PCA Vs. Informal Support Case Study

SC completed home visit with DCW and Pa on 12/23/2015. Prior to pa’s daughter Pamela answering the door; SC was outside knocking for about 10-15 minutes. SC took that time to scope the premises for Pa’s elevator lift that was supposed to have been installed based on report from pa’s POA/DOC/granddaughter a few weeks ago. SC walked along the side of the house to the back of and there SC did not observe a wheelchair lift on the property. SC went to knock on the door again when someone opened the door. SC asked if Pamela was there and the person at the door identified herself as Pamela; SC did not immediately recognized Pamela because her hair and physique was different than the last visit a few months ago. Pamela was under the impression that
the visit was to occur the day before, however it appeared that she wasn’t aware that pa’s POA/DOC/granddaughter Stephanie had rescheduled the visit for today. Pamela then invited SC inside. SC entered the home and notice that all the furniture was in one corner (?) except for two of the sofas. SC and Pamela sat across from each other and SC asked about Pa and how she is doing. Pamela said she is upstairs sleeping and asked if SC need to see her. SC replied yes, but that this could wait a few minutes. SC inquired about Pamela’s search to find weekend coverage for Pa, because Pamela had mentioned in previous conversations that she needs respite from her caregiving responsibilities on weekends. Pamela said she has found someone but she did not start yet. SC asked if the aide was coming from an agency and she said no they was waiting for the paperwork from Public Partnership to get the aide signed up. SC asked if there’s any SC can do to help at that point Pamela states that it’s SC fault why the aid is not working yet.
At this point in the conversation Pamela raised her voice and began to discuss issues that she felt she needed assistance with. Pamela indicated that she felt a lack of assistance from SC so SC began to describe the role/responsibility of PCA vs. informal support. Despite SC attempting to diffuse Pamela’s strong feelings, Pamela continued to raise her voice and express great frustration. During this part of the conversation Pamela stated that her mother needs more personal care hours and SC asked if pa had any change in functioning. Pamela reported no changes, therefore SC emphasized the previous plan of including an agency aide or a second friend/family member to act as the DCW on evenings/weekends by utilizing a portion of the hours already in the ISP in order to facilitate respite for Pamela in order to prevent her from becoming further overwhelmed or burnt out. Pamela got more upset and started pointing her figure at SC yelling “I’m not your slave; I’m not your slave”. At this point in the visit, SC left the home so as to reschedule another visit in the near future with POA/DOC/granddaughter, as Pamela was not able to provide necessary information due to her emotional state. Pa did not appear at risk in any way. SC left and called SCS and left a detailed message of what
occurred.