Family assessment tools and methods

¶ … Barnett family, being assessed, consists of three members who are currently living at 272 Cloverbotton Drive, a three-bedroom house, located in a rural upper middle class neighborhood in Kingsport Tennessee. Faye Barnett is a 66-year-old Caucasian female who has retired from her work as a secretary for Sprint. Bud Barnett is a 70-year-old Caucasian male retired from Tennessee Eastmen where he worked as a machine operator. Mark Cody is the 19-year-old Grandson who is hydrocephalic. Mentally, physically, and visually handicapped he is the mental age of approximately 18 months and requires constant care.

Bud and Faye follow an 1800-calorie diabetic diet, as Bud is a Type II diabetic while Faye suffers from hypoglycemia. They both follow a strict diet although Bud does occasionally treat himself to some sweets. The fats and simple carbohydrates in their diets are restricted and they enjoy fresh vegetables in season and preserve them for winter use. Bud has recently shown evidence of high cholesterol and now monitors his diet for excess sources of cholesterol.

The family communicates their needs to one another with ease. They are able to understand the facial expression of one another in order to interpret desires. The roles in the family are traditional with Bud being the head of the household. Faye is consulted often for her thoughts and opinions though the final decision is left to Bud. This varies only when it comes to Marks healthcare. In this area Faye makes all of the decisions and is in total control.

Bud is retired from both the National Guard and Tennessee Eastman Company and also inherited money from his family. He considers this income mostly 'his' and uses it for household expenses.

Faye draws a small social security check each month which she uses as she sees fit. Usually this money is used for home improvements, decorations, and other things Bud considers frivolous. It is also used to pay the electricity bill since Faye regulates the use of heat and air conditioning to keep Mark comfortable. Mark also receives Social Security monthly, which is used for his food, clothing, medicines, or medial expenses.

The family has traditional middle class American values in which family and church are the basis for family roles and behavior. They are extremely active in their religion and value and enjoy all church related activities. Mark regularly attends church with them and likes both the music and socialization. This spiritual life helps to provide an outlet for stress related to caring for Mark and dealing with aging.

Aside from going to church to socialize the Barnett's often visit friends and other family members. Mark and Fay occasionally attend movies but Bud chooses not to accompany them. Family members also visit them frequently as they understand Mark's size and lack of mobility make outside socialization difficult.

When it comes to their health Faye and Bud each make their own health care decisions. They are supportive of each other and their medical problems. Bud is diabetic, has heart disease, degenerative osteroarthritis, and sever hearing loss. He depends on Fay for support when dealing with his dietary needs, illness, surgeries, and any emergencies. In turn Bud helps Fay with her allergies, intestinal difficulties from endometriosis, and degenerrative changes in her neck from lifting and moving Mark. These degenerative changes cause periods of numbness and tingling in her fingers. She also has bouts of depression stemming from the stress caused by Mark's care, her declining health, and aging.

The state will provide fifteen days of respite care if Fay can find someone willing to be a provider. The pay is low and Mark's health problems make it almost impossible to find a willing provider. A few times a year Mark's older sister, Patricia, will come to help with his care. Mark's birth mother seldom participates in his health care, as she cannot deal with these problems. For this reason she gave up custody of Mark when he was a baby and left him to the care of his grandparents who have willingly cared for him and will continue to do so as long as they are able.