Mr Ratin Bhai is 87 year old widower diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease four years ago. He was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism four years ago – this is now controlled on medication. The Bhais...

Mr Ratin Bhai is 87 year old widower diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease four years ago. He was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism four years ago – this is now controlled on medication. The Bhais migrated from India in 1946. Ratin lives in his own two story home where he has lived with his wife, Amita, until she died twelve months ago. Ratin has remained independent since then. Amita and Ratin did not have children, thus Ratin has no immediate family. However, he has a brother, Niraj and his family, living close by. Ratin does not want to involve them in his daily life as he does not want to be a bother to them. Ratin has a small income from his self-managed superannuation and is careful with his money. This allows him some measure of financial independence, however, because of reduced investment returns, finances are now only just covering his expenses. He tries to go on a holiday once a year, but was unable to this year due to his altered mobility. Ratin has a slight tremor in both hands which is becoming worse. This is making tasks such as cooking, making a cup of tea and doing up buttons and shoe laces difficult. Because Ratin perceives that his disease process is worsening, he is starting to wonder how he can face the uncertainty of his future. Current Medications
•Thyroxine 100 micrograms daily
•Carbidopa/Levodopa 25/100 q8h
•Entacapone 200 mg q8h
Ratin’s GP asked the community health centre where you work to visit Ratin to assess whether he has problems managing his medication