Discussion 1: Self-Determination

In the Christ & Diwan (2008) article, the authors list seven domains that social workers should address in order to fully assess an older client’s needs. Each domain is considered equally important. This comprehensive evaluation fits well with the social work perspective that it is important to not only address the internal concerns of clients but also their environment. Making decisions for older adults without their input occurs often. In society people sometimes treat their elders like children—making decisions for them based on what they think is best rather than from the client’s perspective. While at times this may be well intentioned, the potential for infantilism and, in turn, compromised self-determination, occurs.

For this Discussion, review the program case study for the Petrakis family. You will focus not on Helen, but on her mother-in-law, Magda. What decisions were made about Magda’s treatment without a formal assessment and/or her input? Consider how Christ & Diwan’s (2008) seven domains relate to Magda’s case. Complete an assessment for Magda and identify the choices that were made without her feedback.

By Day 3

Post a summary of your assessment of Magda’s situation that addresses the seven domains. Fill in the gaps in content as necessary. Describe ways you would have included Magda in the original assessment and treatment plan. Include questions you would have asked Magda and her professional support system (doctors, nurses, etc.) to gain further insight into the situation.

Helen Petrakis

• 52-year-old heterosexual female of Greek descent
• Lives in a four bedroom house with her husband John, age 60, and three adult children, son Alec, age 27, and daughters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
• Works full time in the billing department of a hospital
• Serves as the caregiver for her husband’s mother, Magda Petrakis, a widow, age 81, who lives in an apartment about 30 minutes from Helen’s home
• Began visiting a social worker because she is feeling “blue” and feeling overwhelmed by her family responsibilities

John Petrakis

• 60-year-old male married to Helen, age 52, both of Greek descent
• Lives in a four bedroom house with his wife, Helen, and three adult children, son Alec, age 27, and daughters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
• Works full time managing a grocery store
• Does not expect his children to contribute to the finances or upkeep of the home
• His wife Helen is the caregiver for his elderly mother, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes away and who has some physical limitations and early dementia symptoms

Magda Petrakis

• 81-year-old widow and mother of John, age 60
• Lives in an apartment 30 minutes from her son and daughter-in-law’s home
• Daughter-in-law Helen, age 52, takes the responsibility for her care and visits Magda several times a week
• Recently, Helen has allowed her son, Alec, to move in with Magda, and Alec has begun stealing from his grandmother to support a drug habit

Alec Petrakis

• 27-year-old male of Greek descent
• Currently unemployed
• Lives with his parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and sisters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
• Recently moved in with his elderly grandmother promising to help take care of her, but instead, has begun stealing from her to support a drug habit

Dmitra Petrakis

• 23-year-old female of Greek descent
• Works as a sales consultant for a local department store
• Lives with her parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and with a brother, Alex, age 27, and a sister, Athina, age 18
• Has a grandmother, Magda Petrakis, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes from the family home

Athina Petrakis

• 18-year-old female of Greek descent
• Works part time as a hostess at a family friend’s restaurant
• Is an honors student at a local college
• Lives with her parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and with a brother, Alex, age 27, and a sister, Dmitra, age 23
• Has a grandmother, Magda Petrakis, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes from the family home