Health Promotion: Prevention of Disease

 

CASE STUDY: Family Member with Alzheimer’s Disease: Mark and Jacqueline
Mark and Jacqueline have been married for 30 years. They have grown children who live in another
state. Jacqueline’s mother has moved in with the couple because she has Alzheimer’s disease.
Jacqueline is an only child and always promised her mother that she would care for her in her old
age. Her mother is unaware of her surroundings and often calls out for her daughter Jackie when
Jacqueline is in the room. Jacqueline reassures her mother that she is there to help, but to no avail.
Jacqueline is unable to visit her children on holidays because she must attend to her mother’s daily
needs. She is reluctant to visit friends or even go out to a movie because of her mother’s care needs
or because she is too tired. Even though she has eliminated most leisure activities with Mark,
Jacqueline goes to bed at night with many of her caregiving tasks unfinished. She tries to visit with
her mother during the day, but her mother rejects any contact with her daughter. Planning for the
upcoming holidays seems impossible to Mark, because of his wife’s inability to focus on anything
except her mother’s care.
Jacqueline has difficulty sleeping at night and is unable to discuss plans even a few days in
advance. She is unable to visit friends and is reluctant to have friends visit because of the
unpredictable behavior of her mother and her need to attend to the daily care.
Reflective Questions
1. How do you think this situation reflects Jacqueline’s sense of role performance?
2. How do you think that Jacqueline may be contributing to her own health?

Sample Solution

Jacqueline’s sense of role performance is likely being impacted by her caregiving responsibilities. She may feel like she is not meeting the expectations of her roles as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She may also feel like she is not living up to her own expectations of herself.

This can be a very difficult situation for Jacqueline, as she is trying to balance all of her roles and responsibilities. She may feel overwhelmed, guilty, and frustrated. It is important for Jacqueline to remember that she is not alone and that there are resources available to help her.

How do you think that Jacqueline may be contributing to her own health?

Jacqueline’s caregiving responsibilities may be contributing to her own health in a number of ways. She may be experiencing:

  • Physical stress: Caregiving can be physically demanding, especially if the person being cared for is mobile or has behavioral problems. Jacqueline may be experiencing fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches.
  • Emotional stress: Caregiving can also be emotionally stressful. Jacqueline may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. She may also be experiencing grief and loss as she watches her mother’s condition decline.
  • Social isolation: Caregiving can lead to social isolation. Jacqueline may be spending less time with her friends and family because she is too busy caring for her mother. She may also feel like she cannot relate to people who are not caregivers.

It is important for Jacqueline to take care of herself both physically and emotionally. She should make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. She should also try to find time for activities that she enjoys, even if it is just for a few minutes each day.

Jacqueline may also want to consider joining a support group for caregivers. This can be a great way to connect with other people who understand what she is going through. Support groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and resources.

Here are some additional tips for Jacqueline:

  • Delegate tasks. If possible, delegate tasks to other family members, friends, or paid caregivers. This will give Jacqueline some time to rest and recharge.
  • Take breaks. It is important for Jacqueline to take breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. She can use this time to read, listen to music, or go for a walk.
  • Ask for help. Jacqueline should not be afraid to ask for help from others. She can ask her family, friends, or healthcare providers for support.
  • Take care of herself. Jacqueline should make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. She should also try to find time for activities that she enjoys.

It is important for Jacqueline to remember that she is not alone and that there are people who care about her and want to help. By taking care of herself and asking for help, Jacqueline can better manage her caregiving responsibilities and improve her own health and well-being.

 

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