1. As a case manager, I would begin to intervene when I know the family has to spend 35% of their income on their home mortgage. The cost of housing should be less than 30% of the annual income and, when the cost of housing is more than 30%, the family wioulld have difficulty paying for other household expenses including medical care. In addition, I would talk to them about the health risks they currently have, such as 20 pounds overweight, having family history of diabetes and hypertension, and do not have enough knowledge about health, nutrition, and exercise. On top of that, I will help them to understand basic health information and services to make appropriate decisions such as losing weight, with health, diet and exercise to reduce the health risks.
2. The other options that Jim and Nancy have early in their financial meltdown, are to move into a new plac,e for which they pay less than the current house, and save money for other expenses. Their children can transfer to a cheaper school, or community college, and move in with them so they do not need to pay for expensive tuition and housing for the children. In addition, they can apply for Medicare for their parents, so that they can have home health care offered under part A. Furthermore, Nancy’s parents should have applied for financial assistance, instead of depending on Nancy’s money if they were unable to live off of their fixed income. Elderly people who are incapable of taking care of themselves are entitled ftor public assistance, and there are plenty of financial assistance programs for the elderly of which they can take advantage of.
3. If I was in their situation, I would choose another house that I can afford, and the rent should be less than 30% of my family annual income. AFurthermore, along with exercisoe, I would follow both a healthy diet plan to lose weight along with exercise, because I know that I have a higher risk of diabetes and hypertension due to issues of overweight and family history of diabetes and hypertension. I have selected a better health insurance plan fsor that I would pay a little more for premium but with lower co-pay and deduction, to avoid a much more costly payment after the major hospitalization, such as the one Jim’ has had to go though. As for my children, I will choose tould have them educated at a community college if my budget is tight. Community college provides a good education at a low cost and is an effective learning institution compared to other costly programs and private institutions. I can also save some money for emergency in case something unexpected happens such as a major illness.