Case study: Gina

摘要

Gina is a teacher working in primary education, with over 25 years' experience. Her circumstances suddenly changed when her father died very suddenly. He had been her mother's main carer for many years, as her mother was both physically and mentally ill. On her father's death Gina was required to take on the role of carer for her mother. A major part of this role required Gina to drive more than 500 miles to stay with her mother every other weekend, because her mother was unable to care for herself. Gina also needed to assume control for her mother's finances and employ a carer in the short-term. Over a period of six months Gina also had two other bereavements, a car accident and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She and her husband were also not getting along well because Gina was either snappy and irritable or very quiet and non-communicative.