Deciding on placement
- What potential conflicts can arise in this family?
The decision to move Arlene to Jim’s house could create conflict especially because the family, Jim included have had little contact with Arlene over the years. Although Jim may be inclined to help his sister, the relationship between them is not as strong and even less between Arlene and Jim’s in-laws. The wife could have a problem taking in someone she does not know and take on the responsibility of helping manage her delayed development. The family also has two daughters to take care off and taking on Arlene could be too much of a financial strain on the family.
- What information about the family’s resources could help to offset their anxiety about Arlene’s change in housing?
Although the change in housing may be challenging, the fact that the family has managed to pay for Arlene to stay in residential facilities means that they have the means to accommodate the change. Despite their challenges, the family is determined to maintain the well being of all its members. A change in housing to a case where Arlene lives with Jim or another member of the family will mean that there is lesser use of capital as there will be lesser cost in form of accommodation and housing.
- Who else should be included in this plan?
Other than Jim and Arlene’s parents, the rest of the family should be part of the plan. The management and care of Arlene’s condition combined with the deteriorating health of the parents means that all family members will be required to contribute. Involving the rest of the family will ensure that whatever plan is agreed upon is sustainable even after the parents can no longer support Arlene. Other than the family, a medical professional should be invited to advise the family about the most appropriate course of action (Withbourne, 2016). The medical professional can best explain why Arlene cannot stay with the parents, how to go about accommodating her in a new setting and also the most appropriate decision to make for the well being of the entire family and not just Arlene.
- Identify the factors that will affect the Thomas siblings’ decisions about placement for their mother and sister
Finances will play a major decision in determining the decision made by the Thomas siblings when determining what approach to take in placement of their mother and sister. The family can no longer rely on Mr and Mrs Thomas as their medical condition is deteriorating. As such, the cost of placing the mother and sister will fall on the siblings who are already struggling as it is. Another factor that will be taken into consideration is the change in lifestyle that the family will have to make (Cohem et al, 2016). Taking care of the mother and sister will not only be financial but require input from the entire family to ensure that the family continues to function even with the added responsibilities.
- What type of community resources could help the Thomas family, especially to help allay their anxieties about finances?
Community resources such as medical care funds could help the family cope with the strain of taking care of the mother and sister. Retirement benefits for instance could assist in sourcing funds to pay for the needs for placement. Contributions from other family relatives and personal savings will also play a major role in ensuring that there are enough resources. The family can also rely on Medicare, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Supplementary social security and other programs implemented by the government to help the elderly and those that are not as well off (Brosius & Mandoki, 2020).
- How would you support Alice during the decision-making process
Alice, being undecided should be provided with information about placement and hosting at home as well as the advantages and downside of both options. In addition, the family should discuss the challenges that will arise from both decisions. The goal should be to weigh all options before agreeing on the proper course of action to take (HH, 2020). There is the need to create understanding on the impact that any decision will make.
- Describe strategies for an open discussion at a family meeting.
The most appropriate strategy for an open discussion is a group dialogue. Each member of the Thomas family has a say in the matter as it affects the entire family. A group dialogue will ensure that everyone has a chance to air their opinions and be part of the decision-making process (Walsh, 2015). The group should however include medical professional and other care givers that have a better understanding of placements.
- What approaches could help the Thomas family learn about possible placement options?
To learn about other possible placement options, the Thomas family could reach out to families that had previously placed their family members in the same home as Arlene. Since the institution is closing, keeping in touch will help identify other possible placement ideas that other families have considered as alternatives. The Thomas family should also conduct physical visits accompanied by a social worker to assess placement homes in order to identify the most appropriate plan for Arlene and the mother.
- Identify social factors that might influence the Thomas family’s decision
Social factors could also weigh in on the decision the family has to make. In society, the responsibility of taking care of parents falls to the children. In some settings, placement is a sign of irresponsibility as it is a way of giving that responsibility to someone else. The Thomas family must however weigh the social factors against their capabilities and the overall needs of Arlene and the mother (NIA, 2020). For Arlene, home is the residential care institutions she has known for the better part of her life. Regardless of the social constructs that advocate for families to look after one another, Arlene’s family is the people she grew up with at the home. Despite the family’s desire to host her at home, they must also ensure that her needs are met, regardless of what society expects.
References
Brosius, C., & Mandoki, R. (2020). Caring for Old Age: Perspectives from South Asia. Heidelberg University Publishing
Cohen, M. S., Paul, E., Nuschke, J. D., Tolentino, J. C., Mendez, A. V. C., Mira, A.-E. A., Baxter, R. A., ... Stawicki, S. P. (2016). “Patient Frailty: Key Considerations, Definitions and Practical Implications” Zawada, Edward T.; Challenges in Elder Care; Intech
Helping Hands, (2020) “Elderly care” retrieved from, https://www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/home-care-services/elderly-care/
National Institute on Ageing, (2020) “Aging in place: Growing older at home” retrieved from, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home
Walsh, F. (2015). Normal family processes: Growing diversity and complexity. Walsh, F. (2015). “Normal family processes: Growing diversity and complexity” New York: The Guilford Press
Whitbourne, S. K. (2016). The Encyclopedia of adulthood and aging. Malden, Mass: Wiley Blackwell.
