What evidence did Diana have that Mr. Mitchell did not want assistance? What do you think his reasons might have been?

Question

While working as a medical social worker at Holland Community Hospital, Diana Howard, BSW, received a referral to coordinate home health services for patient Joshua Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell had been admitted to the hospital repeatedly after failing to make use of home health services set up for him in the past. In order for Mr. Mitchell to be released from the hospital he had to have a discharge plan from Diana. However, Diana was unsure what course to take as the medical staff pushed for his release and Diana searched for a way to provide services that Mr. Mitchell would use.

Answer 1

Mr. Mitchell clearly and repeatedly expressed his desire for no follow-up services and had refused services in the past. These actions and statements demonstrated his reluctance to accept assistance from others. However, he did not articulate exactly why he did not want services.
Mr. Mitchell may not have wanted assistance for several reasons. He may have felt he could take care of himself or he may have been embarrassed to ask for help from others. We know that Mr. Mitchell had been in and out of the hospital three times over the past year. His inability to care for himself or allow himself to be cared for was evident through repeated admissions. Based on his developmental stage and recent loss of independence due to his stroke, Mr. Mitchell may have been susceptible to depression and this may also have contributed to his refusal of assistance.