Module 5 – Abuse and

Neglect Assignment

GROUP 3

Members:
 Oghenetekevwe Ivongbe
 Kenny Bickk,
 Faith Osalor
 Daliya Jackson
 Kelsang Tenzin
 Sunday

Date: 12/12/2024
CASE #1

Mrs. Green is your client. She is 78 years old and has progressive degeneration of her
hip joints that makes it very difficult for her to get out. You have been visiting her for
three weeks, helping with the vacuuming, washing, and providing some social contact.

Although Mrs. Green seems to want you to continue coming to see her, you notice
that she is very anxious about your leaving on time. You feel that she is probably
worried about the costs of your visits and wants to make sure that she isn’t charged for
extra time.

You’re aware that Mrs. Green has a daughter and, although she doesn’t say much
about her, you get the feeling that the daughter does visit. You have never met her,
though.

At the end of your last visit, Mrs. Green’s washer backs up, spilling water all over the
basement. Mrs. Green becomes very anxious, saying to you that, “It’s alright: the
water won’t hurt the floor. You’d better go, you’ll be late.”

You can’t just leave the water on the floor, and insist on cleaning it up. Somewhat
reluctantly, Mrs. Green decides to let you do this and returns upstairs.

Just as you’re finishing, you hear the door. A younger woman speaks to Mrs. Green.
You notice that her tone is harsh as she says, “You’re out of milk and bread? What did
you do with all of the food I brought last week? Feeding those damn birds again— you
don’t have enough sense to make sure that you keep food for yourself. Now I have to
get stuff because you’ve wasted what you had. Sometimes you act as though you don’t
have a brain in your head.”

Concerned, you put away the last of the cleaning supplies when you hear the younger
woman say, “Whose coat is this?” When Mrs. Green replies that it is yours, the woman
continues, “What’s the matter? You aren’t satisfied with all that I do? You have to
invite some stranger into your house? Where are you getting all the money for this?”

You go to the top of the stairs. The younger woman says to you, “Thanks for your
help, but my mother won’t be needing you anymore. I’ll make sure that you’re well
paid for today.” Mrs. Green looks miserable, but helpless. She looks down at the floor.
1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation.
Explain how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (2
marks)

Mrs Green feels lonely due to her physical condition and needs to
depend on others for her everyday chores. Moreover, she has to rely on
her daughter for her financial needs but her daughter does not want to
assign anyone to help her.

Identifying her loneliness will help her have company, love and care. This
will also help her connect more with everyday life despite having a
severe medical condition. On the contrary, my feelings about her
financial crisis neither solve nor ease her problem. Furthermore, my
observations about the abusive relationship with her daughter will not
help her either.

2. List three behaviors of Mrs. Green’s that indicate she may be abused. (3 marks)

a. Depressed
b. Fearful
c. ILL treated

3. In this situation, describe how power is being exerted over another person. (2
marks)

Mrs. Green’s daughter exerts power over her by controlling access to essential items
like food and groceries while constantly emphasizing her dependence. She restricts
Mrs. Green’s social interactions, finances, and personal choices, taking advantage of
her vulnerability due to her medical condition. Although the daughter provides care,
her harsh treatment and frequent reminders of Mrs. Green’s helplessness clearly
demonstrate an abuse of power.

4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)

•A PSW should report the situation with her observation to her employer (or
supervisor) via a written report; the report should include Mrs. Green’s (victim) and
her daughter’s (as the abuser’s) contact details, age, and gender with their phone
numbers.
•As this is a clear case of older abuse, the PSW should also keep a written record of
the incident and her daughter’s behavior.

•The PSW should also observe the behavior, responses, and social interaction
capabilities of Mrs. Green. As it seems Mrs. Green going through a financial crisis, the
PSW should report it to her supervisor. Thus, the supervisor can assess the situation
and offer help to Mrs. Green via public service
CASE #2

You have been assigned to assist Sarah, a new mother, care for her infant son. The
mother requires help as she has recently had a sprained ankle and wrist fractures.
Although she can get around, she cannot look after the infant and her 2-year-old
daughter. Home care was ordered by Sarah’s doctor, despite the family’s protests that
they could manage on their own. You have been visiting for two weeks.

Sarah is a quiet, painfully shy person. However, little by little, she has warmed up to
you. She smiles more often now, and seems very grateful for your visits.

