You talk with N.H.'s daughter about her understanding of caregiving responsibilities for her
mother.
What kind of questions do you ask to assess whether she is capable of taking care of
her mother since her mother's health has declined? List at least four.
• Does she work outside of the home? If yes, is she dependent on this job for financial support and
benefits? If yes, is management willing to allow employees to take family leave time when needed?
(Note: Even though the Family Medical Leave Act mandates medical leaves of absence, not all
employers are amenable to granting such leave, and taking it might have negative employment
consequences for N.H.'s daughter. This is what you are asking her to assess.)
• Where is her mother's room located? What is the structural layout or floor plan of the house? Will
her mother be able to get in and out of the house? Are there steps? Is there a bathroom close by,
and is it accessible?
• Will anyone be available to help her or relieve her in caring for her mother? If she has help, how
committed is that help? Tell her about respite care and adult day care facilities.
• What kind of financial resources does her mother have? Have they consulted an attorney about
long-term financial needs and resources? They also need to talk to the social worker to see about
the availability of assistive devices.
• Does she have personal sources of support who are willing to let her express her needs and
frustrations?
• Refer her to a social worker who can help identify community resources.
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