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?
Full Answer Section
However, her current approach might be unsustainable and impact her overall well-being.
- Jacqueline's Contribution to Her Own Health:
Jacqueline's current caregiving approach might be negatively impacting her health in several ways:
- Physical Exhaustion: The constant caregiving demands with minimal breaks likely lead to fatigue and physical strain.
- Mental and Emotional Stress: The emotional burden of unfulfilled tasks, her mother's rejection, and isolation from social interactions can cause significant stress and anxiety.
- Sleep Deprivation: Difficulty sleeping due to stress and unfinished tasks further diminishes her physical and emotional resilience.
- Social Isolation: Neglecting friends and activities with Mark can lead to feelings of loneliness and decreased social support.
Overall, Jacqueline's strong sense of duty is commendable, but her current approach is causing strain on her physical and mental health. A more balanced approach to caregiving is crucial for her well-being and her ability to continue caring for her mother effectively.
Sample Answer
Jacqueline's Sense of Role Performance and Health
1. Jacqueline's Sense of Role Performance:
This situation reflects Jacqueline's strong sense of duty and obligation as a daughter and caregiver. Here's how:
- Fulfilling a Promise: She feels bound by her promise to care for her mother in her old age.
- Prioritizing Caregiving: Her focus has shifted solely to her mother's needs, neglecting other roles like wife and friend.
- Self-Sacrifice: She has significantly reduced her leisure activities and time with Mark, prioritizing her mother's well-being above her own.