In the 190s, when my father fought against mesothelioma, the Board was not part of his treatment. He discussed his government's wishes and mental finals with the oncologist, but nobody really addressed Dad, AOS mental wellbeing.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma begins an arduous journey that raises a lot of intense emotions and fears.
The cancer, AOS brings poor prognosis patients and their relatives face to face with these feelings, and difficult decisions later life.
counselors can help patients with terminal address uncomfortable topics and guide them through difficult conversations with their relatives. In addition, they help patients and families accept the later stages of the disease and to maximize the patient, AOS quality of life.
I, AOM sure my father, like many others, avoid difficult conversations to save his family and loved everything unnecessary heartbreak.
While I admire his self-sacrifice, I wonder how he would have enjoyed talking to a counselor.
Benefits of End of Life Counseling
When most people picture the end of -life counseling, they tend to think of his last will and documents on care choice patient health, OSA if they are no longer able to make decisions on their own.While counselors help patients deal with these issues, they also guide patients to the physical and emotional well-being. They help people accept death and meet their social and spiritual needs.
The stigma associated with mental health care dissipates. It is now common for cancer patients to choose the board as part of their care.
The American Counseling Association (ACA), the world, AOS largest association representing professional counselors, made some major updates to its code of ethics in 05.
All ACA advisers are now required to track changes that have brought significant advances in end of life care.
Counseling Today, a publication ACA, Dr. Christine Moll said the new ACA is standard on the development and implementation of plans to help patients with the decisions of end of life.
It also seeks to keep the patients as independent as possible
The counselors today to help terminally ill people.
- maximize their quality of life
- Maintaining independence as long as possible
- make important decisions in later life
- Get the emotional support they need
- focus less on the disease and more about life
My father came to a point in his battle with mesothelioma, where his focus has shifted the fight against his illness to enjoy his last days with the people he cared and do the things he loved.
Talking to a counselor during this transition in care can help mesothelioma patients sift through the details of such a difficult decision.
useful resources for cancer survivors
When my father faced mesothelioma, it seemed that our family was bombarded by agitation, and it wasn, AOT lot of way of resources.Fortunately, there are many resources available for mesothelioma patients to show them what to expect approaching the end of their lives.
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship offers excellent audio called Cancer Survival Toolbox.The free resource resource is designed to guide families in all stages of cancer, and it offers specific advice for decision end of life and management of pain.
The program helps patients and their families:
- Manage hopes and expectations
- Making choices for treatment and symptom management
- Make decisions about hospice and palliative care
- address anxiety and depression
- communicate effectively with the treatment team and family members
When Our Loved Ones need to talk
It, AOS common for cancer patients to want to talk about their feelings and experiences, but there are issues that are simply too soft to chat with friends and relatives.The counselors are the perfect outlet for patients who want to discuss their fears, goals and difficult feelings without disrupting the emotional bonds shared with family members or relatives.
If my father had spoken of his fear of dying with my mother, he would probably have provoked an emotional reaction.
If I had known then what I know now, I would have asked my father to see a counselor. Not because he was emotionally unstable, but because counselors offer experience and advice that all can listening ears.
If you think you or your loved one may benefit from seeing a counselor, bring to your next appointment. Your oncologist or family may refer you to a qualified professional who can meet your needs.
Many insurance companies and hospices even cover the cost of counseling for patients and their families.
Seeing a counselor can be the best way to make your emotional well-being a priority and to ensure the best quality of life.
