1. Identify the client:
The definition of client as defined in our textbook is, “One who has either sought help from a social worker or is served by an agency employing a social worker.” Therefore, in this case study I would consider both Frank and Angela Bertollini to be the clients.
2. Eco-map:
3. Field of Practice Knowledge:
* Depression: One thing that I learned from this article is the phases that amputees experience for up to ten years post surgery. Depression occurs usually in the post-amputation period and it is common to last for about two years. It tends to decrease in time, but may linger for up to ten years.
Mr. Bertollini shows signs of depression when he commented that “at times it might have been better if he had been killed in the accident than to left only half a man.” He is also using alcohol to cope and withdrawing from normal activities that he once enjoyed. * Body Image Anxiety: Many feelings and aspects of recent amputee’s lives are affected by the loss of their limb including lowering of self-esteem, depression, higher levels of general anxiety and poorer perceived quality of life. This is not the case with all amputees, but Frank Bertollini is experiencing this anxiety because of the loss of his left lower leg and foot.
Mr. Bertollini is displaying this anxiety when he speaks to the social worker about his wife turning away and not looking at his amputated leg. He also said that he feels like he was the strong one and now he’s not. * Older Amputees: One aspect with older amputees is that they are limited in their ability to participate in sports or other social activities and this can create feelings of isolation. One reason for this is lack of body strength and problems with balance.
Frank Bertollini at the age of 58 would be classified as an older amputee. Prior to his amputation he was playing golf during the summer months and racquetball once a week during the