Arthur has dementia and resides at a residential care home. He is a cheerful and pleasant gentleman who takes pride in his appearance despite frequent bouts of confusion and difficulty with coordination. Carers and family noted a recent significant deterioration in Arthur’s mobility and following developing a cold, he has taken to spending most of the day in bed. You are his key worker and have been off for 2 weeks on annual leave. On your return, you are approached by a member of your team who was supporting Arthur with his morning routine. The colleague reports that Arthur has no personal care products, yet you bought him shampoo, shower gel, shaving foam and razors before your leave. Arthur is refusing personal care and mumbling “it hurts” repeatedly. When you enter his room, Arthur glances at you and then turns away – very different from the usual chirpy greeting you would normally receive. You walk closer and notice Arthur hasn’t had a shave in a while and his fingernails are dirty. You also note that Arthur has a grade 2 pressure sore on his ankle and a red patch of skin on his elbow. 1. How would you respond to this scenario? 2. What forms of abuse may have occurred and what are the signs?
