Final answer:
Individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness often experience the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages help in processing the reality of their condition. Hospice care is designed to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients through pain management and emotional support.
Step-by-step explanation:
When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer, they may experience the five stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In the denial stage, a person may refuse to accept the diagnosis, feeling shocked or numb. Anger may set in as questions about 'Why me?' arise, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. Bargaining often involves making deals or promises to change if only the illness could be taken away. Depression can manifest as sadness and regret, while acceptance is the stage where a person comes to terms with their mortality and seeks peace.
The purpose of hospice care is to provide compassionate care that focuses on the quality of life for people who are in the final phases of a terminal illness. Hospice care aims to manage pain and symptoms, support emotional and spiritual needs, and ensure patients live their last days with dignity and comfort.