My Role As A Mother To My Sister
As a young child, I was told that I would be responsible to take care of my older sister Lorraine when “that time” comes. Growing up, “that time” was so far away, I thought it would never come. “That time” has arrived.
My family consists of my parents who both immigrated from other countries. My mom was born in Italy and my father from Spain. They married very young. I was explained that my mother who at the age of 16 had an arranged marriage planned in Italy. My grandfather was to take her back within the year to marry her off to an Italian born man. Well, being in America, she became accustomed to the American lifestyle. She attended school and meeting new friends. My father attended the same public school …show more content…
She brought the family together. However, life as we all know it must go on. While my parents worked, Lorraine was cared for by a babysitter. At 15 months, Lorraine displayed symptoms of lethargy, stunt child growth, unable to walk along with delayed speech. After multiple tests, EEG, EKG, Ultrasounds and CT-scans it was apparent Lorraine was suffering from neurological complications. An investigation into the sitter’s home found that the wall alongside the crib in which Lorraine had stayed for hours, neglected and unfed had missing paint chippings. It was then reviled that Lorraine had developed a high lead content from picking and eating the chippings from the wall, ultimately causing complete brain …show more content…
In addition to her mental illness, she has been diagnosed with depression, Shzcoprenia, epilepsy, hypertension, anemia, new onset of diabetes, all leading to obesity. As a 60 year old woman with a 7-year-old child’s mental capacity there is great difficulty with the type of assistance Lorraine needs. The impression I get from Mental Health professionals is to keep her home where she can be safe for the rest of her life. I am often told that I am a good sister for keeping her in a safe environment. I feel as a caregiver there should be other types of programs that can assist with her daily routine. Respite relief is not an option. When Lorraine feels threatened she becomes combative and difficult to manage. At this time, I do not have a Social Worker to assist with Lorraine’s care. I was explained that she needs to be enrolled within a “system” that offers this service. I have made multiple attempts to enroll Lorraine into mental health programs where these types of services are offered, but either she feels threatened or she does not qualify. Her primary medical doctor visits her monthly at
As a young child, I was told that I would be responsible to take care of my older sister Lorraine when “that time” comes. Growing up, “that time” was so far away, I thought it would never come. “That time” has arrived.
My family consists of my parents who both immigrated from other countries. My mom was born in Italy and my father from Spain. They married very young. I was explained that my mother who at the age of 16 had an arranged marriage planned in Italy. My grandfather was to take her back within the year to marry her off to an Italian born man. Well, being in America, she became accustomed to the American lifestyle. She attended school and meeting new friends. My father attended the same public school …show more content…
She brought the family together. However, life as we all know it must go on. While my parents worked, Lorraine was cared for by a babysitter. At 15 months, Lorraine displayed symptoms of lethargy, stunt child growth, unable to walk along with delayed speech. After multiple tests, EEG, EKG, Ultrasounds and CT-scans it was apparent Lorraine was suffering from neurological complications. An investigation into the sitter’s home found that the wall alongside the crib in which Lorraine had stayed for hours, neglected and unfed had missing paint chippings. It was then reviled that Lorraine had developed a high lead content from picking and eating the chippings from the wall, ultimately causing complete brain …show more content…
In addition to her mental illness, she has been diagnosed with depression, Shzcoprenia, epilepsy, hypertension, anemia, new onset of diabetes, all leading to obesity. As a 60 year old woman with a 7-year-old child’s mental capacity there is great difficulty with the type of assistance Lorraine needs. The impression I get from Mental Health professionals is to keep her home where she can be safe for the rest of her life. I am often told that I am a good sister for keeping her in a safe environment. I feel as a caregiver there should be other types of programs that can assist with her daily routine. Respite relief is not an option. When Lorraine feels threatened she becomes combative and difficult to manage. At this time, I do not have a Social Worker to assist with Lorraine’s care. I was explained that she needs to be enrolled within a “system” that offers this service. I have made multiple attempts to enroll Lorraine into mental health programs where these types of services are offered, but either she feels threatened or she does not qualify. Her primary medical doctor visits her monthly at