The Parker Family Sara Is A 72-Year-Old Widowed Caucasian Fe

The Parker Familysara Is A 72 Year Old Widowed Caucasian Female Who Li

The Parker Family Sara is a 72-year-old widowed Caucasian female who lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her 48-year-old daughter, Stephanie, and six cats. Sara and her daughter have lived together for the past 10 years, since Stephanie returned home after a failed relationship and was unable to live independently. Stephanie has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and her overall physical health is good. Stephanie has no history of treatment for alcohol or substance abuse; during her teens she drank and smoked marijuana but no longer uses these substances. When she was 16 years old, Stephanie was hospitalized after her first bipolar episode.

She had attempted suicide by swallowing a handful of Tylenol® and drinking half a bottle of vodka after her first breakup. She has been hospitalized three times in the past 4 years when she stopped taking her medications and experienced suicidal ideation. Stephanie’s current medications are Lithium, Paxil®, Abilify®, and Klonopin®. Stephanie recently had a brief hospitalization due to depressive symptoms. She attends a mental health drop-in center twice a week to socialize with friends and receives outpatient psychiatric treatment at a local mental health clinic for medication management and weekly therapy.

Stephanie maintains a part-time job at a supermarket where she bags groceries and is in training to become a cashier. She currently has active Medicare and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Sara has recently been hospitalized for depression and has some physical health issues, including high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism. She is slightly underweight and displaying signs of dementia. Sara has no history of alcohol or substance abuse. Her medications include Lexapro® and Zyprexa®. She also receives Medicare and Social Security benefits, along with a small pension.

Sara attends a day treatment program for seniors affiliated with a nearby hospital three days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with free van service provided. A telephone call was made to Adult Protective Services (APS) by the senior day treatment social worker after Sara presented with increased confusion, poor attention to daily routines, and statements indicating concern about Stephanie’s behavior.

Sara told the social worker that her daughter was argumentative and was throwing out her belongings, and she expressed fear of losing her possessions. During a home visit, the APS worker observed a cluttered living room, but the kitchen was fairly clean with food stored appropriately. All egress doors were clear, and there was no sign of vermin or severe hygiene issues. Sara denied fearing her daughter or experiencing physical abuse, though Stephanie had a noticeable bruise on her forearm, which she attributed to Sara trying to retrieve items from her arms. Stephanie admitted to throwing out things to clean the apartment, expressing frustration with her mother’s hoarding behavior.

Both women acknowledged increased arguing but denied physical violence. Sara explained she didn’t mean to hurt Stephanie, just wanted her belongings. The APS worker noted Sara’s disheveled appearance but adequate hygiene. Stephanie was well-groomed. The report indicated there's no immediate danger but emphasized the need for Intensive Case Management (ICM) services due to conflict and poor living conditions, including hoarding dangers that could escalate, leading to eviction or the need for separation or relocation.

As the ICM worker, an assessment was conducted. Stephanie was angry about her mother’s hoarding and the apartment’s state, which caused her shame and social withdrawal. Both women wished to remain in their home, but Stephanie questioned Sara’s willingness to cooperate with cleanup efforts. Sara insisted she wanted to stay and would try to accept the necessary changes. Stephanie was estranged from her sister, Jane, due to hoarding issues, and expressed dissatisfaction with her mother’s psychiatric care, believing her mother’s increased anxiety, insomnia, and shopping (possibly exacerbated by medication) reflected poorly on her treatment.

With permission, contact was made with Jane and the outpatient treatment teams. Jane, initially uncooperative, expressed anger about her mother’s situation and the impact of her hoarding on family life. She admitted to concerns that Sara’s hoarding worsened after her father’s death from a heart attack and blamed her mother for Stephanie’s relapses, feeling her sister’s compliance was once better. Jane felt the mental health system discharged Sara back home despite the poor conditions, which exacerbated the problem. She showed photos of the apartment as evidence.

