The family of an ill person:

General aspects of cancer patient (cancer)

Introduction• A child that is brought to the hospital may have a

much different experience to that of an adult. Frequently, the younger the child, the less able he/she is to take in what is happening and the more frightened he/she may soon become.

Also, the younger the child and the longer the hospitalisation, the more the child is deprived of its emotional supports, and the more severe the child’s reactions are.

• Children are more susceptible than adults because they typically have a limited grasp of the phenomenon of illness and its causes, and are usually not provided with enlightening information.

This leads to a variety of behaviour used by the child in retaliation to his/her lack of control in the situation.

Family life• Family member or friend struggle of

cancer.

• Feelings & lifestyle that been affected by this diagnose.

• Changes

Parental reaction

• 1. Shock or disbelief: The family questions the doctor and may seek a second opinion

• 2. Anger: Parents direct their anger either at themselves – in which case it is mixed with guilt – or at the doctors. This anger can delay appropriate treatment.

• 3.Depression and sadness : Here the family begins to stay with their sadness concerning the illness of the child and mourns the loss of the idealized child.

• 4.Adaptation and adjustment: Parents come to view the child and the illness realistically, thereby attempting to alter the family milieu to deal with it

When apprised of a diagnosis and the need for hospitalization, the family typically goes through 4 stages

Types of changes

• Changes in Responsibilities• Changes in Rules• Changes in Needs• Changes in Sexuality and Intimacy• Changes in Thinking of future

Tasks

• Learn about the disease- Knowing the problem you are fighting.- By doing so shows any possibilities.

• Don’t get influenced on partners behavior- When partner acts irrationally. What happens?• Show support and caregiving- By complements and motivational words.- Get through situation, so you show affection to

them

References• http://

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Mental_illness_family_and_friends?open

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2259327_help-sick-person-feel-better.html

• Dr. Bernard W.K. Lau & Dr. Wilson W.C. Tse: ‘Psychological effects of physical illness and hospitalisation on the child and the family’.