Quality of life and functioning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Quality of life and functioning - Essay Example A holistic nursing plan is vital when caring for patients as in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Among other things, the nurse as a care giver should work together with health facilities and community members in the promotion and maintenance of health, illness care and rehabilitation of patients. Quality of Life and Functioning Good health is desirable for all people whether they are reasonable or not. However, in some instances, human beings end up being affected by chronic diseases, such as cancer, that have grievous implications on the life of an individual. Chronic diseases like cancer can lead a person to experience grave depression as he/she tries to deal with the effects of the disease. Individuals with chronic diseases often experience challenges in their social life as they are not able to enjoy life as expected (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2004). It is important to note that persons with chronic diseases need to be given adequate care. They should be assisted to meet their personal ne eds, such as bathing, toileting and dressing. In addition, they should be given the necessary assistance in performing their daily tasks like shopping, paying bills, using telephone, as well as navigating physical and social environments. Health promotion services should be able to optimize health and healthy behavior of individuals suffering from chronic diseases. ... Dangerous diseases, such as breast cancer affecting Mrs. Thomas, have serious effects in life. They can interfere with quite a lot of everyday activities of an individual. The disease may affect the senses making it difficult for the patient to see or hear, thereby affecting personal mobility. The disease also has diverse effects on the social life of the individual. Such patients should be assisted to achieve their normal body functioning as suggested by Aldwin and Gilmer (2004). Health care is extremely necessary since it enables the improvement of patients’ lives. Caregivers should consider nutrition, dental care, exercise and physical activity when attending to patients. Care givers should also ensure that patients suffering from cancer stop smoking cigarette. The main aspects that must be addressed in the life of the patient that should be managed effectively include the physical, psychological, and social components. Health promotion and quality of life practices are ver y important in ensuring that patients suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer get necessary support from their care givers. Without health promotion tips, the patient risks suffering from depression; they may even succumb to the disease easily (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2004). Personal perceptions affect Mrs. and Mr. Thomas in several ways. The two see their heath status to bee too serious that they will eventually succumb. Patients who have personal perceptions that they can never get well are very difficult to treat. The nurse can provide the best possible care but without change in perception, there can never be change. Personal perceptions lead to more depression. Secondly, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas believe that friends have