Jane offered to help with the cleanup through relatives or her husband, but only if Sara would cooperate. She was assured Sara was willing to do whatever was necessary to stay in her home. A plan was made for Sara and Stephanie to work together daily for an hour on cleaning to prevent escalation. Support and encouragement were scheduled, and the family’s outpatient teams were informed. Jane’s cousins and her husband were willing to assist, and plans were made for minor repairs and pet placement, reducing the cats from six to a manageable number.

During the process, Stephanie expressed a desire to move out and pursue independent living, citing her successful training as a cashier. She was concerned about Sara’s reaction and sought assistance in discussing her housing application for supportive housing. Sara initially resisted the idea but ultimately preferred to remain in her current residence, with additional support services arranged to facilitate aging at home.

Paper For Above instruction

The complex dynamics of mental illness, aging, and familial relationships are exemplified in the case of Sara Parker and her daughter Stephanie. Their living situation highlights significant challenges associated with psychiatric disorders, cognitive decline, and hoarding behaviors, which can impact the safety, hygiene, and overall well-being of individuals in such environments. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating mental health treatment, social services, and family support, to provide comprehensive care and promote safe aging-in-place strategies.

Sara Parker’s background reveals the common issues encountered among older adults experiencing mental health and physical health comorbidities. As a 72-year-old with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, signs of dementia, and recent depression, her health status warrants close management. Her history of depression has necessitated pharmacotherapy with Lexapro® and Zyprexa®, along with participation in a senior day treatment program. Despite her willingness to remain in her home, her disheveled appearance and cognitive symptoms highlight the progression of age-related cognitive decline and mental health deterioration.

Stephanie’s situation reflects the complexities of bipolar disorder management in family settings. Her history of hospitalizations, suicidal ideation, and current medications such as Lithium, Paxil®, Abilify®, and Klonopin® point to a significant psychiatric history necessitating ongoing outpatient management. Her frustration with her mother’s hoarding and her own desire for independence highlight the tension often present in such cases. Stephanie’s employment demonstrates her capacity for functioning and the potential for recovery if stable housing and supportive services are provided.

The case also emphasizes the role of adult protective services and case management in ensuring safety. The APS intervention was prompted by concerns about Sara’s confusion, hoarding, and possible neglect. The home visit findings indicated no immediate danger but identified hazards related to clutter, hygiene, and potential escalation of hoarding behavior. The worker’s assessment prioritized strengthening family support, addressing hygiene and safety issues, and planning for future needs such as relocation or supportive housing if necessary.

Family dynamics also play a significant role. The estrangement between Sara and her sister Jane illustrates how hoarding behaviors can lead to social isolation and familial conflict. Jane’s reluctance initially posed challenges but ultimately revealed insights into the long-standing nature of the hoarding problem and its impact on mental health and family relationships. Her willingness to help with cleanup and repairs demonstrates the importance of family involvement in intervention efforts.

Interventions centered on coordinated efforts for home cleanup, medication management, and cognitive assessment are vital in such cases. The use of a tiered approach, starting with gradual removal of clutter via designated bags, provided a manageable framework aligned with Sara’s anxiety. Engagement of relatives and community resources, including pet placement and minor home repairs, helped address immediate environmental hazards and improve quality of life.

The decision-making process regarding housing options—whether to support aging in place or pursue supportive or senior housing—requires careful consideration. Sara’s preference to remain in her home was facilitated by exploring home care services and community supports. Conversely, Stephanie’s desire to move to independent accommodation reflects her aspiration for autonomy and stability. These divergent wishes highlight the need for individualized care plans aligning safety, independence, and mental health needs.

In conclusion, the case of Sara and Stephanie exemplifies the multifaceted challenges faced by older adults with mental and physical health issues living in cohabitation with family members managing mental illness and hoarding behaviors. Addressing such complex situations necessitates a holistic, culturally sensitive approach that combines medical treatment, social supports, family involvement, and legal safeguards when needed. Ensuring safety and promoting independence require collaborative efforts among health professionals, social workers, family members, and community resources. The integration of mental health care, senior support services, and proactive case management is essential for optimizing outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations in similar scenarios.

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