Impact on Families: The impact on family of this individual would have been quite
major and shaking, as due to high emotional attachment, no one expects or wishes such
event to take place, which makes them emotionally weak, as well as results in loss of
hope. Impact on Friends: Friends at this stage have a high emotional connection with one
another as they experience a lot of things within the daily lives of one another due to
being in same institution or being socially connected. Hence, as for the event of Cancer,
this might lead to loss of confidence within friends of these individuals, along with a
feeling of fear due to being unaware about major aspects related to this disease at this
young age.
 Impact on Wider Social Networks: The wider social networks might not be associated
much with the individual however, they might be worried and the impact of this event
could be significantly experienced by them. The reason for this is because such an
unexpected event for an individual so young is quite moving and emotionally
challenging, which makes the impact upon the social networks even more significant.
M1. Critical Discussion on the Relationship Between Impact on individual and impact on wider
social networks
It is very necessary that in both the cases, the impact of significant life event is critically
discussed in order to ensure the intensity in which the same has been influential for the
individual, as well as on their family, friends and wider social networks. Hence, below is the
critical reflection of the same in both the cases (Falk and Dierking, 2018).
Peter's Case:
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Within this case, the magnitude of relationship between the impact on individuals as well
as on the peers and wider social networks is not that strong. The reason for the same is that it is
quite expected that at this stage of life, individuals might face physical or mental problems due to
lack in physical mobility and mental functioning. Through, the impact of Alzheimer's on the
individual is quite evident and severe, the same starts to fade away as the social networks
become wider (Pecora and et. al., 2018).
Rachel's Case:
According to me, there is a very strong relationship in this case between the impact of the
significant life event. The sole reason to support this fact is that Cancer is an unexpected event at
this young age, which is emotionally challenging for the individual, as well as for her peers and
wider social networks.
D1. Critical Evaluation of Impact of Significant Life Events on Individuals and Wider social
networks
As per the analysis above, the significant life events of both the individuals have an
evident impact on them as well as their peers and social networks. However, the intensity of this
impact is required to be analysed in order to determine the influence exerted by these events in
an appropriate manner. Hence, the intensity of this impact is evaluated below:
Peter's Case:
In Peter's case, the impact was more evident on the individual in comparison to their
peers and wider social networks. This was because the irrational behaviour and memory lapses
are solely impacting Peter. Moreover, as for his family, while the impact is evident, it is
somewhat lesser than the individual.
Rachel's Case:
Both the individual, as well as her peers, friends and wider social networks have a large
impact on the unusual event experienced by the person. Due to its nature, the impact is quite high
on each of the person involved that involves being stressed, afraid, anxious and so forth (Cantor
and et. al., 2019).
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LO 2
P3. Comparison of how different external voluntary and statutory agencies support individuals
As a healthcare assistant, it is very important for me to determine and compare how
different external voluntary and statutory agencies support individuals that experience significant
life events. Hence, below is a comparison of how these agencies support individuals:
Peter's Case:
 Voluntary Agency- Alzheimer's Society:
Alzheimer's Society in the UK is responsible for enhancing the awareness and supporting
individuals who are suffering from Alzheimer's in the country (Davey, 2018). For this purpose,
the firm develops several campaigns, along with fund raising to help patients with Alzheimer's.
There are a variety of ways through which the organisation supports individuals with this
disease. For instance, it has an innovative service that allows people to use face-to-face, as well
as telephonic support if they could not be physically present within the facility. Another support
which this organisation provides is related to group services where a range of professionals who
are directed towards improvisation in motivation and confidence, along with providing effective
information of how best to deal with the same.
 Statutory Agency- National Health Service:
This agency within the UK is one of the most appropriate and effective agencies that
provide several appropriate support to individuals with this diseases. As for Peter, the support
which the organisation has provided him is effective face to face assessment, along with
providing a place within the care home where he has been treated by professionals.
Rachel's Case:
 Voluntary Agency- Cancer Research UK:
Cancer Research UK is a voluntary organisation within the country that is associated with
performing a number of researches for individuals suffering from cancer, along with helping
them through a range of treatments that would ensure betterment in their condition. As for
support, it ensures that necessary infrastructure, skills, as well as funding is available within the
care homes, as well as within the overall United Kingdom. Moreover, it develops cancer plans
and works with organisations like NHS to support cancer patients within the country.
 Statutory Agency- NHS England:
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Organisations like NHS have been quite contributing towards supporting the individuals
with Cancer. The support which the organisation is providing Rachel is associated with
providing support interventions. Moreover, the organisation is also supportive towards the peers
and family members through inclusive approaches in care planning (Garland and et. al., 2019).
