Case Vignette: Mr. Edwards
Walter Edwards, 67, and Patricia Edwards, 65, have recently moved to the Hilltop
Retirement Community, having been on a waiting list for some time. They are married
and have lived in Richmond Hills their entire life. Both were born and raised in the area,
as were their parents. Mr. Edwards, a retired mail carrier after 40 years, and his wife
have three children, but all have moved to Waldston. Oldest daughter Sharon (41) is
married, works full time and has 2 children of her own; Elizabeth (39) is married with a
full-time job and a daughter that requires medical care, and Jamie (36) is not married
and does not have children, but has returned to college and is attending Bradenton
University in The Grove.
Retired postal workers hired before 1983 (such as Mr. Edwards) receive a federal
employee pension but do not receive social security benefits, and as such Mr. Edwards
does not collect benefits. Mrs. Edwards, a retired kindergarten teacher, does collect
benefits. They are both covered by insurance through the Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program (https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/) and
Medicare Part A. They are unfamiliar with their coverage and are worried about
upcoming bills.
Mr. Edwards has been admitted to the county hospital in Coyle Yards after a severe fall.
The doctors have met with Mr. and Mrs. Edwards and advised that Mr. Edwards will
require a right knee replacement, but after discussing a full medical history, they
express concerns about the dizziness that Mr. Edwards reported led to his fall. Upon
further testing, they determine he has Type II diabetes and are prescribing Glucophage
(metformin) and follow up for monitoring. He will also need to monitor his blood sugar
regularly, and a nurse has come in to explain how to use a diabetic testing device.
Throughout his admission, it has been difficult for Mrs. Edwards to visit the hospital.
She is currently staying with Sharon and her family, but because of Sharon’s schedule
she visits Mr. Edwards primarily by public transportation. Elizabeth and Jamie have not
visited the hospital; Sharon visited briefly with her two children. All three have called to
speak to their father.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards attend Trinity Lutheran Church of Richmond Hills, a local parish
within walking distance of their home. Since Mr. Edwards was admitted to the hospital,
a number of church members have come to visit, bringing flowers, homemade cookies
and pies, and once even a fried chicken dinner (“Wally missed our Sunday picnic, so we
made him a plate,” his friend explained to the attending nurse).
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are very close and appear extremely attached when they are
together in the hospital. When Mrs. Edwards leaves the hospital for the day, she
usually leaves the hospital in tears. Mr. Edwards is friendly and approachable but when
Mrs. Edwards leaves, he seems downcast and lonely.
Mr. Edwards will be leaving the hospital within the week. The doctor and orthopedist
have recommended rehabilitation for his knee, pain medication as needed, and follow
up with his general practitioner for diabetes management. The doctors have spoken to
both Mr. and Mrs. Edward about their care, including the need for physical therapy and
medication management; both have smiled and said, “yes that’s fine,” but appeared
distracted by Mr. Edwards’ news of discharge. Mrs. Edwards asked, “Are you sure?
This Friday?” more than once, tearing up at the prospect of Mr. Edwards being home.
The following day, Sharon pulled one of the doctors aside to insist that her father should
not return home, instead finding another rehab, possibly the Addamsville Assisted
Living Center. Sharon insists that her mother is not well enough to take care of her
father, adding “they will just call me for rides and everything, and I’ve got a full-time job;
I can’t help them.” She added, “My dad needs to be in a place where he can regain his
independence. He took care of my mother and me and my brother and sister; he’s used
to being in charge and calling the shots. Put him in a place where he can re-learn that.”
The doctor that will discharge Mr. Edwards has not recommended an in-patient
rehabilitation center.
On the same day, Elizabeth called the hospital to speak to the doctor, and she asked
that her father not be discharged to a rehabilitation center. “They can’t afford that,” she
explained. “My sister Sharon can take care of him. They already have an extra room.”
Financial need assessment – Based on the information presented in the case study, is there a need for assistance in understanding financial options? What options are available for the client? What would be part of a plan to help the client assess their options?