Task 1
Establish respectful relationships with people with mental health issues
Case Study
Read the following case study and answer all questions that follow.
Max is a 43-year-old man who has had unstable housing for many years and is currently staying in a short-term accommodation service for people with diagnosed mental illnesses. He was diagnosed with bipolar 1 a long time ago, and although medicated, he still has episodes of mania where he believes he is immortal. He has had ongoing issues with gambling, to the extent that he is now under a financial guardianship.
You are an accommodation support worker in the service, and your role is to support residents to develop a recovery plan, obtain longer-term housing and assess and strengthen their support networks.
4. Whilst complying with your legal and ethical responsibilities, how would you work respectfully with Max during episodes when he believes he is immortal?
5. Research and briefly describe Max’s rights regarding financial guardianship.
What could you do to support him to understand and exercise his rights?
6. Max asks to be referred to a peer support service for people with bipolar 1.
What information would you include in the referral?