As we look at middle and late adulthood, we have a variety of issues to assess.

As we look at middle and late adulthood, we have a variety of issues to assess. Often issues presenting with an older adult are also impacting or impacted by their relationship with an adult child who is in middle adulthood. Watch this video for our client Mrs. Pearson. Here we hear about her adult daughter’s concerns for Mrs. Pearson’s safety and well-being. Often as Human Service Providers, we have to consider multiple stages of development as we work with a client system. Initial post: When we look at this case from the perspective of Mrs. Pearson’s daughter (we will call her Linda), we need to think about issues present for Linda. In this discussion, what are two issues, concerns, or struggles that may be present for Linda as she sees her mother’s decline? How might you, as the Human Service Provider, need to engage Linda in the planning for her mother’s care to address both Linda’s concerns and Mrs. Pearson’s needs in a way that benefits their relationship? Reply post: Reply to one student who had a different idea or concern then you did about working with Linda. How does your colleague’s perspective impact your assessment? REPLY BACK TO THIS STUDENTS POST: Mrs. Pearson is 75 years old, and has a daughter, Lisa. In the video, Lisa reached out to a professional, and it was mentioned that Lisa, the daughter came home and found the stove left on by her mother as she went to take a shower. This was the second time in five days this has happened. In the video, Mrs. Pearson admitted that “I was driving and couldn’t remember why or where I was driving to and turned around and went home” (Symptom Media, 2018). Mrs. Pearson recently lost her cousin to brain cancer, and said, “Snap of a finger and she was gone” (Symptom Media, 2018). Mrs. Pearson also stated that she wasn’t going out much and had been staying home (Symptom Media, 2018). She stated, “Hate the rain and it has been raining and raining” (Symptom Media, 2018). It was pointed out that it had just started raining that morning. Further, Mrs. Pearson stated, “I’m not 100%” (Symptom Media, 2018). Her long-term memory is great as she could recall what time she was born, where she was born, and her parents’ names. Her short-term memory is severely impaired as she could not recall the day of the week nor what month, although she did know the year (Symptom Media, 2018). Two issues or concerns I have for Lisa as her mom declines is when Lisa is not home and is alone that this puts her mom in danger. Leaving the stove on can result in a fire, and if she is in the shower or if she is not aware then she could die in the fire or lose everything. It doesn’t have to be a fire, but if she is on medication then forgetting to take them or taking them too often because she may forget the day if she has a daily/weekly/monthly pill box. Driving is another issue, and I am concerned about this for Lisa and her mom. Another concern is Mrs. Pearson’s loss of her cousin that she stated was her best friend growing up. The guilt she feels and the grief she is going through. Mrs. Pearson stated, “I should have known, but I didn’t, and I thought there would be more time. Why was I so cruel not to write or visit? I meant to drive upstate but never did.” This is when Mrs. Pearson started crying and was very emotional. I am concerned that if this grief continues and is not addressed or Mrs. Pearson does not get help with it then it will lead to further depression and decline. This will affect Lisa, and I am concerned that it will take a toll on her and affect the relationship between mother and daughter. I would engage Lisa by asking Mrs. Pearson if we could all talk together. I must build a rapport and trust with Mrs. Pearson, and seek her permission to include her daughter, legally and ethically. Once that is obtained then I would ask them both to share their feelings and ensure that it remains non-threatening nor attacking. I would communicate suggestions such as home health aide, Lisa putting the keys to the car in a safe place that Mrs. Pearson would not be able to drive unless Lisa is aware, a therapist, and also a release to be signed to communicate with Mrs. Pearson’s primary care doctor. I would also validate both their feelings with empathy and compassion. Suggesting a grief support group for Mrs. Pearson because she may find comfort with others that have and are going through what she is going through. This may lead to social groups or day programs for individuals with a form of dementia. This may give Mrs. Pearson an outlet as she processes her grief, and Lisa, her daughter, peace of mind. Being more social in a safe setting with others and professionals that are experienced working with individuals like Mrs. Pearson may also benefit her from isolation. Grief can be a debilitating emotion and can lead to depression, anxiety, guilt, and sadness. Seeking a therapist may help her through this and improve her symptoms. Lisa may also benefit from therapy as an outlet to work through watching her mom’s decline. It can be a lot with a lot of emotions, helplessness, and feelings caring and watching the decline of a loved one. Helping the family is vital for all involved to reduce symptoms that are unhealthy and improve their quality of life. References: Symptom Media. (2018). Mrs. Pearson, Core Video: Pseudodementia. [Video/DVD] Symptom Media [Video]. https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/mrs-pearson-core-video-pseudodementia