A police officer asks you to come to the home of an older man he has been concerned about for several weeks now. The man is delighted to see you and tells you that he is having pains in his legs and is unable to walk. During your visit, he asks you to get things for him that are nearby, but obviously it is too painful for him to get up. He says he does not go to the kitchen often to prepare meals, but the police officer has stopped by several times with sandwiches, and Mrs. Jones from up the street, an old friend of the man’s late wife, has brought a casserole on occasion. He is adamant that he wants to stay in his home as long as he can.

In each of the above situations, develop a tentative plan for the client. List the various services you believe each person needs initially. Include in your plan for each client both formal and generic services, and where appropriate, use social supports and support groups. Suggest other services the person might use later once the case is stabilized. Think about how you can involve others close to the person and how you will involve the client in planning.