Role-play the following scenarios. Before acting the roles you may wish to decide what type of assistance Person 1 requires. If it is not possible to role-play these scenarios, consider and explore the possible responses and communication strategies that will achieve effective communication and family/person-centred practice.

Scenario one: The male and the health professional

Person 1: Your name is Fred. You are 75 years old and you live alone in a large house. A bus collects you weekly to attend a group. You do not know where your wife has gone and what happened to the custard tarts you were going to eat with your cup of tea.

Person 2: You are the health professional who has Fred in a weekly group. Fred is a friendly man, however, he repeatedly asks you what happened to his wife who died 10 years ago and if you have eaten his custard tarts. Because Fred lives alone, you are very concerned about his safety and his ability to care for himself. You know his daughter visits daily, cleans his house and provides him with a hot meal. However, you are still concerned about his safety. Have a conversation with Fred and decide if he may be safer in the familiarity of his own home than elsewhere.

Scenario two: The female and the health professional

Person 1: Your name is Sarah. Your mother, Irene, is 82 years old and is currently in a rehabilitation unit because she recently had a right cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Prior to the stroke your mother and father, Harry, lived together in their house for 35 years. While your father is frail, he is mentally able and has been successfully caring for your mother with your support. You realise your mother has decreased cognitive function that was present before the stroke and has been worsened by the stroke, and that it might be suitable for her to be placed somewhere for people with her stage of dementia. However, you are worried about how your father will cope emotionally if they are separated.

Person 2: You are Irene and you have little control over your behaviour. You often wander and disappear to be found undressing and trying to get into bed with any man you can find on a bed. Some of the male people seeking assistance think it is amusing, while others find it disturbing.

Person 3: You are Harry. As Irene’s husband of 53 years you really want to continue caring for her. You do find her exhausting and are aware that you are not as strong as you have been. You feel you can continue caring for her with the support and assistance of your daughter.

Person 4: You are the health professional who needs to speak with the family including Irene to determine whether she will return home or go to a high-dependency ward of a nursing home.

As a large group discuss the observations, emotions and outcomes of the role plays. Suggest possible alternative strategies that may increase the effectiveness of the communication in a similar situation.