Question

The family should be involved in the ____ as much as possible because it gives the patient ____ and allows each family member to come to some ____ of their relationship with the dying person.

Answer 1

Family involvement in hospice care provides comfort for the patient and supports family members by providing coping mechanisms and enabling closure. Hospice care typically leads to increased patient life expectancy, augmented family support, and reduced care burden.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question revolves around the importance of family involvement in the process of hospice care, as it provides critical support for the patient and family members. Research has shown that when families are deeply involved in the hospice care experience, the patient receives a sense of comfort and support while family members can gain coping skills and closure in their relationships with the dying individual. Hospice care not only allows patients to remain in a familiar environment, often their own homes, but also presents an opportunity for strengthened family unity and emotional support throughout a challenging transition. Additionally, hospice services tend to increase the life expectancy of patients and reduce the burden of care for the family, thereby improving the quality of life for all involved during a profound period of life.