Washburn
Phase 1

Critical Thinking Questions

Answer Carla's questions below.

In this case, Carla is your only identified client and, therefore, the only person for which there are critical thinking questions. To complete your assessment, review the case files; Ecomap and Town map.

  1. One way to think about informal resources is as systems of mutual interdependence. In other words, everyone has strengths, talents, and abilities that can contribute to the well-being of other individuals and the community. The trick is to match those systems up. For example, do Carla Washburn and Reverend Smith have resources that they could exchange, to the benefit of both? What about Mrs. Washburn and her neighbors? How might Mrs. Washburn and Roland Jr.’s widow provide some emotional support to each other? Are there other mutually interdependent relationships that you see in this case?
  2. Ms. Washburn is enrolled in the Medicare prescription drug program. Why would drug costs be a concern to Ms. Washburn if she receives this benefit? What other resources should you consider for Mrs. Washburn?

Explore the Town

View locations of relevant formal and informal resources for Carla Washburn.

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Carla's Quick Bio

Carla Washburn is a 76-year-old Black woman who has been widowed for twenty years. She lives alone in Plainville, a small town in the Northwest . The community Mrs. Washburn lives in is aging, both in physical housing stock and, especially, in demographics, as many young people have moved to larger cities closer to mountains and the coast. Mrs. Washburn worked for years as an administrative assistant in the school district in Plainville, but since her retirement, she has been saddened to see schools close as enrollments decline. She receives a small pension from the school district and Social Security; however, as she spent several years only informally employed, while her son was young, her benefits are meager.

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