CMCT01_Case_Studies 2015

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CASE STUDY 18 – STEVEN

Steven is an 89 year old gentleman whose wife Ruth, 15 years his junior, passed away suddenly in hospital 6 weeks ago. Steven has lived in the same matrimonial beach front home since he wed Ruth over 56 years ago. You learn that Steven and Ruth enjoyed a very happy, if not traditional marriage. Steven worked as a Financial advisor, whilst Ruth took care of all affairs related to the home and their children, James, Arthur and Suzanne. Upon Steven’s retirement 29 years ago Ruth delighted in fussing over Steven, indulging his every fancy and whim. James tells you his parents were the best of friends and great companions who made every moment count, travelling the world and hosting dinner parties with friends and acquaintances right up until his mother’s passing. Steven is grief stricken at the thought of remaining in the family home without Ruth however he is adamant that he does not want to sell the house as this is where he feels close to Ruth. His two sons, James and Arthur, believe that Steven should sell the property, move into residential care and use the remaining profit from the sale of the home to pay off his children’s mortgages. This is causing enormous friction between the siblings as Suzanne vocalises her opposition to her brothers in support of her father’s wishes. Heated arguments occur each time the family meet together at their father’s home and Steven feels helpless to intervene. At the most recent visit the dispute was so disruptive that a neighbour came running over, stood between Suzanne and her brothers and threatened to call the police if James and Arthur did not leave the property. Steven is becoming increasingly isolated and morose. He is spending long periods in bed, often not getting up until after midday. He has cancelled his twice weekly taxi booking to attend the local RSL, refuses to accept visitors or to catch up with his friends. If not in bed Steven spends his time seated in Ruth’s favourite chair in the front bay window always in his pyjamas and often in the dark. You have been contacted by James who has asked to meet urgently to discuss your assistance in facilitating his father’s move into a residential care facility. Steven has received 6 weekly gardening services from your agency for the past 2 years. After offering your condolences at the recent passing of his mother, James confides in you that he is presently experiencing financial difficulties within his private company and the bank has refused an additional line of credit. ►► Steven has spent the past 6 weeks eating toast and vegemite as he does not know how to cook. Ruth did the grocery shopping and prepared all of his meals. ►► Chronic emphysema and back pain prevents Steven fromwalking long distances. He mobilises with a pyramid walking frame and is unable to walk up and down the aisles of the supermarket. Steven is reliant on his neighbour to drop off bread, milk and cigarettes into the home every couple of days. ►► Steven is a heavy smoker and the home has not been aired nor cleaned for several weeks. ►► James is the executor and administrator of Steven’s estate and has told Suzanne that he intends to start looking at residential care options with Arthur, citing that the house is “too big for Dad now”. Both brothers have started removing items from the home, including a motor vehicle, jewellery and valuable antiques, without their fathers knowledge or consent. Arthur has commenced drafting an inventory of goods to be divided between the siblings or sold. Questions: 1. What guidelines from each of the CMSA National Standards of Practice for Case Management would you utilise in this case? 2. How does your proposed case management provide evidence of: A. Facilitating the personal development of Steven? (i.e. his individual, diverse and special needs, including his aspirations, choices, expectations, motivations, preferences and values) B. Advocating for their rights? (including developing Steven’s strengths to advocate for himself) C. Addressing both Steven’s needs? (i.e. purposeful case management) D. Promoting sustainable solutions for Steven? (i.e. balances Steven’s needs with the available resources and any of your possible limitations as a case manager) E. Effective communication? (i.e. with Steven and other Key Stakeholders) Additional information Instructions: 1. Please answer each of the questions below. 2. Please complete this activity with reference to the resource materials provided. 3. Please document and report your findings back to the group.

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