Reference no: EM133701008
Assignment:
Case analysis (Dimensions of development in late adulthood - 65+)
Elaborate an essay by answering the following questions. Use Erikson theory and recent research to validate your responses.
- What stage of human development is Tomas going through?
- Identify the biological, psychological and social characteristics of Tomas
- Use the Kübler-Ross Theory of Grief to describe the stage Tomas is in.
- As a Social Worker, what would he do to help Tomas?
Case:
Tomas is a 70-year-old African-American man. He lost his wife to a sudden heart attack about 2 years ago. She was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she fell to the floor. Tomas called 911 and tried to revive his wife, but paramedics said she died instantly. Tomas was devastated. She had retired two years earlier and they had plans to travel and work at home. Tomas had retired three years earlier.
Tomas found comfort in his faith, friends from church, and friends he played cards with at the local coffee shop. Tomas has three grown children and four grandchildren. All of his children live far from home. However, they maintain continuous communication with Tomas. On one occasion, he commented to a friend: "I am devastated," "I couldn't save my wife." He was ashamed of himself for missing his wife so desperately. He couldn't stop thinking about her. He often has trouble sleeping, lost interest in cooking and taking care of the house. He feels alone and unmotivated. He avoided his friends because he didn't want to talk about his wife.
Recently, Tomas has developed vision problems and painful neuropathy due to his diabetes. As a result, he can no longer drive. His house is a couple of kilometers from the city center. He is too far to go on foot. Tomas does not like to depend on the help of his friends and family. Tomas feels tired all the time and has trouble concentrating. He has started drinking a couple of glasses of wine so he can sleep at night. Tomas thinks that wine helps him sleep better. The recurring thought in his head is, "It wasn't supposed to be like this."
References
Papalia, D., Feldman, R., & Martorell, G. (2014). Experience human development. (13a Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Papalia, D., Sterns, H., Felman, R., Camp, C. (2009). Desarrollo del Adulto y vejez. (3 ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Socorro, S. (Ed) (2012). Psicología del desarrollo humano II. (2 ed). Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa.
Zastrow, C., Kirst, Ashman, K. (2019). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment. (11th Ed.). Belmont, CA. Brooks/Cole.