Short Case: Luna’s New Reality

Short Case: Luna’s New Reality

Meet Luna. Luna recently moved in with her daughter and son-in-law. She was married for 50 years to her husband, Robert. They raised one daughter, Alma. They lived comfortably in a small mobile home in northern rural Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, last year, Robert suffered an unexpected fatal heart attack. Luna slowly slipped into depression and it became apparent that she was not able to maintain their home nor continue to care for herself.

Essay Due Soon? Let Our Experts Help You Beat the Deadline!

Tell us about your assignment and we will find the best writer for your paper. Our Essay writing service covers over 243 courses and programs, catering to your specific needs.

Write My Essay For Me!

Alma would travel from the city to her mother’s house at lunch and after work, preparing meals, assisting her with her insulin injections (Luna is type 2 diabetic), assisting her with her ADLs. Alma became increasingly distressed when she would return in the evening only to find her mother in the same chair with her lunch untouched on the table. Alma and her husband, Charles, knew something had to be done and agreed that the best solution was to have Luna come live with them. Both Alma and Charles worked full-time jobs so they knew it would not be easy, however they had promised Robert that if anything ever happened to him, they would care for Luna. Luna, like many older adults of her generation, fear the possibility of being placed in a “nursing home.”

Alma and Charles approached Luna about moving in with them. At first, Luna was resistant to the idea, she did not want to leave her home where she had raised her family and had so many fond memories. However, after repeated requests, Luna agreed to sell the property, making a modest profit which covered her move and several outstanding debts. Luna relied on Social Security to survive.

The transition went smoothly. Luna was appreciative of how attentive Alma and Charles were to her needs. Every day before headed to work, Alma would make her mother her coffee and toast and ensure her lunch was ready to go in the refrigerator. Luna understands her family needs to work and they are doing the best that they can; however she is lonely, especially during the day and does not “feel like” eating, so often the lunch will go untouched.

Alma and Charles tried to spend more time with Luna, engaging in various activities and taking vacation days to help her though what they thought was an adjustment period. They also sought out professional assistance for Luna from a counselor. Their efforts, while appreciated, only made Luna feel guilty that she was “imposing” on their time.

Alma and Charles were at a loss. What could they do?

Initial Discussion Reply

Using the information in the textbook and our lesson, as well as your own knowledge and experience, respond to the following questions:

1. What HCBS options are available to assist Alma and Charles in meeting Luna’s needs?

2. What option do you think is the best? Does she meet the requirements?

3. What are the benefits of the selected option to Luna? Are there benefits to Alma and Charles? Explain.