Introduction
In order to develop a cohesive care plan that addresses the core health concerns of a family, it is necessary to understand the structure and the general health behaviors. The aim of this assessment is to analyze the main characteristics of a selected family that would be essential for a healthcare provider to formulate an appropriate care plan.
Family Structure
The interview involved a family of three of Native American descent. The family includes a mother aged 35 years old, a father aged 40 years old, and a 10-year-old daughter. No affiliations religious groups were made; however, both the father and the mother mentioned that they were raised very spiritually and also want to transfer the native traditions to their daughter. The family is heavily involved with its ethnic community and often participates in Native American celebrations and holidays. The family mentioned that they have a lot of friends and love spending time with them. They own a bakery that has been passed to them by the father’s parents. The family mentioned that they love their work, despite it often being draining, because it allows them to be independent while also contributing to their community. Their house is small but very cozy, the daughter has her room and is free to play in the yard with her two dogs.
Family’s Health Behaviors
The interviewees mentioned that they are trying their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite having their own business. The daughter goes to school and has lunches there, and has an extra-curricular activity before returning home. The father wakes up early to open the bakery and start making bread, which means that he rarely has time for breakfast and eats sporadically throughout the day. In the evening, the family gathers for dinner, during which the mother can have some wine, and the daughter is allowed to have some soda and candy after dinner. The regular diet consists of vegetables, grains, and meats. Having a bakery, the family often consumes fresh pastries and homemade bread, but they do not over-indulge. There is a history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes running in the family. The daughter always has nine hours of sleep, the girl is encouraged to play outside before going to bed to have some fresh air. The mother goes to bed at the latest while her husband goes earlier because the bakery opens at 7 AM. The regular entertainment in the family includes board games and watching movies together. No issues with bowel movement and urination were mentioned by the family.
In terms of working out, the mother mentioned going on runs several times a week because she likes being outside rather than going to the gym. The father does not exercise but does not struggle with extra weight as his work is dynamic, he does not have much time to sit down. For her age, the daughter has a few extra pounds, which is why her mother is adamant about making the girl play outside more.
Functional Health Pattern: Strengths and Weaknesses
Based on Gordon’s list of functional health patterns, several strengths and weaknesses of the family should be mentioned (Karaca, 2016). The health perception of the family is its strength because it adequately approaches the subject of health and works toward its improvement. The nutritional pattern is overall good, but there may be a need to reduce the intake of sugary beverages by the daughter. The elimination pattern is also good as no issues were mentioned by the family. The exercise pattern should be improved in the father and the daughter. The father does not exercise, and the daughter spends a lot of time behind the computer. There is a need also to improve the father’s sleep patterns, which are a disadvantage for him, by changing some work responsibilities and negotiating an interchangeable work schedule.
Family Systems Theory and Positive Change
The family has shown to have close connections between its members as well as with the Native American community. Within the family systems theory, the positive relationships in the family create a favorable environment to facilitate further health improvement and address the existing health challenges (Titelman, 2014). Therefore, the family needs to get together and discuss such issues as tiredness and the lack of sleep that the father is experiencing as well as the daughter’s increased consumption of sweet drinks. Collaboration and mutual support are essential for developing a cohesive care plan that the family will follow.
Conclusion
The interview with the family has shown that they would be susceptible to a recommended care plan. While the health behaviors of the family are seen as positive, some improvements should be made. For example, the family business is highly draining and the father should increase his sleep duration to feel well and energized during the day. Also, the daughter should be educated about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity to stay healthy.
References
Karaca, T. (2016). Functional health patterns model – a case study. Case Studies Journal, 5(7), 1-9.
Titelman, P. (2014). Emotional cutoff: Bowen family systems theory perspectives. Routledge.