Equal Opportunities
Question one (257 words)
Equal opportunity for older people framework document contains distinct provisions that help people understand the care they offer. Precisely, it uses unique terminology to explain the various concepts. For instance, "age discrimination" refers to any action that adversely affects an older person because of their chronological age. However, discrimination can also imply a positive discrimination. Fundamentally, positive discrimination would refer to the action taken to uphold the best interests of the beneficiaries, that is, the older people (Department of Health 2001).
Negative discrimination occurs in various levels. Primarily, these include age, monetary capability, fame and prestige. Among other challenges, the older people face significant inequality in accessing primary healthcare. For instance, older people having coronary diseases suffer numerous challenges in dealing with their physiological complications. Shockingly, some are forced to pay dearly to access these services. Coupled with their deteriorating health and economic shortage, these people face numerous challenges in accessing Medicare. As well, their financial incapability makes them significantly dependent on their families for their wellbeing. By extension, the old people face numerous challenges in seeking their treatment.
Through Standard 8 of the National Framework for the Older People, NHS commits to maintaining old people's health, and to work towards reducing health inequalities among them. Particularly, it seeks to ensure that the health services are tailored-made to meet the health needs of the old. As well, it aims to make the services more accessible and relevant to the majority. Ideally, these initiatives seek to promote longevity and healthy living among the people (Department of Health 2001).
Question Two (105 words)
Spoken, thought, and written language affects the older people’s self-esteem and perception of others. Language-based stereotyping and labelling is evident in "NMC safeguarding adults 1: An Introduction." Notably, this clip depicts the nurses coming to attend to Joe for the breakfast. Typically, the nurses are busy talking as they take Joe away from the bed, showing less concern for Joe. “Safeguarding adults film 2: Call me Joe,” shows how the language of the nurse interviewing Joe was warm, appealing, and friendly compared to that of the nurses in the first clip. Consequently, Joe could speak freely with the nurse about his concerns.
Question Three (210 words)
Equal opportunity legislation safeguards the unique rights and privileges of old people who have special needs. The National Service Framework is a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring fair, integrated, and high quality social and health care services for the senior citizens. Technically, it seeks to provide specialized services for the key conditions affecting them, by stimulating culture change (Department of Health 2001).
For Suzie's case, the legislation provides that there should be no discrimination based on one's condition. Specifically, page 23, point 1.7 states that, "caregivers should tailor their social and health care package to the individual's health needs. As well, they should consider the client's overall health status, their identified social care needs, their aspirations and wishes" (Department of Health 2001). Thus, from this legislation, it is paramount that the carers give impartial personalized and close care of the patients, without discriminating them on the grounds of their condition. Suzie's situation is certainly not her making, but a result of her condition. As such, her carers are not acting in the spirit of the legislation when they deny her particular services. One of the ways caregivers can help Suzie is by encouraging dialog with Suzie and her significant others on the best approach for providing the intervention she needs.
Question Four (418 words)
Downs syndrome is a genetic abnormality that results from an anomalous cell division. Primarily, the abnormal cell division leads to the formation of an additional genetic material from the chromosome 21. According to Mayo Clinic, the Down syndrome is the most prevalent genetic chromosomal disorder known to cause learning disabilities in many children (Mayo Clinic 1998-2015). Downs syndrome cuts across social classes and occurs in all races and countries throughout the world (Downs Syndrome Association 2015). Thus, a better comprehension of the condition as well as early mediation can significantly increase the quality of life for the patients, helping them to live fulfilling lives (Mayo Clinic 1998-2015).
According to Department of Health, about a thirty percent of the people with the Downs Syndrome develop clinical signs of dementia. For some people, dementia may set in from their early thirties, and worsen rapidly after that (Department of Health 2001).
However, The Equal opportunity legislations bear particular limitations in assisting the people with learning disabilities such as Joe. For instance, the Learning from the Expert Patient Care is limited only to those who have normal learning ability (Department of Health 2001). As well, the easy-read versions of pamphlets that use simple pictures and language can only be accessible to those having learning ability (Department of Health 2001).
People who have insignificant learning disabilities may fail to be in constant daily contact with the services, and may not be able to understand the need to find help for themselves. As well, their condition may hinder them from knowing how to access the help (Department of Health 2001).
Question Five (303 words)
The clip "Equality and Human Rights Commission-Drowning," is a clip about Dylan, who is an epileptic. From it, it is clear that discriminatory behavior can lead to low self-esteem. Evidently, Dylan appears to be detached from his colleagues. Apparently, he is not willing to mingle with his classmates. Mainly, Dylan chooses this option due to constant mockery from his classmates concerning his condition. In one of the cases, the students mocked Dylan as one of them claimed that he was a witch. Apparently, Dylan had begun to develop seizures while in class. Typically, others laughed while some took photos during the incidence.
After Dylan’s seizures in the class, Tanya confessed her mother's condition to Mr. Rowland. Apparently, her mother had a similar condition. In one case, she attended a particular function and people mocked her because of her situation. As a result, she decided never to be where people are. She decided to stay at home and never to mingle with people.
Discriminatory behavior leads to self-destructive tendencies such as suicide. These behaviors make the victims focus so much on them to an extent that they see no worth of living. Accordingly, they develop stress that leads to depression and later on, feelings of self-destruction. In the final scene of part two, Dylan thinks of drowning himself in the college pool, but Tanya comes and walks him along the streets. Dylan appreciates Tanya's gesture of friendship.
Non-discriminatory behavior leads to self-appreciation and confidence. For instance, Tanya decided to take an active role in seeking a stop to the constant insults and chanting of the class against Dylan. She took a step of talking to the teacher, Mr. Rowland about the issue. Dylan was grateful to Tanya for her friendliness towards him. Thus, non-discriminatory behavior enables the people to feel more secure and appreciated.
Reference List
Downs Syndrome Association. Down’s Syndrome. Downs Syndrome Association, 2015. Web. 21 June 2015.
Equality and Human Rights Commission-Drowning, n.d, DVD, Company of Angels, Derby. Directed by Adam Barnard.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Down Syndrome. 1998-2015. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Florida, viewed 2 June 2015, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20020948
NMC safeguarding adults 1: An Introduction. n.d, DVD, Lightshop films, Chester. Directed by Nursing and Midwifery Council.
NMC safeguarding adults film 2: Call me Joe, n.d, DVD, Lightshop films, Chester. Directed by Nursing and Midwifery Council.
NO2 Equality Act 2010
