Psycho-oncology: The psychological aspects of hospice care of cancer

Oncological diseases are steadily increasing, as is the number of patients in the terminal stage of the fatal process.

In general, the patient with cancer develops depression, insomnia, increased irritability, a sense of loneliness, and misunderstanding on the part of others; loses interest in family affairs, previously favorite entertainments, and occupations; and complains of complete inner emptiness. As a result, the correction of neuropsychiatric disorders that occur at the end of the oncological process becomes a top priority for the oncologist

The most recent research has separated the five stages of cancer that people experience while receiving treatment.

Cancer patients experience five stages of acceptance: shock, denial, aggression, depression, and acceptance. And it is impossible to maintain the mental health of the patient as well as family members in this situation. As a result, the only thing we should and can do is seek the advice of a psychologist in order to begin the process of acceptance and understanding without experiencing extreme emotions.

A psychologist’s work should be done in tandem with the patient’s family members. Sometimes it may seem that by hiding information about the disease, we protect the patient from severe experiences. However, in the absence of information, the patient will try to figure out for himself what is going on, and his guesses may be far scarier than the true state. As a result, a person is left alone with his or her experiences and fears, deprived of trustworthy information and the ability to trust anyone.

Aside from general psychological care, patients often require hospice care, which is equally important from a psychological standpoint. But what does hospice care mean? Why does it seem so scary?

The main goals of hospice care

The primary goals of hospice care are to provide comfort and to address the fear of death while treating the illness. Anxiety about death is accompanied by severe vegetative manifestations and syndromes such as alienation syndrome or annihilation syndrome. Let’s go deep into them;

The alienation syndrome is characterized by a growing sense of loneliness and isolation from the outside world: even when communicating with others. What next? The patients seem to live in another world and are not even interested in everyday activities.

Annihilation syndrome manifests itself as a fear of the onset of “nothing,” when the world will continue to exist and the dying will vanish; patients’ self-esteem drops, they close up, and they go “into themselves.” Kind of an existential crisis, and even though.

So, in this case, the spiritual understanding of life and death, as well as the opportunity to discuss existential issues, are extremely important. When a person realizes that his or her life is coming to an end, he or she has two options: either passively wait for death or fully use the remaining time for personal growth.

All in all, it is necessary to speak with the patient about this possibility.

And psychological help is obligatory not only for the patient but for the family members as well. The illness affects the lives of everyone.

The main goals of hospice care

Caring for a seriously ill person is a lot of work that comes with both physical and psycho-emotional aspects. Close family members frequently have to sacrifice themselves and limit their interests; they may also experience irritation and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt for not doing or not doing everything possible for the patient. As a result, it is necessary to explain to relatives that the patient understands how much they love him, but love also requires strength; thus, it is necessary to set aside time for yourself (for rest, your own affairs, communication with friends). It will be easier for a patient if he knows that while he is being cared for, his relatives can continue to live their normal lives. You know, it’s even better for the patient to feel like everything is as it has been before the illness.

It is not necessary to pretend that everything is alright in order to provide emotional support to the patient. Sometimes all they need is to speak out about their insecurities and fears and relatives are the best listeners in this case. However, the patient may feel guilty to speak out and as if “ruin” the day of their loved ones.

That’s why the hospice is way better for the patient to receive the treatment along with the psychological care.

The main goals of hospice care

It is allowed to wear your favorite comfortable home clothes in hospices and even invite volunteer hairdressers to assist with hair care. All the medical staff provides excellent care to the seriously ill and elderly. Patients are specially positioned so that they are comfortable and convenient, and blood circulation is not disrupted.

Read interesting books aloud, paint uncertain but very touching watercolor paintings, listen to invited artists’ songs, receive guests…

Wait for the “joy cart” and wonder what kind of treats our thoughtful benefactors provided this time. Maybe you want to cry when you’re scared and be able to express your fears aloud, knowing that none of the staff or volunteers will be offended and will instead sit quietly next to me?

A LOT OF SLEEP WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT BEING WOKEN UP FOR BREAKFAST

Hospice doesn’t mean you’re left alone

In fact, many hospice patients have the psychological impression that they are alone while in the facility. That is due to their point of view and personality, but if you speak to them, they may feel differently. It’s critical to express one’s emotions rather than drown in them. Hospice is about more than just dying; it’s about living life at its fullest…

Furthermore, patients are generally terrified of the term “hospice.” It’s because when they hear the word “hospice,” their minds conjure up images of loneliness, cold and gray hospitals, and so on.

When a person learns about the disease, the only thing that comes to mind is that he or she is dying. And a flood of doubts and questions floods their minds. Is it necessary for me to leave my house?

No, it’s not. Many hospices also provide in-home care. That is primarily for psychological reasons rather than physical ones, but it actually makes sense.

To sum up

Cancer affects the way we live and have lived before, but all is in our hands. To contact the hospice and provide a full package of care for our relatives may be the best way of showing support to them. Hospice doesn’t mean you leave them alone. But, moreover, you provide them with the best quality care and treatment. Cancer is not the end, it’s just a new turnround of a life…

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