Suggested Strategies for Improving Quality of Life
☛ Identify sources of meaning, both positive and negative, before and during illness; identify current meanings of the illness for the person and for the family; explore creation of a life narrative (Written? Tape recorded? Favorite music?). Explore possible legacies for loved ones.
☛ Explore source of existential anguish before and during illness; attend to dreams as clues to sources of existential distress.
☛ Identify sources of healing connections for this person before and during illness.
☛ Minimize uncertainty: for example, introduce caregivers by name and occupation; discuss hospital routines, assessment, treatment options, related plans, possible side effects, and anticipated timing of interventions.
☛ Identify and support expression of fears (‘‘What is the worst part of all this?, ‘‘What has helped you most?’’).
☛ Identify ego defense mechanisms that increase distancing, denial, closure to others, blocks in opening to the hard reality at hand.
☛ Promote a calming, pleasant atmosphere characterized by efficiency, accompaniment, and caring, thus promoting a sense of security.
☛ Promote strategies that may bring the person into the present moment: meditation, music, discussion of their cherished interests (‘‘What have you always been passionate about?’’), domains of creativity; consider art and music therapy.
https://web.archive.org/web/20200906063756/https://www.mcgill.ca/wholepersoncare/files/wholepersoncare/Healing_Connections.pdfhttps://web.archive.org/web/20200906063756/https://www.mcgill.ca/wholepersoncare/files/wholepersoncare/Healing_Connections.pdf