Who was included in the client’s system? What might be an appropriate social work role related to Mrs. Brown–before and after the divorce?

Question

Celia O’Neil, a 39-year-old baccalaureate social work student, was assigned to complete her internship in a nursing facility where she had been employed for the past 12 years and continued to work three days a week as the Activity Director. The social work director, Betty Williams, LSW, was Celia’s task supervisor but new to the nursing home setting. Therefore, Sally Jones, LCSW, served as Celica’s preceptor. Celia’s client, Mr. Brown, was a 47-year-old man admitted to the nursing home in June 2001 with numerous psychosocial needs. Celia was frustrated by what she interpreted as Betty’s lack of effort to assist Mr. Brown. She began to wonder whether her supervisor cared about the client, and she found the nursing staff uncaring and non-supportive. In addition, the nursing staff made rude comments about Mr. Brown right in front of him, which upset Celia a great deal. She felt the comments were abusive and she wondered how to advocate for Mr. Brown.

Answer 1

The client system initially included Mr. and Mrs. Brown. We have no knowledge of other family members, and Mr. Brown seemed to lack a supportive ecosystem. Mrs. Brown was somewhat present in the beginning, but once she divorced him she essentially dropped out of the client system. She reappeared from time to time but did not provide tangible or moral support. Prior to the divorce, the social worker’s role included providing emotional support and guidance for Mrs. Brown as she assisted Mr. Brown in adjusting to the nursing facility. However, after the divorce and after Mrs. Brown decided to take no responsibility for him, the social worker had no formal role with Mrs. Brown.