Chantal (50s) cares for her mother, Debby (80s) requires 24×7 care. Over the past six years, Chantal took on more and more care responsibilities, and eventually resigned from her job and moved into a house next door to care for Debby. Debby has a long list of medical issues: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CHF, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, allergic pneumonia, thyroid issues, renal insufficiency, sinus issues, reflux, dementia, asthma, severe osteoarthritis, and arthritis and stenosis in her back. In addition, Debby has had pelvic support surgery, and in the past suffered fractures in the hip and pelvis. Chantal lives with her husband Bill. Two of Chantal’s brothers, who also live nearby, and a domestic care aide help with Debby’s care. For a few hours a day, Chantal is able to get some time for herself to exercise and unwind. During the two days of observation, Chantal experienced more agitation than usual because of her mother’s worsening condition.
Chantal (50s) cares for her mother, Debby (80s) requires 24×7 care. Over the past six years, Chantal took on more and more care responsibilities, and eventually resigned from her job and moved into a house next door to care for Debby. Debby has a long list of medical issues: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CHF, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, allergic pneumonia, thyroid issues, renal insufficiency, sinus issues, reflux, dementia, asthma, severe osteoarthritis, and arthritis and stenosis in her back. In addition, Debby has had pelvic support surgery, and in the past suffered fractures in the hip and pelvis. Chantal lives with her husband Bill. Two of Chantal’s brothers, who also live nearby, and a domestic care aide help with Debby’s care. For a few hours a day, Chantal is able to get some time for herself to exercise and unwind. During the two days of observation, Chantal experienced more agitation than usual because of her mother’s worsening condition.