Vincent Case Study
Vincent is a 75-year-old widower of Hispanic descent who lives in the Hopkins Village area of The Heights; he lost his wife of 55 years two years ago; his outlook and his health have been declining, but he has not sought help. Vincent's two daughters live over 200 miles away from him and he has not seen either of them for over six months. Vincent, a man who had been outgoing and had many friends, has been lonely and isolating himself for several months. His friend, Sam, with whom he plays cards and goes to the movies, has not seen him for a while and finally called his younger daughter, Alicia, whom he has known for many years.
She is surprised to hear this news and calls her father who is reluctant to share any information with her. He does not want to worry his daughters as they have busy lives, children and careers. He tells her that he has been preparing to sell his home as it is too big for him to care for anymore. She is convinced that he is fine and tells him she thinks it is a good idea, but Vincent has no plans to sell his home and he cannot even part with his wife's clothing that still remain in the closet as if she were still living with him.
When Vincent fails to show up for their card game again, he calls a friend who is a social worker at the geriatric center at Hopkins Medical Center in The Heights for some advice on how to help his friend. She agrees to make a home visit just to see how Vincent is doing and is surprised by the poor condition of the house, the lack of food in the refrigerator and the magazines, papers, and clothing strewn around the house. She suggests that Vincent come down to the center and receive services to help him with some of the things that are of concern. Vincent is not eager for the help, but enjoys speaking with the woman. He goes to the center the next day and notices that there are many people his age there engaged in different activities. During their conversation, he begins to cry uncontrollably, saying he has not allowed himself to cry and feel his loss since his wife died. Vincent has been so busy trying to put up a good front for others that he did not deal with his own feelings.
1. What are the characteristics and behaviors that are reflected during this life stage? What is the psychosocial crisis? What is the basic virtue?
2. What role do Vincent's daughters play in his current situation? How can they support their father now?
3. What issues of gender, social class, culture and demographics influence Vincent's current situation?