Learning to Support Vulnerable Passengers – A Reflection Using Kolb’s Cycle
- 2406-120460
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 10
(Radu Constantin Sofronescu)
During my time as a taxi driver, I had a memorable encounter with an elderly passenger who appeared lost and confused. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of her behaviour, but now, reflecting with a health and social care lens, I realise how important it is to recognise signs of vulnerability and act appropriately. To better understand this experience, I will use Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984), which includes four stages: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualisation, and Active Experimentation.
1. Concrete Experience
One afternoon, I picked up an elderly woman who was accompanied to my car by a neighbour. The neighbour quickly gave me the destination and left. Throughout the journey, the woman seemed anxious and repeatedly asked me where we were going. She appeared to forget the purpose of the trip and who I was, which led to visible distress. Although I kept my tone calm and tried to reassure her, I felt unsure about how to handle the situation beyond driving her safely to her address.
2. Reflective Observation
After the journey, I thought more deeply about the interaction. Her confusion, repetitive questioning, and visible discomfort reminded me of behaviours associated with dementia, although at the time I didn’t name it that way. I realised that, while I had done my best to remain patient and polite, I missed an opportunity to provide more meaningful reassurance or perhaps even contact someone to ensure her safety beyond the journey.
3. Abstract Conceptualisation
Looking at this experience through the lens of health and social care, I now understand that the woman may have been experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment, potentially dementia. According to the NHS (2024), disorientation, short-term memory issues, and confusion about familiar tasks are common symptoms. In a health and social care setting, person-centred care is crucial, focusing on individual needs, dignity, and communication tailored to the person's understanding (McCormack and McCance, 2017).
This links to the principle of professional values in care, such as compassion, attentiveness, and safeguarding (Skills for Care, 2022). Even though I was not in a formal care role at the time, I was in a position of trust and contact, making it essential to have some awareness of these values.
4. Active Experimentation
If I were in a similar situation again—whether in a taxi or in a health and social care context—I would respond differently. I would use simpler, clearer language, avoid repeating the same question, and focus on reassuring the individual in a calm and confident tone. I would also feel more confident contacting someone (e.g., a carer or relative) if needed, to ensure the passenger’s safety after the journey. Going forward, I plan to complete basic training on dementia awareness through organisations like Dementia UK and the Open University’s free online courses.
Conclusion
This experience, although not within formal health care, taught me that everyone has a role in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals. Using Kolb’s learning cycle has helped me not just recall the event, but turn it into a meaningful learning moment. It’s shown me how reflection helps bridge past experiences and future professional growth. I am now more conscious of how interactions—even brief ones—can have a lasting impact on someone's wellbeing.
References (Harvard Style)
Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
McCormack, B. and McCance, T. (2017) Person-Centred Practice in Nursing and Health Care: Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
NHS (2024) Symptoms of dementia. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms [Accessed 11 Jul. 2025].
Skills for Care (2022) Core skills and values in health and social care. [Online] Available at: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk [Accessed 11 Jul. 2025].
This was such a powerful reflection, thank you for sharing your experience so honestly. I really liked how you used Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to unpack the situation. It’s amazing how something that might have seemed like a small moment at the time can actually reveal so much when viewed through a health and social care lens.
Your story reminded me how important it is to be aware of signs of vulnerability, even in roles outside formal care. The way you reflected on communication and safeguarding really stood out to me especially the part about using simpler language and providing reassurance. It shows how we all have a part to play in protecting and supporting others, even in everyday encounters.
A profound and admirable reflection on a real-life experience that teaches us how important it is to be attentive and empathetic to vulnerable people. It is inspiring to see how you used Kolb’s Learning Cycle to better understand that situation and to transform that experience into a learning opportunity. I appreciate your initiative to continuously educate yourself to better help people in need, and I believe that this kind of awareness is essential not only in the field of social work, but also in everyday life. Thank you for sharing this story!