Question

PHILIPPA: Philippa is worried about her mother. She comes to visit her in the aged care residence every week and she has noticed that her mother has changed. She has become very withdrawn and whenever her daughter visits, she tells her that they must be very quiet and good or the bad man will come.When she asks her mother who ‘the bad man’ is, she replies ‘the one who comes at night’. Today Philippa notices some bruising on her mother’s arms. Philippa asks her where they have come from and her mother says, ‘The bad man, of course! Because I wet my bed.’

Answer the questions below:

a) What type of abuse do you think Philippa's mother may have been subjected to? Explain your answer.
b)What action should Philippa take?
c) What action should the aged care residence take?
d) What do you think may be the emotional impact on Philippa?

Answer 1

The mother may be experiencing psychological abuse, Philippa should take immediate action to ensure her mother's safety, the aged care residence should conduct a thorough investigation and provide support, and Philippa may experience a range of emotions.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Based on the information provided, it appears that Philippa's mother may be experiencing psychological abuse. The mother's statements about a 'bad man' coming at night and her fear of him, as well as the bruising on her arms, can indicate emotional manipulation and physical harm by someone in the aged care residence.

b) Philippa should take immediate action to ensure her mother's safety. She should document the bruises and any other concerning behavior or statements made by her mother and report them to the appropriate authorities, such as the staff at the aged care residence or local law enforcement.

c) The aged care residence should also take prompt action to investigate the situation and ensure the well-being of its residents. They should conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged abuse, provide appropriate support and care for the affected individual, and take necessary measures to prevent further abuse.

d) The emotional impact on Philippa may be significant. She may feel a range of emotions, including worry, fear, anger, and sadness, as she witnesses her mother's distress and realizes that she is being subjected to abuse. It is important for Philippa to seek emotional support for herself during this difficult time, through friends, family, or counseling services.