A Developmental Case Scenario
Bertha Russell is a 72-year old, widowed mother of Sandy Wardman. Harry,
Bertha's husband died of lung cancer 10 years ago after a long, drawn out
period of illness. Bertha cared for Harry throughout his illness, preferring
to provide all of his care rather than hiring an aide or home nurse.
After Harry's death, Bertha who had never worked outside of the home had
a difficult time adjusting to widowhood. She refused to sell and
move out of the family home even though it was too
large for her to manage successfully.
After several years, Sandy persuaded Bertha to move in with her and
Miranda. When Sandy and Bill married, Bertha moved with them as well.
Bertha has never grieved the loss of her husband and lately has been very
forgetful, has periods of
irritability and at times, believes Miranda is Sandy when she was 9
years old. Bill and Sandy are considering taking Bertha to a psychiatrist
for an evaluation but Bertha has been adamant about not
going.
Go to Bertha's Reflective Learning Task Five
