Family Assessment Plan
By
Lisa Shade
HS 5526- The Family in Later Life
Dr. James Gambone Ph.D.
September 7, 2014
Abstract Many Hispanic families are faced with challenges daily. Performing an assessment on aging Hispanic families many become difficult due to limited communication skills. Assessments can become time consuming therefore building trust through respect and dignity of the Hispanic culture is important. The assessment can reveal patterns within the family system, which is vital to the family’s quality of life. Intervention strategies for this family will address the challenges and obstacles this family endures daily. The intervention recommendation for the Hispanic family was based on assessment tools used to gather valuable information regarding this family.
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Family Identification 4-7
Theoretical Perspective 8-11
Professional Assessment 12-16
Intervention 16-22
Conclusion 23
References 24-27
Appendix A 28-40 Annotated Bibliography
Appendix B 41 Genogram
Appendix C 42 Interview Questions
Introduction The United States is a growing diverse nation and the Hispanic population is among the highest group. “The Hispanic older population was 2.1 million in 2008 however; the population is predicting a growth over 17 million by 2050” (Department of Health and Human Services, 2010, p. 1). Hispanic families are growing, roles within the family unit change patterns as well as family relationships impact the situation. The hypothetical Hispanic family of this assessment project has many issues and challenges. The family is a three generation unit, Hispanic decedent, and living in a rural community. This family practices Roman-Catholic religion and their faith is very important to them. Religion plays an important role within Hispanic culture. {Catholicism is seen as the predominant religious belief in this culture (Skogrand, Hatch, & Simgh, 2005, p. 3). The Hispanic elderly believes much happens in life that is outside of a person’s control as well as spirits can either be positive or negative. The Hispanic culture values family as a social unit and individuals within the family have a moral responsibility to aid other family members. Due to cultural and religious beliefs, Juan and Ana will reside with their daughter Carmen. Carmen has many concerns regarding her parents, which will be discussed. Living in a rural community provides several agencies which can provide services for this family. Interview and observation of this family will provide information needed to assess and provide an intervention plan for the family. This three generation family unit will gain an opportunity to change the family system, receive community services as well as improve their quality of life.
Family Identification Juan is an 80 year old gentleman, married and originally from Mexico. Juan and his wife Ana reside with their daughter Carmen and her family. Juan and Ana’s extended family consists of a daughter, a son-n-law, a grandson 18, a granddaughter 13, a son as well as a daughter-n-law. Juan and Ana’s son has no children. Juan suffers from many health problems, which effects his daily activities. His chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis affect his mobility. Juan has experiencing some memory loss, issues as forgetting small things, misplacing items or difficulty following along in a family conversations. Juan’s daughter believes he is suffering from a form of cognitive impairment such as dementia. Juan’s wife Ana suffers from depression and anxiety which affects her daily activities as well. Juan and Ana are both descents of the Hispanic culture. Hispanic family are a close-knit group and the most important social unit (Clutter & Nielo, p. 1). Juan’s role within the family is head of