Family Assessment on the Calhoun Term Paper

They provide the funds to pay for the extras Noah and Allie enjoy while at the home and they write them letters and send them cards weekly. Noah reports that his adult children do an "excellent" job of watching out for "old mom and dad" and he jokes that he did it right by raising them to know it would be their job to do so.

The nursing home director also reported that Noah's adult children regularly come and get him to take a day out of the home. Sometimes they go to a park, often they go out to eat and sometimes he stays overnight with his adult children and is returned in the morning. At one point they report, Allie was also accompanying them on the day outings but in the past few months as her disease progressed it became unsafe for her to go out without professional supervision as they were not able to control her outbursts.

The family reports that they chose this particular home because of the cognitive and emotional support that it offers it residents, including those who have Alzheimer's disease. They are happy with the care the home is providing and are encouraged by the social activities that Noah, in particular is encouraged to participate in. Daily there are card and domino games that can be found and the staff reports that Noah regularly participates in them as well as the monthly educational seminars that are provided.

Family members do encourage socially normative behaviors among other family members. This is witnessed by the staff as Noah is taken on day outings with his adult children and they pay the extra funding for him to go on the outings with the home that occur three times a year.

Independence of the family members is encouraged however, Noah reports that he does not want independence from Allie and often sneaks into her room at night to sit with her and to read to her whether or not she displays any recognition.The primary reason for the family to begin therapy is to learn to understand and accept the changes that are occurring due to Allie's disease. Noah and the children report having a difficult time realizing that she is in the end stages of Alzheimer's disease and she no longer recognizes family members. The family initiated therapy at the suggestion of the nursing home director.

The primary additional risk factor facing the family is Noah's emotional dependence on Allie who is no longer there to provide love and support to him.

The risk increase as Allie's disease progresses and Noah may begin to withdraw and suffer from major depression.

The family recognized these risk factors and decided to begin therapy.

The strengths and resources available to the family include their close relationship in which they talk openly with each other about their feelings.

One resource that is available to the family that they do not yet use is the local Alzheimer's support group. They would be able to meet other family members who are being affected by a loved one having this disease. It would be particularly helpful for Noah as he begins to let go of his relationship with Allie and move….....