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
1. How do you think this situation reflects Jacqueline’s sense of role performance?
2. How do you think that Jacqueline may be contributing to her own health?
- Jacqueline’s sense of role performance in this situation appears to be heavily focused on her role as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. She has made a promise to her mother to care for her in her old age and feels a strong sense of responsibility towards fulfilling this promise. As a result, she has prioritized her caregiving duties over other aspects of her life, including her relationships with her grown children, her husband Mark, and her social life. Her inability to visit her children on holidays or engage in leisure activities with Mark suggests that her identity and role as a daughter and caregiver have taken precedence over her roles as a wife and mother.
- Jacqueline’s dedication to caring for her mother is admirable, but it appears to be taking a toll on her own health and well-being. Several factors contribute to this:
a. Sleep Difficulties: Jacqueline’s difficulty sleeping at night is likely a result of the stress and anxiety associated with caregiving. Constantly attending to her mother’s needs and worrying about her unpredictable behavior can lead to sleep disturbances, which can, in turn, affect her physical and emotional health.
b. Social Isolation: Jacqueline’s reluctance to visit friends or have friends over due to her mother’s condition and caregiving responsibilities is causing social isolation. Lack of social interaction and support can lead to feelings of loneliness and further contribute to stress and mental health issues.
c. Neglecting Self-Care: Jacqueline’s inability to focus on her own health and well-being is evident from her inability to discuss plans or engage in self-care activities. She is neglecting her own needs, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.
d. Impact on Marital Relationship: Jacqueline’s intense focus on caregiving has likely strained her marital relationship with Mark. Their inability to engage in leisure activities together and the stress of caring for her mother may lead to marital conflicts and emotional distance.
In summary, while Jacqueline’s commitment to caring for her mother is driven by a strong sense of duty and love, it’s important for her to recognize the importance of self-care and maintaining a balance between her caregiving role and her own well-being. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or considering respite care options could be beneficial for both her and her mother’s overall health and quality of life.