Scenario #8: Mrs. Thompson’s Social Isolation, Abuse, and Grief

Mrs. Eleanor Thompson is an 82-year-old woman who lives alone in a small house outside the city. Her husband passed away five years ago, and she has had a tough time dealing with the loss. Her social life has shrunk over time as friends have either passed away or moved into care homes. Her children live far away and visit rarely. This past year, her grandson Kyle moved in to help her out. At first, she was happy to have him there, hoping it would reduce her loneliness and bring her some family warmth. But things started to change.

Soon after moving in, Kyle lost his job, and his behaviour became unpredictable. He often yelled at Mrs. Thompson when she asked simple questions. He took control of her bank account, claiming it was to help with her bills. Recently, she found some withdrawals she hadn’t authorized. When she tried to bring this up, Kyle became angry, telling her she was “confused” and “too old to understand how things work.” Mrs. Thompson feels stuck. She feels ashamed to tell anyone what is happening. She worries that speaking up might lead to her being put into a nursing home or that Kyle might leave her alone forever. Her grief, fear, and growing loneliness make it hard to see any way out. A Meals on Wheels volunteer has noticed her change in mood and some bruises on her arms, and starts to wonder if something serious is happening.