Today, as you hand Sarah her son after his bath, you notice a large bruise on Sarah’s
upper arm. It is purplish and about 10 cm. (4 inches) in diameter. Sarah notices that
you have seen the bruise and says, “Oh, that— I hit the freezer door last night.” You
must look doubtful, as Sarah begins to cry. She tells you that her husband grabbed her
arm and twisted it last night. She begs you not to tell anyone, saying that she would be
embarrassed if anyone knew. “He’s a good man,” she says of her husband, “I’d have
nothing if it weren’t for him.”

1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation.
Explain how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (1
mark)

A PSW may feel concern, empathy, sadness, frustration, or uncertainty in

this situation. These emotions can motivate action or, if unmanaged,
hinder effective responses. Maintaining professionalism and consulting a
supervisor ensures appropriate support for Sarah.

2. Identify three signs that indicate Sarah is abused. (3 marks)

a. Bruise on Sarah’s upper arm

b. Sprain ankle and hip fractures
c. Sarah is quiet and painfully shy

3. Describe two ways in which Sarah is demonstrating denial. (2 marks)

a. Sarah shows a denial when she said” He is a good man”

b. “I would have nothing if it weren’t for him”

4. What other emotion is Sarah displaying? (1 mark)

Sarah is displaying feelings of embarrassment over the fact that her own husband is
responsible for her bruises and physical abuse that she had experienced.
 5. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)

The PSW should first assess the situation and make sure that your client is safe and
away from the threat. Then PSW should listen attentively to the client, and reassure
the
client that you believe in what they are saying and you will do what you can to help.
The
PSW should also report the situation to the Supervisor and document one’s
observation
for future reference if asked. Also, educate clients about the community services that
are available
CASE #3

You have been assigned to care for the Ross family. The family just had triplets: three
girls. The girls were premature, but they are now home after two months in hospital.
There are two older children in the family, Ray, age two, and Lori, age five. Although
maternal and paternal grandparents are all living, they reside 1600 km away and
cannot visit to help.

The family seems to be loving and close-knit. The parents seem very happy with the
new additions— although they admit that the birth of three was very much a surprise.

You have been with the family for two months and over that time have noticed a
change in Ray. He seems less able to run as steadily as he did before. As well, he seems
to be using more “baby-talk,” not speaking words as clearly as he once did. He also
seems to be more fearful.

Today is your day off. You find yourself in the Ross’ neighborhood and decide to say
hello. As you go up to the door, you see Mrs. Ross violently shaking her son. She is
visibly upset and is speaking to him in a very angry voice.

1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation. Explain
how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (2 marks)

Mrs. Ross recently welcomed three girls into the family and is returning home with
two more, so I get the impression that she is angry. There would be a chance of
postpartum depression as well. She is under a lot of stress, and Ray is receiving fury
in return. Right now, she needs care and direction to get herself in a healthier
position and prevent this anger from happening. Giving her attention might be
beneficial to ease her wrath, but it could also backfire because her father or other
family members might encourage such outbursts

2. Identify the possible reasons for the angry outburst in Mrs. Ross. (3 marks)

A potential explanation for the outburst of rage could be the stress of having five
children; she now has a lot more on her plate. Additionally,
The grandparents live far away; if they had been nearby, they could have provided an
extra helping hand in caring for the kids, which would have lessened the anger. However,
their absence only serves to heighten it. Another explanation for the rage could be
because Ray did something improper that Mrs. Ross likely didn't appreciate.
3. Identify two behaviors in Ray that indicate that he may be abused. (2 marks)

a. Increased fearfulness. Ray's heightened fearfulness, especially when it

seems uncharacteristic of his previous behavior, could be a sign of
trauma or fear due to abuse or neglect.
b. Regression in speech and motor skills. The return to "baby talk" and
difficulty in running steadily could indicate emotional or physical
distress, which may be a result of either neglect or physical abuse.

4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)

a. Immediate Safety Concerns: The first priority is ensuring Ray's safety. The PSW should
intervene immediately by calmly but firmly asking Mrs. Ross to stop shaking her son,
making sure that Ray is out of harm’s way.
b. Offer Support: After ensuring Ray’s safety, the PSW should offer emotional support to
Mrs. Ross. This can involve expressing empathy for her situation (e.g., "It must be
overwhelming having so many children to care for.") and offering resources for
assistance, such as community support services, family counseling, or contacting a social
worker.
c. Report the Incident: As a mandated reporter, the PSW must report the situation to
the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or a supervisor. While the
goal is to support the family, it is also critical to ensure that any potential abuse is
addressed to protect Ray and the other children in the home. This action is necessary for
the child’s safety and well-being.
By taking these steps, the PSW ensures that the immediate danger is addressed, offers
support to Mrs. Ross, and ensures that the necessary reporting protocols are followed to
safeguard the children.