This research analyzes the case ["The Case of Dear Aunt Sarah"] within the context of decision-support systems. Consultant advice is developed for the case principals from the perspectives of (1) a financial advisor, (2) a family physician, (3) a social psychologist, (4) a political scientist, and (5) a systems engineer.
Advice From the Perspective of A Financial Advisor
Aunt Sarah, for both psychological and medical reasons, should be located in closer proximity to the Arnolds. Easy access to Aunt Sarah also would be beneficial to the Arnolds and their childrenùespecially so to Ms Arnold who feels a strong sense of obligation and responsibility towards her Aunt Sarah.
Having Aunt Sarah living within the Arnold household, however, likely would prove to be to disruptive to be workable. Jim Arnold indicates that expansion of the Arnold house to accommodate Aunt Sarah is not feasible. Therefore, establishing Aunt Sarah in a residential retirement community located in the city where the Arnolds live appears to be a feasible option. While the funds that Aunt Sarah received from the sale of her house would not be sufficient to purchase a replacement house in the city where the Arnolds live, it is likely to be sufficient to either purchase a small condominium within a retirement community located within the city, or to purchase an annuity that would enable Aunt Sarah to live in an assisted living community for the elderly where she could live independently but have access to services when required (Krause & Franklin, 1992). For the perspective of a financial analyst, the recommendation is that Aunt Sarah purchase an annuity to provide for accommodations for her in an assisted living community for the elderly. If at some point later on additional funds are required, the recommendation is that the Arnolds be prepared to assist Aunt Sarah financially at that time.
Advice From the Perspective of A Family Physician
Consideri...