Caring for individuals with specific needs
People who require social and health care services have the right to treatment with
respect, dignity, and compassion by practitioners with expertise and time to attend to their needs.
This is a requirement that is guided by law. These individuals require a type of care that is
patient-centered and takes into account the needs, and wishes and of the individuals` without any
reservation. Many social barriers should be removed or reduced for the victims. Teams of
caregivers are required to emphasize on effective models. For instance, adherence and self-
management are crucial to migrant populations, who may receive care in different locations,
while community linkages are relevant for homeless individuals in order to ensure a fully
supported care. A good health for these persons is vital for their engagement with the
community, learning, as well as working (Pratt, 2010).
Individual suffering from autism while have lifelong encounters related to the
developmental disability. The exact cause of autism has not yet been uncovered, but studies
reveal the involvement of genetic factors. The spectrum of conditions associated with autism
cover wide range. The spectrum varies from intense severity in some patients t subtle difficulties
in understanding in those of average or above average intelligence. Autism is also associated
with difficulties in learning. The disability of autistic people is characterized by a triad of
impairments. These include absence or impaired two-way social interaction, absence or impaired
comprehension, use of language and non-verbal communication. With reference to the
Bournewood case, Mr. HL`s greetings involved staring at people in silence, then went his way.
Autistic individuals may encounter episodes of high or low sensitivity that leads to unexpected
reactions to the environment. When Mr. HL was introduced to a new drive and a new route, he
became highly agitated, and this caused him to be detained back in the hospital. Day care center
services have been established for autistic individuals. Patients in resettlement schemes may also
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benefit from the services offered at the day centers. As exemplified by the Bournewood case,
resettlement schemes, where patients are assigned to homes of caregivers yield best results,
especially when the patients adapt to the respective settings. Mr. HL had lived well for three
years before his environment was changed, something he did not like (The Bournewood Case
(n.d); Edwards, 2008).
Taking care of individuals with particular needs can be quite challenging. Various
interventions are available, which have proved to yield better results in terms of caring for
individuals with particular needs. The interventions include adoption of a person-centered
approach, where the needs and aspirations of the patient are considered. Individual and
comprehensive patient-oriented support plans can also be into account. Provision of a setting that
is appropriate for the individuals in also vital. For Mr. HL, a home, where he could live with his
caregivers was the correct option for him. He could have his plans of coming home, and take his
drink among other stuff. Mr. HL enjoyed the home setting, where he could interact with his
caregivers often. Changing his environment, a little-caused problems that caused him trouble.
Regarding baby Peters case, it is clearly shown that general practitioners must learn to be advocates for their patients. Peters condition was noticed while he was still living with the
guardians, but no action was taken. This negligence resulted in the death of Peter (Sellgren,
2010).
Establishment of detailed and concrete approaches in order to achieve a healthy social
interaction, communication, and development of independent skills is the best strategy of helping
individuals with particular needs. Patient activities should be structured effectively to make sure
that the patient is comfortable. The surrounding environment must also be considered since the
patient must be comfortable. A change in this environment must be considered with extreme
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care. Additionally, caregivers must be carefully monitored by individuals, health organizations,
and human rights organizations to make sure the progress of the victims is satisfactory. This
strategy can minimize the development of unexpected outcomes.
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Reference
The Bournewood Case. (n.d) Case Study Two: Rights for Vulnerable People in the Care System.
Edwards, D. (2008). Providing practical support for people with autism spectrum disorder:
supported living in the community. London: Jessica Kingsley
Pratt, J. R. (2010). Long-term care: Managing across the continuum. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and
Bartlett Publishers.
Sellgren, K. (2010, October 26). Baby Peter ‘was failed by all agencies. BBC: News Education
and Family.