Families shoulder a lot of burden during terminal illness, and their needs grow and change as their loved one's illness progresses. Early in serious illness, there are the emotional burdens of learning of the illness for the first time, and coming to accept a terminal diagnosis, of giving up hope of cure, etc. As terminal illness progresses, patients often need family members to help refocus hope despite the inevitability of death (Covinsky et al, 1994). Patients and families need support, guidance, encouragement and understanding to begin planning for many decisions. Although the emotional burden is felt by most family members, families who choose to have their loved one die at home have to deal with the additional burden of providing direct care as well. They therefore, would need additional information and healthcare supplies, including specific teaching of caregiving skills and logistic support...
Class of 2022 - Graduate Entry Medical Programme, University of Ghana, Legon