CASE STUDY: Family Member with Alzheimer’s Disease: Mark and Jacqueline
Mark and Jacqueline have been married for 30 years. They have grown children who live in another
state. Jacqueline’s mother has moved in with the couple because she has Alzheimer’s disease.
Jacqueline is an only child and always promised her mother that she would care for her in her old
age. Her mother is unaware of her surroundings and often calls out for her daughter Jackie when
Jacqueline is in the room. Jacqueline reassures her mother that she is there to help, but to no avail.
Jacqueline is unable to visit her children on holidays because she must attend to her mother’s daily
needs. She is reluctant to visit friends or even go out to a movie because of her mother’s care needs
or because she is too tired. Even though she has eliminated most leisure activities with Mark,
Jacqueline goes to bed at night with many of her caregiving tasks unfinished. She tries to visit with
her mother during the day, but her mother rejects any contact with her daughter. Planning for the
upcoming holidays seems impossible to Mark, because of his wife’s inability to focus on anything
except her mother’s care.
Jacqueline has difficulty sleeping at night and is unable to discuss plans even a few days in
advance. She is unable to visit friends and is reluctant to have friends visit because of the
unpredictable behavior of her mother and her need to attend to the daily care.
Reflective Questions
- How do you think this situation reflects Jacqueline’s sense of role performance?
- How do you think that Jacqueline may be contributing to her own health
The Impact of Caregiving on the Health of Family Members
Introduction
Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease can be an incredibly challenging and demanding task. In the case of Mark and Jacqueline, Jacqueline’s commitment to caring for her mother has had a significant impact on her own health and well-being. This essay will explore how Jacqueline’s role performance is affected by her caregiving responsibilities and how she may be contributing to her own health issues.
Body
1. Role Performance
Jacqueline’s sense of role performance is significantly affected by her caregiving responsibilities. She has made a promise to her mother to care for her in her old age, and she feels obligated to fulfill that promise. This commitment has caused Jacqueline to neglect other aspects of her life, including her relationships with her children, her husband, and her friends. She is unable to visit her children on holidays and is reluctant to engage in leisure activities or socialize due to her mother’s constant care needs. Jacqueline’s dedication to her caregiving role has led to a loss of personal identity and a sense of being trapped in her responsibilities.
2. Impact on Health
Jacqueline’s dedication to caring for her mother has taken a toll on her own health. She is unable to sleep at night, likely due to the constant worry and stress associated with caregiving. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, Jacqueline’s inability to plan in advance or engage in social activities has resulted in feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. By neglecting her own needs, Jacqueline is putting herself at risk for physical and emotional health problems.
3. Contributing Factors
While the demands of caregiving are undoubtedly challenging, Jacqueline may be contributing to her own health issues in some ways. Firstly, she is trying to do everything herself without seeking support or assistance from others. This self-reliance can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Jacqueline needs to recognize that it is okay to ask for help and delegate tasks to others, whether it be hiring a professional caregiver or involving other family members in the care process.
Secondly, Jacqueline’s inability to set boundaries with her mother is impacting her own well-being. It is essential for caregivers to establish clear boundaries to maintain their own physical and mental health. Jacqueline should communicate with her mother about the need for personal time and space, even if her mother’s rejection may be difficult to handle. By asserting boundaries, Jacqueline can better prioritize her own self-care needs.
Conclusion
Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease is a noble but challenging responsibility. In the case of Mark and Jacqueline, Jacqueline’s role performance has been significantly impacted by her caregiving duties, leading to negative effects on her health and well-being. It is crucial for caregivers like Jacqueline to recognize the importance of self-care and seek support from others. By prioritizing their own needs, caregivers can ensure their ability to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.