An elderly woman has lived with her son and his family for about 10 years. When she came to live with them, she was independent and healthy, but now she has rheumatoid arthritis and is nearly blind

Question

To take care of her, her daughter-in-law took early retirement from a job she enjoyed. Although the daughter-in-law did so voluntarily, she now feels resentful about staying home, and the family's income has lessened. Recently, the family hired a part-time home care worker to help out. This gives the daughter-in-law more freedom but adds to the financial burden. The marriage is beginning to suffer. What might a marriage counselor tell the couple? A) Set firmer boundaries with the mother
B) Arrange for additional in-home care
C) Consider finding an assisted-living facility for the mother
D) Make their own decisions without outside input

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
This couple is trying hard to provide good care for the mother, but it has become too much of a burden for them. The counselor must tread lightly to avoid making them feel guilty, but needs to suggest an assisted-living arrangement so that the daughter-in-law can work. More in-home care would add to their current expense and would not allow the daughter-in-law to return to full-time work.