Principles of Care Essay: Policies, Rights & Practice Analysis

Produce an essay of 2250 words which will explore the following:

Using the case study, write an essay that explores the theory and knowledge of principles of care:

• Describe and explain at least THREE of the principles of care and how they are implemented in health and social care practice (LO1).
• Give an overview of how the principles of care affect the rights of vulnerable people AND how the principles of care may affect professional practice (LO3).
• Discuss the impact on health and social care practice of (LO2):
  o Policy,
  o Legislation,
  o Regulation,
  o And codes of conduct.

In order to address the above, ensure that you make use of examples discussed in class or researched examples to substantiate and justify your answers.

**Please note- the LO’s do not have to be addressed in order.

Assessment 1 Case Study: Anita Patel

Service user profile:

Service User History:

• Mrs Patel lived with her daughter and grandchildren until 6 months ago, when her growing care needs became difficult to manage at home.
• Her family describes her as an independent and proud woman who enjoys participating in her care decisions. She has a strong cultural and religious background and follows a vegetarian diet based on Hindu traditions.
• Before moving into residential care, she attended a local day centre where she was supported by culturally sensitive staff. Since moving into the care home, her main support comes from carers and her daughter, who visits regularly.

Recent Events:

• Mrs Patel has developed a positive relationship with a regular carer, Claire, who consistently respects her cultural and personal preferences, such as offering vegetarian meals, speaking in Gujarati, and supporting her to eat and mobilise independently without rushing or taking over tasks. Claire also ensures personal care is delivered privately and maintains confidentiality.
• However, Mrs Patel has experienced inconsistencies with some night staff, who do not follow her care plan and have caused her distress during personal care by ignoring her preferences and speaking about her in English while she is present.
• A visiting relative witnessed a night staff member raising their voice at Mrs Patel when she tried to move independently. Although her care plan supports safe mobility, appropriate assistance was not offered, and no safeguarding action appears to have been taken following the incident.
• Mrs Patel has raised concerns about being rushed during mealtimes and receiving inconsistent support to maintain her independence, which has left her feeling overlooked and disempowered.
• During a recent religious festival, Mrs Patel was not offered appropriate vegetarian meal options or supported to observe fasting as outlined in her care plan, leading to emotional distress and a sense of cultural neglect.
• On one occasion, medication was administered late without explanation or consent, and when Mrs Patel questioned it, her concerns were dismissed. The incident was not documented, raising concerns around safe practice and accountability.

Produce a Reflective Account of 750 words using self-reflection which will:

Explore your understanding of boundaries in care relationships (examining the principles of good practice in carrying out care).

Considering Carl Rogers’ theory (Person-Centred Theory), describe and reflect on how you may provide professional care to the service users showing an appreciation of boundaries.

It is essential to use a reflective theory to structure your reflection. You need to select ONE of the following theories:

• Gibbs’ Reflective Theory, OR
• Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, OR
• Schon’s Reflective Practice, OR
• Rolfe et al.’s Reflective Model.

In your reflection,

• Define and describe “boundaries” in care relationships.
• Define and describe “good practice” in carrying out care.
• How you currently or how you will (in the future) provide, a professional and good standard of care to the person receiving care.
  o Describe your role / future role.
  o Describe the service user (anonymised information).
  o Describe the boundary.
  o Describe the good practice.
  o How may you improve on this practice?
  • Using research, further explore why and how this “good practice” influences YOUR professional practice in health and social care sector in carrying out care.
  • Reflect if there is anything to improve on and how and why you intend to do so.