Psychosocial care

Question 1

Potential emotional responses

Answer 1

• shock
• disbelief
• anxiety
• depression
• denial
• irritability
• turmoil

Question 2

Resulting physical symptoms due to emotional responses

Answer 2

• insomnia
• changes in appetite
• lack of concentration
• difficulty performing normal tasks

Question 3

Interventions

Answer 3

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• meds
• awareness of s&s of depression & anxiety related to the disease
• provide a caring presence, refer for counseling & alternative therapies (with consent and reason)
• share info about the condition
• answer questions about the treatment options
• suggest advance care planning
• engage in goals-of-care conversations
• active listening

Question 4

Preparing for expected losses

Answer 4

• starting up a conversation with the person about what loss might mean to them
• You have lived in your home for a long time on your own. How are you feeling about the move to assisted living?
• I’ve noticed that it seems harder for you to get around with your walker lately. How is that for you?
• Your family seems happy to prepare meals for you, but you have told me that you love to cook. How are you feeling about handling that task off to someone else?