3-3: Rehabilitation and Chronic Illness (Part 2)

Question 1

Cite evidence that the chronically ill face job discrimination.

Answer 1

Employees with cancer are fired or laid off fives times as often as other workers. When these patients keep their jobs, they are often moved into less demanding positions, and they are promoted less quickly.

Question 2

Describe the financial impact of chronic illness.

Answer 2

The chronically ill may lose some or all of their income, may be underinsured, and may lose their medical benefits if they are unable to work.

Question 3

Identify the characteristics of a typical caregiver.

Answer 3

The typical caregiver is a woman in her sixties caring for an elderly spouse.

Question 4

Distinguish between three categories of care-giving.

Answer 4

1. Care-giving may be intermittent or supplementary in the case of patients who can contribute actively to their own disease management; many cancer patients and cardiac patients fall into this category.
2. It may be intense but short lived, until recovery progresses; some stroke patients fall into this category.
3. In other cases, care-giving needs increase, as the disease progresses to the point where the caregiver has responsibility for virtually every activity the patient must undertake, including brushing teeth, feeding them, cleaning them, and the like.

Question 5

Discuss the risks associated with care-giving.

Answer 5

Caregivers are at a relatively high risk for distress, depression, declining physical health, lowered immune functioning, and strained relationships.

Question 6

Compare the impact of chronic illness on men and on women.

Answer 6

Chronically ill women may experience less social support than chronically ill men, as well as a lower income, higher levels of disability, and a greater likelihood of being institutionalized.

Question 7

Describe the positive outcomes of chronic illness.

Answer 7

Many people experience positive reactions, including joy, optimism, finding meaning in everyday life, an increased sense of appreciation and gratitude. About one-third of chronically-ill patients feel that their lives have improved since the onset of their illness.

Question 8

Identify the specific challenges associated with chronic illness in children (4)

Answer 8

• Children may not fully understand the nature of their diagnosis and treatment and thus experience confusion as they are trying to cope with illness and treatment.
• Tension may arise between children and their parents.
• Children require more care-giving and oversight than other chronically-ill patients.
• Children must be exposed to procedures that are especially frightening to them.

Question 9

List the factors that can improve a chronically ill child’s ability to cope.

Answer 9

• Factors that improve a chronically-ill child’s ability to cope include:
• Having parents with realistic attitudes toward the disorder and its treatment
• Taking a active role in self-care
• Having relatively few restriction on one’s life
• Being able to continue going to school