Review the content on people and power in communities, socialsupport networks, and empowerment and communities. Read thescenario below and answer the subsequent questions:

1.        In what ways does Chuckhave power and in what ways does he not? (Power may involveinformation, wealth, reputation, high status, holding adecision-making position, laws and policies, connections.)

2.        What social supportnetworks might be developed or enhanced for Chuck to empowerhimself?

3.        In what other ways mightChuck’s involvement with the community be enhanced?

SCENARIO: A concerned neighbor, Al,referred Chuck, 77, to the Hustlebustle County Older AdultsProtective Services Unit. Chuck lives in his small rundowntwo-story home in an urban neighborhood. Al reported that twice hefound Chuck had fallen helplessly on the ground while walking outto get his mail. Both times Al had to practically carry Chuck backinto the house. Chuck has rheumatoid arthritis which makes it verydifficult to walk even with his two canes. Additionally, hiseyesight is very poor. Al also raised questions about Chuck'sability to shop and cook for himself.

Chuck’s wife Vicki died two years ago after a long bout withintestinal cancer. Since her death, Chuck has remained isolated andalone. He has three sons. Only his oldest son Mike, 48, lives inthe area 12 miles away and owns a small delicatessen. Mike workslong hours to keep his business afloat and has little time to spendwith his own family, let alone with Chuck. Mike and his wife Janehave three teenage daughters. Chuck is proud of his grandchildrenand looks forward to seeing them on holidays. Jane works part-timein the deli to help out whenever she can. Jane calls Chuck everyfew weeks to see how he’s doing. Sometimes, she drives him tomedical appointments or to pick up some groceries.

Chuck’s second son Horace, 42, is a pop artist in San Francisco.The youngest, Henry, 35, is a worm farmer in Idaho. Both aresingle. Chuck usually talks to them on the phone every month ortwo. Chuck used to attend church regularly. However, the church islocated four blocks from his home and he finds it too difficult towalk there. He no longer can drive.

Chuck considers himself an intelligent, independent man whoworked hard all of his life as a carpenter. However, since hisarthritis took a turn for the worse ten years ago, he has had tostop working. He is now facing financial difficulties. He hasexperienced many years of little income and high health costs forboth him and his wife. He is becoming increasingly depressed at hisfailing health. However, he clings doggedly to the notion he mustremain in his home. To do otherwise, he thinks to himself, wouldmean giving up and accepting certain death. Chuck is aware of theHappy Heavenly Health Care Center, a nursing home five blocks fromhis home. He has sadly watched some of his friends enter it anddreads the thought of having to go himself.

In summary, Chuck’s problems include: failing health involvingarthritis, poor eyesight, and intestinal distress (the last ofwhich he does not like to talk about); loneliness; having fewactivities to keep him busy; and feeling unwanted and unimportant.Strengths include: intelligence; independence; ownership of hishome; having concerned children; and an outgoing, sociablepersonality. Some of Chuck’s likes include: a love of readingclassical novels (on bright days when his eyesight improvesslightly); seeing his children; playing stud poker; and drinkingbeer (not light, because he thinks it tastes like coloredwater).