Hence, the external voluntary and statutory organisations provide effective support to
both the individuals who are experiencing significant life events. However, while comparing
both the aspects, I could say that while the organisations supporting Peter provide more comfort
and social support to the individual, the ones supporting Rachel are subjected towards supporting
the person through more personalised care and service. Moreover, these organisations are also
working towards effective care planning and development of techniques that could deal with
cancer in an appropriate manner (O'rand, 2018).
P4. Discussion of Role of Healthcare or care assistant in providing support to individuals
For individuals experiencing significant life events, it becomes important for healthcare
assistant in providing effective support to these individuals in an effective way that provides
these people with ease and convenience. Moreover, support to these individuals is also very
crucial in order to determine the responsibilities and activities that are required to be carried out
by this person.
In cases of both Peter and Rachel, as a care assistant, I have an appropriate and effective
role to play, is discussed below in detail:
 Assisting Individuals:
One of the most appropriate and effective role which I had to play while supporting
individuals through significant life events was related to assisting the patients towards making
accurate and effective information accessible within the organisation. This was performed by me
through assessing the overall condition of the patient and further indulging into a detailed
research in gathering the information about the treatment, consequences and effective
safeguarding considerations which these individuals and their peers could adopt in order to
protecting themselves from further damage. In addition to this, this role also required me to
develop workplace manuals which have detailed information about the services that could be
provided, along with the support that is to be given to these individuals (Luciano and et. al.,
2018).
 Administration:
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As a care assistance, another role which I played within NHS in supporting these
individuals was that I was required to appropriately and effectively maintain records of these
patients which was inclusive of their past history, current condition, treatments that have been
suggested by the healthcare professionals, along with their fee structures, admission dates, along
with expected time frame for treatment. Another aspect for which I was required to administer
was managing referrals, contact details of individuals, planned and effective information and so
forth.
 Care Network Management:
This role is perhaps one of the most important roles that I have adopted and performed
while supporting the individuals experiencing life events. Within the same, I was responsible
towards creating a care network for both the individuals, which included their peers, healthcare
professionals, as well as professionals from other fields like psychology, so that a proper and
effective treatment could be provided to these individuals. This included setting up
communication norms and channels, sending crucial information such as medical reports and
current inspected outcomes, along with acquiring feedbacks from them so that a consistency and
professionalism in treatments and support is maintained (Anderson, Ewert and Keener, 2018).
 Monitoring:
This has been a very consistent role while providing appropriate support to individuals.
For this purpose, I indulged into monitoring their medical procedures by assisting professionals
within the same. Moreover, I also created a time table for these individuals as per their age and
illnesses, which was subjected towards proper diets and medication intakes to ensure
improvement within their health and wellbeing.
M2. Critical Analysis of barriers to partnership approaches for individuals and families
Within NHS, there are several barriers to partnership approaches that are required to be
analysed in order to determine the effectiveness of the organisation in supporting individuals.
Hence, some of these barriers are reflected below:
 Physical Constraint:
One of the most severe barriers that are related towards providing a partnership approach
towards supporting individuals is the physical constraint. This is because there are lesser spaces
where the whole care network of the individuals could have a discussion about the health and
well being of these people (Christian-Smith, 2019).
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 Staff Attitudes:
Another barrier within NHS towards adopting a partnership approach is related to the
attitude of employees working within the organisation. The reason for the same is because a
consistent commitment is required to manage the individuals, along with their care networks that
could be challenging for employees to function.
ACTIVITY 2
LO 3
P5. Analysis of the relationship between organisational policies and practical support available in
health and care settings
There are various policies occur with in health care settings which provides care and support to
individual (Oakley, 2018). These policies are occur with relationship with practical support from
organisation. As professional can provide proper care and support to individuals with in their
services. The NHS have different policies regarding delivering services such policy of
confidentiality. With in this policy, it provides practical support from care professionals to
patients. As care professionals need to maintain confidentiality of services that are provide to
services users. This policy is provided to all workers are working with in NHS organisation. It
provide practical support to all services users with in their services. This policy is benefited with
in case of both Rachel and Peter case. As they both are facing significant life event in their life.
This develops effectiveness among both patients as a person with high significant life events are
concern about their services which does not disclose to others. But with implementation of this
policy provides sustainability and effectiveness of services which help in improving health of
patients.
This also help in maintaining ethics of individuals which is necessary to be occur with in
health and care settings. This policy provides proper legal guidance and requirements to health
care professionals from which they can work with proper ethics. This policy have some
framework that provide protected and confidential information of patients. The data protection
policy also help in providing practical support to patients. As people with dementia are highly
concerned about their data so it is needed to be consider so that their health and well being can
be improved. The cancer patients has face lots of significant as which also impact on their health.
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