THE '22 TIMES

I come from a society that strongly believes in the proverb when two carry, it does not hurt . The strongest and most basic unit in the African society is the family. Family is our strength and our pride, it is our link to the past and a bridge to the future. The family unit is the rock that stays steady, it is the glue that binds and keeps individuals together. It is an institution that works! Due to the value the Ghanaian society places on the family, its role with regard to supportive care cannot be underestimated especially in the event of chronic illness. Chronic illnesses generally do not fix themselves and usually have no cure. For instance, heart disease and stroke can be life-threatening and may result in physical impairment requiring long-term lifestyle changes and intensive management. Families therefore, provide instrumental support such as transportation to the hospital, paying bills and assistance with the daily needs that are associated with the diagnosis (Given, 200...

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...