2. Review case study brief

This referral relates to Mrs Maria Perez. Her son (Luis) used to live with her, providing 24-hour care and support but has left due to family misunderstanding and they are no longer in contact. Maria is very upset about this. Maria was unable to cope on her own. Food, laundry and shopping are done by other son (Emiliano) and there are no issues. Emiliano is however unable to support his mum fully due to personal and work commitments. Maria has since been assessed and lived independently in the community with both formal and informal support.

Maria has a long history of severe recurrent depressive illness. This has resulted in a number of admissions to hospital including treatment under section 3 of the Mental Health Act on two occasions. When low in mood, Maria becomes increasingly anxious, lacks energy, has poor sleep and appetite with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Maria has the following physical health conditions:

• Type II diabetes
• Angina
• Glaucoma
• History of falls, limited mobility due to ongoing hip pain for which she uses walking sticks
• Arthritis in both hands, necessitating specialist equipment such as cutlery and grabbers

Maria is supported by one of her sons (Emiliano) to manage her finances.

During previous S117 aftercare reviews, Maria’s Social worker had discussed with her the possibility of having a Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs, but Maria has repeatedly stated that she is happy for her son (Emiliano) to continue supporting her to manage her finances informally. Maria was deemed to have capacity to make decisions regarding her finances during these reviews.

Maria’s son Emiliano has been in touch with concerns that Maria has been targeted by a distraction burglar. Maria has reported to Emiliano that she has been visited about works on her bungalow that she did not want but let the traders in anyway (there were two). Maria has reported to Emiliano that whilst one sat with her in her front room, the other walked through the house looking for work that could be done. When they left, Maria found that £340, (her savings) that she had stored in her spare room had gone missing. Since that date, she has had different trades people knock at her door, which she has turned away and not let in.

• Take a moment to reflect on the referral
• Note your initial thoughts, concerns and questions and fill in row 1 of your reflection document

Plan how you will carry out the assessment, and fill in row 2 of your reflection document

• What communication theories, or models for intervention do you plan to use?
• Pages that you may find useful in this topic area:
  • Person-centred listening
  • Interviewing a Service User (video)
  • Models of intervention for social work practice (video)

Next page: 3. Capacity and safeguarding adults

Back: 1. Introduction