Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

264 Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
dad and Doris are okay out there. They really should move into a senior
residence.” For my eyes only (not to be shared with the group): “I hope
they don’t make me take care of them because I’m the only one without a
family. I love my dad, but I can’t stand spending time with him now.”
Character Role-Play Card #5
Tom Darling: age 45, Charley’s son, is an accountant in Portland, Oregon,
and has been married to Tina (age 43) for 25 years. Tina is a hospital administrator.
They have six children, two of whom are adopted from China.
Tom also has a child from an earlier relationship whom he does not see
but does support. They live in a gated community and are active in local
politics. Tom likes Doris but feels she is a bit of a mental lightweight
compared to his dad, whom he adores. He likes his brothers but not his
sister. Concerns: “I’m worried about dad. He isn’t as sharp as he was, and
Doris doesn’t get it. Something has to be done.” For my eyes only (not to
be shared with the group): “I have just been through a major problem in
the office. I think we’re going to be sued big time. I don’t know how I can
handle this now, but I know dad needs me. I feel awful.”
Character Role-Play Card #6
Marilyn Darling: age 43, Charley’s daughter, lives in Dayton, Ohio, with
her new husband, Oscar DeCosta, and helps run their dry cleaning business.
She was married twice before but has no children from those marriages.
She now is the proud mother of 8-month-old Sophie, who is named
after Marilyn’s deceased mother. Marilyn has been Charley Darling’s darling
daughter despite former substance abuse, homelessness, and poor
investments. Marilyn has had a mixed relationship with her brothers but
admires her stepmother even though she misses her deceased mother
now, particularly after the birth of the baby. Concerns: “I wish I could help
more, but what can I do? The baby is so little and takes all my energy. I
hope that Doris and dad are okay.” For my eyes only (not to be shared with
the group): “I’d like to visit Doris and dad with the baby when this is all
over. Can Oscar handle the store without me?”
Character Role-Play Card #7
Marcella Bella: social worker, age 25. Although this is only her first job,
Marcella is a hard-working, intelligent young woman. Prior to her train-