Case study

Mrs Kim (adapted from Sohn, 2010)

Mrs Kim is a 79 year old Korean woman who was brought to the GP by her daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law states that her mother-in-law has been very withdrawn, lost weight and is concerned that she is becoming demented. On history taking (provided by the daughter-in-law as interpreter) you find out that Mrs Kim and her family migrated to New Zealand 12 years ago with her son and his family who she lives with. Mrs Kim until recently worked in the families catering business.

Since Mrs Kim has become unwell, she has lost contact with her friends. Her son who is not religious does not take her to the Korean church she used to attend. During the day Mrs Kim is alone. She rarely spends time with her grandchildren who are busy with school, friends and after school tutorials.

Mrs Kim’s daughter-in-law tells you at a subsequent appointment that she is exhausted working in the family business, taking care of her husband, children and mother-in-law. She is stressed, tearful and fatigued.