May’s Story
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Chinese herbal medication
Extra strength acetaminophen (3-4 times per week)
Extra strength acetaminophen (3-4 times per week)
Background
May is a 38 year old woman who was sponsored by her husband from China 12 years ago. She soon got married after arrival and had three children Kevin (11 years old), Dianne (9 years old) and Bobby (4 years old). Her children all attend private school. May’s primarily speaks Mandarin and has limited verbal and written English skills. Her husband David, who is a COO at a computer software engineering company, speaks and writes English fluently.
Diagnosis
A few years ago May was diagnosed with ALS. Her symptoms have been worsening and is she requiring more care. Although working full-time, her husband David is taking on more responsibilities with the children. David is sometimes abrupt when communicating between May and their children, complaining that he always feels tired.
Concerns
May is afraid of how her symptoms will develop and grows increasingly upset about her diagnosis. She feels that she’s losing control physically and mentally, and cries often when she alone. May wants to be a good wife and mother and take care of the family, but feels she is not able to. May is developing a pressure sore on her coccyx from sitting for long periods. She is having trouble with swallowing and occasionally panics that she cannot breathe. Pain has been increasing the stiffer her limbs and joints get from staying in one position. Finally she is now experiencing urinary retention and may require a foley catheter. May has been seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who performs acupuncture and supplies her traditional Chinese medicine.
Formal / Informal Supports
May does not have close family in Canada. The couple have been working on sponsoring May’s parents and younger sister from China but are facing difficulties. She is receiving one hour a day of home support under long term care in the morning to assist her with bathing and dressing. Due to the high daily per diem, David has been considering switching to private care. May had once been quite involved with the Chinese community and had volunteered in many activities at her church.
Initial Visit
With the help of a translator, May shares she is experiencing increased fatigue, pain and decreased appetite. May is staying in bed for longer periods during the day. A grimace is noticeable when she turns in bed and she winces as she sits up. May states that she had been feeling very well up until a month ago. Now her mood is low and she is crying several times throughout the day, although never in front of the children. She became tearful when speaking about David’s love and support. May is not able to actively participate in her faith community and no longer feels she is able to be the mother that she wants to be. David has left a note asking to text or email him about how is wife is doing.
Reflection
01
What are some strategies for effective communication when using family, friends or services for translation?
02
Under what circumstances can text or email be used when communicating with clients and families?
03
What might you ask May to contribute to your holistic assessment of her health and situation?
04
How might you engage with May and her family to support the care needs they identify?