J. A And Rc's Family Structure

J.A. and R.C.’s family structure falls into what Wright and Leahey (2013) describe as families in the late middle age which is characterized by retirement until death. One task is to “maintain own or couple functioning and interest in the face of physiological decline: exploration of new familial and social role options (Wright & Leahey, 2013, pp. 109).” J.A. and R.C., while both falling under this category, have different factors to think about in terms of their own lifestyle. R.C. is single and with her Marfan syndrome is doing everything she can to maintain her independence but her condition is worsening and limiting her abilities to do some of the things she enjoyed in the past. J.A. has a husband and children and has had to adjust to her children’s spouses and grandchildren in her lifestyle, according to Wright and Leahey (2013). J.A. admits that it is sometimes a struggle watching her children become adults and then become parents of their own. She wants to be as involved as she can with her son’s lives but understands that they have to develop their own individual families as well. J.A. has also experienced some physiological decline and has a couple of chronic conditions that …show more content…
has done her best to maintain her autonomy through her declining condition and up until recently was living alone, driving, and performing her activities of daily living adequately. Her siblings J.A. and W.C. were available when she needed anything that was beyond her capabilities or for emotional and physical support, which allowed J.A. and W.C. some autonomy of their own to be active in their own lives and not feel the strain of caregiving to too great a degree. According to Rolland (2005) those families that can encourage autonomy for all it’s members despite dealing with a difficult situation, who can find balance between being together and being apart, can minimize negative emotions of helplessness and feeling consumed by one’s condition or the condition of a loved