Assessment of Physical and Mental Health Issues in Kamara Family using Tidal Model

Introduction to Kamara Family and their Health Issues

The family live on Plum Lane in The Burroughs. Joseph Kamara age 63 has lived in the UK since 1975. He is originally from Sierra Leone and came to the UK as student. He has recently retired as a Child Welfare Social Worker for health reasons having worked in social services for just over 30years. He was on long term sick leave due to work related stress prior to retiring. He is married to Mammeh age 58, who is also from Sierra Leone and is a retired Registered Nurse. They have been married for 30 years and Mammeh retired a year ago. They have three daughters who all grew up in The Burroughs Munira 30, Jenneh 27 and Salima 21. Munira lives and works Geneva with her Swiss husband; Jenneh is a school teacher at the local primary school but lives away from The Burroughs and Salima is a student in her final year at university and currently lives at home with her parents.

Joseph has been  diagnosed with type two diabetes in the last year. He has struggled to maintain a ‘healthy lifestyle’ as recommended by his GP. His diet is a cause for concern and he continues to drink alcohol against the advice of the practice nurse. During a recent review of his health at the GP surgery Joseph complained of poor sleep. On enquiry he also divulged that his mood was low and that he felt his relationship with family was suffering due to his ‘snapping’ at others and being irritable most of the time. He has also complained about intense feelings of anxiety that come out of the blue and make him fearful that he is having a heart attack. These pass after a few moments but Joseph is left with a general feeling of anxiety that he is going to die.

Mammeh has divulged that during a recent argument at the dinner table he shouted at her and his daughter Salima that he was dying and everyone was ignoring  him. That he was not respected anymore and that his father or grandfather would never have been treated like this back in Kabala. He then fell down crying but has refused her efforts since to talk about it. Mammeh said that they are a loving family and it is a shock to them that Joseph is being like this. They don’t understand what is happening.

You have been asked to meet with Joseph as part of his general assessment. Focus on one physical health issue and one mental health issue from the list below for ‘assessment’. Using supporting evidence and data  contextualise and demonstrate why the issues raised by Joseph have a particular importance from a ‘public health’ point of view. Discuss how ‘knowledge’ informs contemporary practice and how different types underpin it. Demonstrate how you would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the two issues chosen and include details of who else you might consult to gather information for your assessment. You should include details of any ‘assessment’ tools also used to help with gathering information.

The Tidal model of care should be used as a framework to help understand and define the situation. You may also incorporate cultural, spiritual , family dynamic / social  aspects into your assessment.

1. Physical Health Issues – diet, alcohol use, sleep.

2. Mental Health Issues – low mood, irritability , anxiety.