CASE STUDY

Case Study

Case Study

A patient (such as mentioned in this case) does not experience chronic illnesses alone. Families and significant others typically go through a number of life-altering new challenges and Stressors related to the illness over time. For example, the presence of chronic illness often results in increasing financial, time, and emotional burdens on patient (such as mentioned in this case) and their families. Many individuals who experience chronic illness have a loss of income due to a decrease in days at work or the loss of a job, and at the same time they have an increase in expenses related to medical bills, therapies, and medications.

The primary caregiver (typically the spouse, parent, or adult child) of the ill person may need to decide whether to give up working in order to care for the patient (such as mentioned in this case). Balancing the new role of caregiver with possible concurrent roles of parent, breadwinner, head of household, etc., is a daunting challenge for many individuals (Stanton, 2001).

Family relationships and perceived social support can be important contributors to the effective management of chronic illness, reducing some of the stressful impacts of the disease (Power, 2004).

On the other hand, the effect that chronic illness can have on interpersonal relationships can be very difficult for some patient (such as mentioned in this case) and families. For example, families often struggle to understand what the patient (such as mentioned in this case) is experiencing and whether he or she is doing too much or too little to cope with the situation. Unrealistic expectations related to how the patient (such as mentioned in this case) “should” cope with the illness can cause a number of difficulties. Families often report a sense of helplessness and fatigue, especially when trying to adapt to new roles necessitated by changes related to the chronic condition.

In an effort to provide support, families may offer advice that is not always helpful or welcomed by the patient (such as mentioned in this case). These interactions related to changes accompanying the chronic illness often result in stress and frustration, which may lead to increased depression and anxiety. The counselor can help patient (such as mentioned in this case) and families learn to listen and communicate more effectively with one another. These skills, in turn, may strengthen bonds of social support, which contribute to better adjustment and quality of life (Nicassio, ...