What was Pollyís role in caring for June? What was Jennaís role?

Question

Alice Singletary, a novice social worker with Magnolia Hospice in Alexandria, Louisiana, met June Plunket, who had terminal cancer, and her daughter, Polly, for an admission interview. June was in quite a bit of pain and trying to cope with dying. Polly blamed Dr. Dubuis and herself for her mother’s approaching death, and was also angry with her brother, who had distanced himself from the family. June and Polly lived in a chaotic and overcrowded household with Polly’s daughter, Jenna, and Jenna’s two young children. While assessing June’s situation, Alice identified a multitude of family problems which had to be balanced with the mission of the hospice. In this situation, Alice was not sure where to begin.

Answer 1

Polly had given up a job that was her only source of income and housing to take care of her mother. She was alternately angry, blaming the doctor, and guilty, believing she could have prevented her motherís terminal disease. Pollyís anger was escalating and becoming more focused on Dr. Dubuis. Until Polly could resolve her feelings about the doctor and her own guilt, it would be difficult for her to assist in creating a calm environment in which June could prepare for death. Polly also needed information about how to properly care for June. For instance, she had been ìforce feedingî June until the nurse instructed her not to do this.
Though not actively involved in the care of June, Jenna and her two children may have contributed to the stress her mother and grandmother were feeling. Jenna presented herself as helping her mother care for her grandmother, however, in many ways her presence probably caused more stress than relief. Jennaís children were sharing a room with their mother and had limited space to play. They made noise and Jenna often yelled at them, warning them not to disturb their great-grandmother.