Instructions: Reflective Assessment and Intervention Strategies 2020/21 A 1500 (+/- 10%) word essay, which summarises, discusses and evaluates the process and outcomes of the simulated assessment film. It will combine evidence included in the film clip with information from the referral and the social work knowledge base (including theory) to draw appropriate conclusions. The case situation provided concerns an isolated elderly woman (Mrs Murphy), who is partially deaf, and increasingly restricted by dizziness from her normal activities. You have available to you: Details of the circumstances which led to the referral A film clip showing a simulated assessment interview by two social work students – this will be made available to you in the “Assignments” Folder in the Content Area of the Learning Room Access to a small selection of the literature on isolation, loneliness, and disability in later life. In your 1500 word essay please address the following:

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Number: Course Name

Instructor

Date Due

Simulated Assessment

Summary of the Information Emerging from the Assessment Interview

Deirdre Murphy is a 74-year-old woman of Irish origin.  She appears depressed and locked indoors because she thinks she needs social care assistance. Her G.P Miss Jane is concerned that Mrs Murphy’s dizziness might cause her to fall in her house. She stays alone because she lost her husband two years ago. Her two children (daughter and son) live far away, and Mrs Murphy sees them once or twice a year. Mrs Murphy depends on her husband’s pension to purchase essentials. She is scared of going out and interacting with people. This might be attributable to the fact that she resides in a neighbourhood known for its high crime rate. However, there are services and activities for people living in her deprived neighbourhood. Additionally, there are close-knit communities of seniors from distinct ethnic backgrounds residing in the area, including Irish migrants. However, Mrs Murphy, in the assessment, states that they were doing everything with her husband. Therefore, she does not have a connection with people residing in the neighbourhood. Additionally, Mrs Murphy does not like talking to strangers. Therefore, she would like someone close to help her with her mobility. 

 As per the assessment interview, Mrs Murphy has recently been diagnosed with depression. She also has hearing problems but does not have a hearing aid. Mrs Murphy used to attend her local church with her husband. However, since her husband’s death, she has never maintained contact with the church. Mrs Murphy states that the church members forgot about her after her husband died.  Although she knows few Irish friends from the church, she has never heard from them for many months. Mrs Murphy considers her quality of life not to be good as when her husband was alive.  She desires to see her family again. Although she is at risk of falling, she claims that she moves quite steadily and can do things independently, like cooking.

Conclusions about Key Issues Apparent in the Case

The key issues apparent in the case are loneliness, social isolation, and the effects of old age.  According to Fakoya,  McCorry,  & Donnelly(2020), social isolation and loneliness are a considerable public health challenge among the aging society. Fakoya and Colleagues associate loneliness with cognitive decline, reduced resistance to infections, and mental health conditions like dementia and depression. According to the case, Mrs Murphy leaves alone because her husband died two years ago. She no longer engages in social activities because she prefers staying indoors. For instance, Mrs Murphy stopped going to church in 2013 because she used to do everything with her husband. However, because of his death, she feels lonely. Additionally, her children live far away but manage to visit them once or twice a year.  Thus, loneliness resulting from her husband’s death and her children residing far has contributed to Mrs Murphy’s depression.

 Social isolation from family members, church members, and individuals from the same ethnic/cultural backgrounds contribute to Mrs Murphy’s loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness increase her risk of various social health problems, including depression and dementia. Her hearing impairment worsens the situation further by increasing her risk for falls. Shapiro (2019) substantiates the claim that hearing loss is a significant risk factor for falls among the older population. For instance, a mild hearing impairment triples an individual risk of falling. The fear of falling causes Mrs Murphy to limit her social activities and excursions, leading to social isolation and physical decline. Therefore, addressing these factors is crucial to enhancing Murphy’s quality of life.

Critical Commentary on the Assessment Interview

From the interview process with Mrs Murphy, it is apparent that assessment plays a vital role in social work. Through the assessment process, the social workers understood the client’s concerns, set goals together, and identified appropriate interventions.  Milner, Myers, & O’Byrne (2020) define assessment as a continuous and participatory process that focuses on understanding the client and her situation. Assessment in social work forms the foundation for planning to achieve improvement or change in the client’s perception of life. For instance, through the assessment, the social worker found out that Mrs Murphy lost her husband two years ago; she likes staying indoors rather than interacting with neighbours, she has two children