Caring for Terminally Ill Patient
Caring for Terminally Ill Patient
Personal Perceptions Regarding Quality of Life and Health Promotion
The quality of one’s life is an important aspect in life and health promotion. Sadly, many people do not start to look at their quality of life until faced with a shortened lifespan. As humans, we tend to think too much. And, when faced with an illness, we often find ourselves thinking only about the negative aspects of the diagnosis: questioning what we did to deserve it, what our family will do without us, what we will be missing in the lives of our loved ones if the illness takes our lives…all very negative and depressing thoughts to have. When our illnesses get to the point where we can no longer work or enjoy daily activities, all we have time to do is think about those things…and our quality of life can suffer greatly.
This writer is a firm believer that sickness and depression can go hand-in-hand; and, when quality of life worsens, depression can either become a new problem for patients, or worsen tremendously. These are the people others often say “gave up.” Conversely, we often see stories in the media of people fighting grave diagnoses while being very active in life—continuing to care for their children, teach and encourage future leaders in classrooms, even run marathons—all successfully fighting for their lives. Their scans may be worse than those patients who have passed on, yet they continue to live. It’s a testament to what the right mindset and positive quality of life can do to assist in recovery of a serious illness.
I believe that my beliefs in regards to quality of life greatly impact the care I provide to patients facing terminal illness. I often spend extra time with these patients and their families discussing their beliefs, anxieties, and other needs. I offer to call family, friends and clergy, and encourage them to share their feelings, rather than holding it in and fueling the fear and anxiety they may have. I believe you
Personal Perceptions Regarding Quality of Life and Health Promotion
The quality of one’s life is an important aspect in life and health promotion. Sadly, many people do not start to look at their quality of life until faced with a shortened lifespan. As humans, we tend to think too much. And, when faced with an illness, we often find ourselves thinking only about the negative aspects of the diagnosis: questioning what we did to deserve it, what our family will do without us, what we will be missing in the lives of our loved ones if the illness takes our lives…all very negative and depressing thoughts to have. When our illnesses get to the point where we can no longer work or enjoy daily activities, all we have time to do is think about those things…and our quality of life can suffer greatly.
This writer is a firm believer that sickness and depression can go hand-in-hand; and, when quality of life worsens, depression can either become a new problem for patients, or worsen tremendously. These are the people others often say “gave up.” Conversely, we often see stories in the media of people fighting grave diagnoses while being very active in life—continuing to care for their children, teach and encourage future leaders in classrooms, even run marathons—all successfully fighting for their lives. Their scans may be worse than those patients who have passed on, yet they continue to live. It’s a testament to what the right mindset and positive quality of life can do to assist in recovery of a serious illness.
I believe that my beliefs in regards to quality of life greatly impact the care I provide to patients facing terminal illness. I often spend extra time with these patients and their families discussing their beliefs, anxieties, and other needs. I offer to call family, friends and clergy, and encourage them to share their feelings, rather than holding it in and fueling the fear and anxiety they may have. I believe you
References: Clark, M. J. (2008). Community health nursing: Advocacy for population health (5th ed.). Retrieved from http://pegasus2.pearsoned.com/Pegasus/Modules/TeachingPlan/frmCoursePreview.aspx Thompson, Jr., D. (2009). Support groups offer depression help. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/depression-support-groups.aspx Vanderplaat, M. (2002). Emancipatory politics and health promotion practice: the health professional as social activist. In L. E. Young, & V. E. Hayes (Eds.), Transforming health promotion practice: Concepts, issues and applications (pp. 87-98). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.