What was the extent of Magnolia Hospiceís responsibility when dealing with a multi-problem family? Were there special constraints due to hospiceís identified mission?

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

Magnolia Hospice tried to provide a variety of services to all members of the family, using its own staff or by referring the family to another agency. The mission of the agency and funding for services were primary considerations. On occasion, services were provided even though clients were not able to pay for services. Alice had to consider that the mission of Magnolia Hospice was to serve families as well as the dying individual. In a family with many problems, Alice would have to decide which problems to address in light of the mission of the agency.