emotional care of the dying patient, the compassionate, consistent support offered to help the terminally ill patient and his or her family cope with impending death. Family, friends, and health care professionals, including nurses, physicians, and hospice personnel, assist with the transition from life to death by offering a positive meaningful presence. See also hospice, stages of dying. ▪ METHOD: The professional person providing emotional support for the terminally ill encourages the expression of personal feelings, anxieties, and experiences regarding death and empathizes with the patient and the family. To prevent conflicting statements, it is essential to know what the physician, other professionals, and family members tell the patient about the outcome. Effective support in terminal illness involves a nonjudgmental approach to the patient’s relatives and significant others, an understanding of their problems, and efforts to assist them in the grieving process. The patient needs relief from pain, tender care, and continued attention through all the stages of dying. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Arrangements for hospice care or home care, when it is possible and desirable, can play a major role in assisting the patient and family to cope with impending death. Members of the health care team may teach methods of care required at home, may assist the family in realizing the patient’s need to live as normally and as long as possible, and may refer the family to the social service department and to community resources for assistance. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: Sensitive emotional support appropriate to the stages of dying may help the person to move more rapidly to acceptance. The family usually goes through similar stages; therefore, support and counseling by an experienced person may greatly enhance the quality of life of the patient and family.
