HGD Supporting Mary’s Well-Being: A Case Study on Aging and Social Support

Mary Case Study

Mary is an 82-year-old lady who lives in a detached house in the country. She has lived here all her life. Her husband, Sean, passed away last year following 50 years of marriage. Mary and Sean have three children, two of whom are grown and live close by. They lost their middle son Michael to infant TB. The children call weekly, and she always looks forward to seeing them. She enjoys hearing about the grandchildren. They always invite her to stay or live with them, but she refuses, saying she is fine. The reality is that she doesn’t want to leave the house she and her husband shared as she fears the house would be broken into if she wasn’t there.

She phones her children regularly, yet finds the background noise bothersome to hear clearly. She makes excuses and cuts the calls short. Mary goes to the local shop weekly for her basics and a neighbour brings in a hot dinner on Sundays. Mary has noticed that since Sean’s death, she has become more isolated and feels more alone. All their friends have either passed away, moved into the local nursing home or are becoming frail and cannot get to her house. She does enjoy the chat when they ring. Her sleep is disturbed, and she finds herself lying awake wondering if God would take her too. She has a GP but does not want to bother her. Her days are long, and her only outings are to local shop and to walk her dog. She is finding it increasingly difficult to get in and out of the shower and is afraid of showering. When Sean was alive, he would help her with her shower. They participated in the dance nights and went away on weekends organised by the parish. Mary was a regular mass goer but doesn’t bother now since Sean’s death, as she cannot drive. Mary has noticed that her appetite is poor and is only eating the bare minimum. She sits for long periods of time during the day and sometimes hours pass before she notices. She misses her husband terribly and the connections they had with others.

Assessment Criteria and Marks

Question 1 – Identification of Needs

Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs model:

• Identify two needs which are being met in Mary’s case [2 x 1 marks].
• Identify two needs that are not being met in Mary’s case [2 x 1 marks].
• Explain why each need is being met/not being met [4 x 1 marks].
• Link with the relevant theory: include programmed and damage or error theories [4 x 2 Marks].
• Cite/Reference your information source [4 x 1 Marks].

Total: 20 Marks

Question 2 – Stages of Development/Strategies

Provide an overview of Erikson’s psychological stages of Development specifically discussing the final stage Integrity vs. Despair OR Levinson’s theory of the Seasons of life discussing the final stage.

• Outline how the stages are related specifically to Mary’s circumstances [4 Marks].
• Individual: Outline the strategies you would employ to meet Mary’s needs, e.g. consider areas of development. [4 Marks].
• Family support: Outline the strategies you would employ to support the family in meeting Mary’s needs [4 Marks].
• Community: Detail services/amenities/support organisations available in the community which can support Mary and her family e.g. Day care centre, [4 Marks].
• Government: Detail what state supports can be provided by way of support to Mary and her family e.g. home adaption grant [4 Marks].

Question 3 – Action Plan

Mary’s daughter has linked her in with an NGO (Non-government organisation) which acts as a national advocacy service for older people (Information on Moodle). Mary has been assigned an advocacy worker. Outline five key supports that can be put in place for Mary to continue to live in her own home. (5×2 Marks).

Question 4 – Reflection

Reflect upon your own prejudices in working with older people and what interpersonal skills would Mary’s advocacy worker require to work with Mary in a compassionate and sensitive manner to assist her and her family.