Social Science - Sociology Assignment 1

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© 2022 Walden University, LLC. Adapted from Plummer, S. -B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014).

Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.

Parker Family

SOCW 6121

Sara Parker 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 use; 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

boyfriend broke up with her. 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 as a result of 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. She is maintaining a part-time job at a local

supermarket where she bags groceries and is currently being trained to become a

cashier. Stephanie has active Medicare and receives Social Security Disability (SSD).

Sara has recently been hospitalized for depression and has some physical issues. She

has documented high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism, she is slightly underweight,

and she is displaying signs of dementia. Sara has no history of alcohol or substance

use. Her current medications are Lexapro® and Zyprexa®. Sara has Medicare and

receives Social Security benefits and a small pension. She attends a day treatment

program for seniors that is affiliated with a local hospital in her neighborhood. Sara

attends the program 3 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and van service is

provided free of charge.

A telephone call was made to Adult Protective Services (APS) by the senior day

treatment social worker when Sara presented with increased confusion, poor attention

to daily living skills, and statements made about Stephanie’s behavior. Sara told the

social worker at the senior day treatment program that, “My daughter is very

argumentative and is throwing all of my things out.” She reported, “We are fighting like

cats and dogs; I’m afraid of her and of losing all my stuff.”

Home Visit

During the home visit, the APS worker observed that the living room was very cluttered,

but that the kitchen was fairly clean, with food in the refrigerator and cabinets. Despite

the clutter, all of the doorways, including the front door, had clear egress. The family

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© 2022 Walden University, LLC. Adapted from Plummer, S. -B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014).

Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.

lives on the first floor of the apartment building and could exit the building without

difficulty in case of emergency. The litter boxes were also fairly clean, and there was no

sign of vermin in the home.

Upon questioning by the APS worker, Sara denied that she was afraid of her daughter

or that her daughter had been physically abusive. In fact, the worker observed that

Stephanie had a noticeable bruise on her forearm, which appeared defensive in nature.

When asked about the bruise, Stephanie reported that she had gotten it when her

mother tried to grab some items out of her arms that she was about to throw out.

Stephanie admitted to throwing things out to clean up the apartment, telling the APS

worker, “I’m tired of my mother’s hoarding.” Sara agreed with the description of the

incident. Both Sara and Stephanie admitted to an increase in arguing but denied

physical violence. Sara stated, “I didn’t mean to hurt Stephanie. I was just trying to get

my things back.”

The APS worker observed that Sara’s appearance was unkempt and disheveled, but

her overall hygiene was adequate (i.e., clean hair and clothes). Stephanie was neatly

groomed with good hygiene. The APS worker determined that no one was in immediate

danger to warrant removal from the home but that the family needed a referral for

Intensive Case Management (ICM) services. It was clear there was some conflict in the

home that had led to physical confrontations. Further, the house had hygiene issues,

including trash and items stacked in the living room and Sara’s room, which needed to

be addressed. The APS worker indicated in her report that if not adequately addressed,

the hoarding might continue to escalate and create an unsafe and unhygienic

environment, thus leading to a possible eviction or recommendation for separation and

relocation for both women.