Module 5 – Abuse and Neglect

Assignment

General Directions:

A. Work in a group, as assigned by your instructor.

B. Choose a group member to record the answers for the group.
C. Discuss the following scenarios and record your answers on the assignment sheets
provided.
D. One assignment will be submitted per group— each member will receive the same
mark, provided all participants contributed equally.
E. Submit your answers to your instructor at the end of the session.
F. Assignment is out of 30 marks.
G. Each group member will receive the same mark, provided all participants contribute
equally.
H. The assignment will count for 40% of your final mark in Module 5.

Name: Simran
Sirohi____________________________________________________________

Date: 22 June 25_____________________________________________________________

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 CASE #1

Mrs. Green is your client. She is 78 years old and has progressive degeneration of her
hip joints that makes it very difficult for her to get out. You have been visiting her for
three weeks, helping with the vacuuming, washing, and providing some social contact.

Although Mrs. Green seems to want you to continue coming to see her, you notice that
she is very anxious about your leaving on time. You feel that she is probably worried
about the costs of your visits and wants to make sure that she isn’t charged for extra
time.

You’re aware that Mrs. Green has a daughter and, although she doesn’t say much about
her, you get the feeling that the daughter does visit. You have never met her, though.

At the end of your last visit, Mrs. Green’s washer backs up, spilling water all over the
basement. Mrs. Green becomes very anxious, saying to you that, “It’s alright: the water
won’t hurt the floor. You’d better go, you’ll be late.”

You can’t just leave the water on the floor and insist on cleaning it up. Somewhat
reluctantly, Mrs. Green decides to let you do this and returns upstairs.

Just as you’re finishing, you hear the door. A younger woman speaks to Mrs. Green. You
notice that her tone is harsh as she says, “You’re out of milk and bread? What did you
do with all of the food I brought last week? Feeding those damn birds again— you don’t
have enough sense to make sure that you keep food for yourself. Now I have to get stuff
because you’ve wasted what you had. Sometimes you act as though you don’t have a
brain in your head.”

Concerned, you put away the last of the cleaning supplies when you hear the younger
woman say, “Whose coat is this?” When Mrs. Green replies that it is yours, the woman
continues, “What’s the matter? You aren’t satisfied with all that I do? You have to invite
some stranger into your house? Where are you getting all the money for this?”

You go to the top of the stairs. The younger woman says to you, “Thanks for your help,
but my mother won’t be needing you anymore. I’ll make sure that you’re well paid for
today.” Mrs. Green looks miserable, but helpless. She looks down at the floor.

1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation.
Explain how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (2 marks)

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 • Feelings: Concern, helplessness, frustration, confusion, sadness, and possibly anger.
• Helpful: These emotions can motivate the PSW to advocate for the client, report
suspected abuse and ensure safety.
• Unhelpful: Acting out of anger or making assumptions could escalate the situation or
harm the client’s trust.

2. List three behaviours of Mrs. Green’s that indicate she may be abused. (3 marks)

a.Mrs. Green’s anxiety about time and cost – due to fear of financial control or
punishment
b. Her reluctance to let the PSW help and desire to downplay issues (like water
spill)
c. Her submissive and silent response to her daughter’s aggressive tone – she
looks miserable but does not speak up.

3. In this situation, describe how power is being exerted over another person. (2
marks)

• The daughter controls finances, access to services, and the emotional tone in the home.
• She uses intimidation and guilt to manipulate Mrs. Green.
• Mrs. Green is passive, showing signs of fear and helplessness.

4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3
marks)

• The PSW should document observations and report suspected emotional/financial

abuse to their supervisor or proper authority.
• Follow agency policy for elder abuse and advocate for further assessment of Mrs.
Green’s safety.
• It is essential to remain supportive and nonjudgmental, ensuring Mrs. Green knows she
is not alone.

