Ask the Therapist
Munchaussen-by-Proxy
I work at a facility that takes care of the elderly. I have a family member who seems not to be happy unless their loved one is sick and she and only she can take care of her, which actually makes her weaker and sicker. She constantly calls the doctor for narcotics for her mother, instead of letting staff handle this, which is the usual course. She refuses to let mother participate in
activities and as soon as she comes to town, she insists mother go to the hospital, where she stays 24/7. Is there such a thing as
Munchausen in reverse? When this family member comes to visit, she carries a whole suitcase of her own meds. I am greatly worried about my resident's safety.
You are describing Munchaussen-by-proxy. Although this usually happens with parents and children, the children being the ones sickened, there's no rule that says it can't happen in reverse -- especially with an elderly parent. I suspect it is something that you want to bring up with your supervisor.
