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Imagine that your aunt is 79, and her memory is failing, Her physical health is generally good, except that she is overweight and has type 2 diabetes mellitus

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Imagine that your aunt is 79, and her memory is failing, Her physical health is generally good, except that she is overweight and has type 2 diabetes mellitus. She smokes one to two packs of cigarettes a day and has a chronic cough. Your uncle (her husband) is living with her and is in good health. He stopped smoking more than 20 years ago. Knowing that you are a nurse, your uncle calls you in despair and says, “I can’t take care of her anymore!” The couple’s only child (your cousin) is widowed and lives 75 miles away. He has one teenage child at home and one in college.

a. What additional information do you need from your uncle in order to help him? What agencies or people would you suggest he call for advice and information?

b. Identify community resources that are most likely to be available in your uncle’s hometown (or in the nearest large city).

c. What questions should your uncle ask his family physician?

d. If nursing home placement is needed, how can your relatives choose the best one?

e. What level of long-term care do you think would be recommended for your aunt?

f. What role could your cousin play in planning care for his mother?

g. What are your personal feelings about this situation?