CASE #2

You have been assigned to assist Sarah, a new mother, care for her infant son. The mother
requires help as she has recently had a sprained ankle and wrist fractures. Although she
can get around, she cannot look after the infant and her 2-year-old daughter. Home care

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 was ordered by Sarah’s doctor, despite the family’s protests that they could manage on
their own. You have been visiting for two weeks.

Sarah is a quiet, painfully shy person. However, little by little, she has warmed up to
you. She smiles more often now and seems very grateful for your visits.

Today, as you hand Sarah her son after his bath, you notice a large bruise on Sarah’s upper
arm. It is purplish and about 10 cm. (4 inches) in diameter. Sarah notices that you have
seen the bruise and says, “Oh, that— I hit the freezer door last night.” You must look
doubtful, as Sarah begins to cry. She tells you that her husband grabbed her arm and
twisted it last night. She begs you not to tell anyone, saying that she would be
embarrassed if anyone knew. “He’s a good man,” she says of her husband, “I’d have
nothing if it weren’t for him.”

1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation.
Explain how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (1 mark)

• Feelings: Sadness, concern, empathy, frustration.

• Helpful: These can motivate protective action and compassionate care.
• Unhelpful: Overstepping boundaries or not acting due to fear of damaging trust.

2. Identify three signs that indicate Sarah is abused. (3 marks)

a. Large unexplained bruise on Sarah’s upper arm.

b. Tearful and fearful response when asked about the bruise.

c. Minimizing the husband’s behaviour, suggesting emotional dependency and fear.

3. Describe two ways in which Sarah is demonstrating denial. (2 marks)

a. Claiming she hit the freezer door instead of admitting the abuse.

b. Saying her husband is a “good man” and that she would have nothing without him.

4. What other emotion is Sarah displaying? (1 mark)

• Fear – Fear of consequences, of her husband, and of what might happen if the abuse is
revealed.

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 5. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3

• Document and report the suspected abuse to the supervisor or appropriate

agency.

• Avoid making promises of secrecy and follow the duty to report domestic abuse.
• Continue to provide emotional support and build trust while ensuring the safety of both
Sarah and her children.

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 CASE #3

You have been assigned to care for the Ross family. The family just had triplets: three
girls. The girls were premature, but they are now home after two months in hospital.
There are two older children in the family, Ray, age two, and Lori, age five. Although
maternal and paternal grandparents are all living, they reside 1600 km away and
cannot visit to help.

The family seems to be loving and close-knit. The parents seem very happy with the
new additions— although they admit that the birth of three was very much a surprise.

You have been with the family for two months and over that time have noticed a
change in Ray. He seems less able to run as steadily as he did before. As well, he
seems to be using more “baby-talk,” not speaking words as clearly as he once did. He
also seems to be more fearful.

Today is your day off. You find yourself in the Ross’ neighbourhood and decide to say
hello. As you go up to the door, you see Mrs. Ross violently shaking her son. She is
visibly upset and is speaking to him in a very angry voice.

1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation. Explain
how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (2 marks)

Feelings: Shock, concern, anger, sadness, urgency to act.

Helpful: These feelings can lead to immediate protective actions.

Unhelpful: If the PSW acts emotionally (e.g., confronting the mother), it could worsen
the situation or endanger the child.

2. Identify the possible reasons for the angry outburst in Mrs. Ross. (3 marks)

• Extreme stress and exhaustion from caring for five young children (including triplets).
• Lack of family support (grandparents live far away).
• Possible postpartum depression or mental health struggles.

3. Identify two behaviours in Ray that indicate that he may be abused. (2 marks)

a. Regression – using baby-talk and unclear speech.

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 b. Increased fearfulness and reduced physical coordination, from trauma or neglect.

4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)

• Report the incident at once to a supervisor or child protection service—this is

mandatory under child welfare laws.
• Document what was seen, not just what was heard.
• Continue to support the family while ensuring the child’s safety remains the top
priority.

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