Case Scenario: Justin, 66 years old, moved to Westvale more than a decade ago

Case Scenario

Background: 

Justin, 66 years old, moved to Westvale more than a decade ago seeking stability and steady employment after years of working across various regional mining sites. He relocated with his wife at the time, hoping that settling in a smaller rural town would help them slow down and build a simpler life together. However, the transition proved difficult. His wife struggled with the isolation and lack of social opportunities, and after several years of tension, she left the marriage and returned to the city. The end of the relationship was a major turning point in Justin’s life and contributed to a gradual decline in his emotional well- being.

When his marriage ended, Justin threw himself into his job at the mine, using long shifts and physical labour as a distraction from loneliness and grief. Unfortunately, the mine downsized not long afterward, and Justin was among those made redundant. Losing both his marriage and his job within a short timeframe left him without purpose, routine, or social connection. With no family in the area and few close friends, Justin became increasingly withdrawn. He now lives alone in a modest home on the outskirts of Westvale, where he spends most days in near isolation. His life lacks structure, and he often goes days with minimal meaningful interaction.

Justin has always been a quiet, independent man, someone who valued working with his hands, keeping to himself, and supporting others in practical ways. He is not naturally expressive and was raised in a generation where men were discouraged from discussing emotions or seeking help. This upbringing, combined with his later life experiences, has made him reluctant to talk about his struggles or reach out for support. Although he appears guarded, those few who know him recall his dry sense of humour and moments of warmth beneath the surface.

Over time, Justin’s physical and mental health have deteriorated. He has become a heavy daily smoker, replacing routine meals with cigarettes and relying on alcohol in the evenings to numb loneliness. His diet is poor, consisting mostly of processed or convenience foods, and he rarely cooks at home. Social invitations are rare, and Justin usually declines them out of habit or discomfort

Family

• Marital Status: Divorced (wife left 10 years ago)

• Children: None 

• Sister: Julie Field. Lives in Victoria. Very limited contact

Career 

• Former mine worker. Justin has not been employed since losing his job shortly after his marriage ended. He receives government support but is not engaged in any formal volunteering or community work.

Community Involvement

• Justin has very limited community involvement. He rarely attends local events or groups and often keeps to himself. His only regular interactions are occasional visits to the local shop or pharmacy. He is known by some locals but is not socially active.

 Hobbies

• Justin does not have any structured hobbies. He spends most of his time at home, often watching television or sitting on his front veranda. He does not participate in physical or recreational activities and rarely prepares meals for himself.

Personality

• Justin is quiet, reserved, and somewhat guarded. Years of isolation have made him hesitant to engage with others, and he may appear unfriendly at first. However, those who know him note that he has a dry sense of humour and a strong sense of loyalty. He avoids discussing his past and may be experiencing unresolved grief and depression

 Medical Record

 Introduction (150 -200 words)

The introduction should include:

• Briefly introduce the chosen case study

• Outline the purpose of the assignment

• Summary of the key End-of-Life (EoL) concepts & principles to be discussed

Part A Case Study Review (30%)

Based on the scenario, research the relevant End-of-Life (EoL) concepts and then respond to all questions below. Students use the questions as headings.

Ensure your responses analyse and discuss EoL concepts, principles, and nursing practice relevant to the chosen case and are supported by at least 10 references from the past 10 years.

1. What are the two or three key EoL care issues presented in the case, and why are they significant for the patient and their family?

2. How do these issues affect the patient’s physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs? 

3. What clinical, psychosocial, cultural, ethical, and legal considerations are relevant to this selected case?

4. How can person- and family-centred care be applied in this case?

5. What is the nurse’s role in addressing these issues and providing compassionate and holistic care?

Part B: Reflection on Learning (20%)

Equal to 500 words +/- 10%

In Part B, you will write 500 words reflecting on your learning about EoL care from your Part A Case Study Review. 

Ensure you:

1. Use Gibbs’ reflective cycle to explore what you have learned about EoL care, linking it to the case study you reviewed in Part A.

2. Discuss the impact of this learning on your understanding, attitudes, or approach to providing EoL care.

3. Discuss how this learning has grown your understanding of the nurse's role in EoL care. 

4. Identify areas for future professional growth in caring for patients and families at the End-of-Life.

Assignment presentation

 Use Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri or Verdana font in size 11&12. 

 Single spacing throughout the whole document. 

 Pages to be numbered consecutively commencing at the introduction of the written assignment. Number to be placed in the top right-hand corner. Running headings are not required. 

 No additional decorative lines, prints or pictures are required. 

 Submit as a WORD file

 Headings are to follow the APA heading styles.

 Margins 2.54-cm (1-in.) on all sizes.

 Figures, diagrams, graphs, images, tables are to be clearly labelled and referenced as per APA 7th edition guidelines:   

a) Assignment Coversheet

b) Body of the Assignment (including APA style headings – see above) 

 0.5 in. paragraph indentation required for the first line of every paragraph 

c) In-Text and End-Text References: