The Case of Mrs. G.
Mrs. G. is a 75 year old Hispanic woman who has been relatively well all of her life. She had been married for 50 years and had five children. Her children are grown with families of their own. All but one of her children live in other states. Mrs. G.’s husband passed away last year, which was devastating for her. She had been very close to him and relied upon him for everything. He was “the life of the party” she always said and was a loving and caring man. Since his passing, Mrs. G. has continued to live in the house they shared for 35 years. In the last month, Mrs. G. has fallen twice sustaining injuries, though minimal. Her home health nurse comes weekly to check in on her. Mrs. G. likes her very much and wishes she could come more often. Mrs. G.’s daughter who lives in the next town over, has been worried and decided with the urging of her siblings and the doctor to start looking for an Helped living facility for her mother. She found one last week and talked with the Director who said she would be happy to help in whatever way was best. The daughter decided to tell her mother that it was time for her to move, so she can be cared for and be safe. When she told her mother, Mrs. G. cried and said, “This will not happen ever. I plan to stay in this house of loving memories for the remainder of my life.” Mrs. G’s daughter, who lives in the next town over, has been worried about her mother and, on the advice of her siblings and the doctor, has decided to start looking for a place for her mother to live with help. Last week, she found one and talked to the Director, who said she would be happy to help in any way that would be most helpful. The daughter decided to tell her mother that it was time for her to move so that she could be cared for and be safe. When she told her mother, Mrs. G. cried and said, “This will never happen again.”
In 3 – 4 pages answer the following questions:
How would you best describe Mrs. G.’s feelings about her life, her family, her traditions, and her future?
Did Mrs. G.’s response to her daughter surprise you? Please explain your answer.
In what way do you believe her culture might be influencing her decision?
If you were Mrs. G.’s daughter what would you say to her that shows you are caring and have compassion for her situation? What nonverbal communication would support that level of communication?
Suppose Mrs. G. stands firm about not leaving her house. What resources and collaborations might be available and helpful so the daughter and other healthcare providers can keep her mother safe and make the most effective decision?
