TENDER LOVING CARE The Critical Need for Supportive Service

TENDER LOVING CARE The Critical Need for Supportive Services for Elderly Patients Afflicted with Cancer. Counselling and support groups are critical for helping elderly patients cope with their emotions and mental health challenges. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/op-ed-2/tender-loving-care-critical-need-for-supportive-services/ The Cancer journey is a multifaceted struggle that requires a comprehensive approach to care, encompassing not only medical treatment but also emotional, social, and practical support that goes beyond medical treatment. Cancer can be a challenging and distressing experience, and elderly patients may require special attention due to their age-related vulnerabilities. Providing "Tender Loving Care" (TLC) services are essential to address the diverse needs of cancer patients and improve their overall quality of life) to address the various aspects of support they need during their cancer journey. We will explore the importance of TLC services for cancer patients, and the significance of integrating these services into the healthcare system that ensures that they are readily accessible to all patients, irrespective of their diagnosis, stage of cancer, or socio-economic status. Physical Challenges. Cancer in elderly adds to a progressive reduction of functioning constitutional variables and to lifestyles, together with negative environmental factors that lead to other diseases, disorders, functional limitations, and to disability. Cancer-related pain can be debilitating. Effective pain management is a fundamental aspect of TLC, ensuring that patients can find relief and maintain their comfort by regularly assessing pain levels and adjusting medications accordingly. Cancer-related fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom, services that help patients manage fatigue, such as physical therapy and counselling, are essential for maintaining their quality of life.Nutritional counselling provides vital support in maintaining patients' strength and ability to fight the disease and endure treatment. Maintenance of daily activities by making services available that assist with daily living, to maintain mobility and strength such as transportation and household help, enable patients to maintain a sense of normalcy during their treatment. Emotional and Psychological Challenges. Counselling and support groups are critical for helping elderly patients cope with their emotions and mental health challenges. A cancer diagnosis often triggers profound emotional distress and can lead patients to anxiety and depression especially with satellite families and Non-resident siblings. Coping with the emotional toll of the disease is a significant challenge for cancer patients and their families. Professional counselling or mental health services or therapy to address depression, anxiety, or other emotional issues through trained therapists can help patients develop coping strategies and provide a safe space to express their feelings. Providing emotional support by being empathetic and understanding of the patient's emotions and fears to address their concerns and preferences. Cancer treatments can lead to body image issues, changes in appearance that can have a significant impact on patients' self-esteem and body image and supportive services including counselling address these concerns. While respecting the patient's dignity and privacy in all aspects of TLC counselling, supportive services can address these issues offering assistance as needed without overstepping boundaries. including personal hygiene and dressing. Provide information and resources to family members to help them understand the patient's condition and treatment options to be actively involved in the patient's care and support them emotionally. Daily Living Challenges: Patients' energy levels and abilities may be compromised during treatment, making it difficult to manage daily chores and responsibilities. Usually, elderly patients skip medication either due to dementia or giving up syndrome. Counselling through TLC services can ensure that the patient adheres to their medication regimen and status updating with the healthcare team to prevent potential drug interactions. A significant portion of the UT OF JK population is uninsured or underinsured, or many Oncoservices, treatment and diagnostics not covered by (PMJAY) or any other central Govt empanelment scheme making it challenging to access even basic medical care, let alone TLC services. Financial supportive services and counselling help patients navigate the complexities of medical bills, insurance, and other financial issues. UT OF JK includes rural areas where access to healthcare facilities and supportive services may be limited due to distance and transportation issues. Many cancer patients require regular medical appointments and treatments, which can be physically taxing and expensive. Providing transportation assistance can help patients access the care they need without additional stress. The Importance of Supportive Services for Cancer Patients. Cancer treatment can be gruelling, and many patients struggle to adhere to their prescribed regimens. Supportive services play a pivotal role in addressing the multifaceted needs of cancer patients. They not only improve the quality of life for patients but also contribute to better treatment outcomes and overall healthcare system efficiency. UT of JK has a significant aging population, which is more susceptible to cancer, elderly patients may require additional TLC services, such as home care and transportation assistance to appointments and medication management, making it easier for patients to follow their treatment plans, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Infrastructure Development. There is a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of supportive services for cancer patients. This gap can be attributed to several factors, including funding limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of awareness. Investing in building the necessary infrastructure to support cancer patients includes expanding public transportation options, establishing counselling centres, and increasing the availability of home care services. State must Increase funding towards Onco services and decrease unaffordable health care costs Government funding for supportive services is often insufficient, leaving community organizations and nonprofits to fill the gaps. These organizations often struggle to meet the high demand for services. Social support services can help patients maintain connections and emotional well-being. Community organizations (NGOS) can offer support through various programs, such as home visits, social events, and educational workshops. Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support. Many cancer patients and their families experience grief and loss throughout the cancer journey. While the focus of cancer care is often on treatment and survival, it is essential to recognize the importance of palliative care and support for patients with advanced or terminal cancer, Hospice and EOLC (end of life care) counselling and TLC supportive services which offers a compassionate and holistic approach to end-of-life care. It focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support for both patients and their families.Many individuals turn to their faith or spirituality when faced with serious illness or aging. Spiritual and socio-religious counselling can play a significant role in supporting cancer patients and the elderly, as it addresses their holistic well-being connecting with their inner beliefs and values, finding purpose, and meaning in their lives, ensuring that the patient's wishes regarding their end-of-life care are respected and followed which can be particularly important during these challenging times. Integration into Healthcare Systems: To ensure that TLC services are readily available and accessible to all cancer patients, it is crucial to integrate these services into the healthcare system, under care of elderly. Remember that every patient is unique, so it's crucial to tailor the care plan to their specific needs and preferences. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure the best care for elderly cancer patients, considering their medical, emotional, and social needs. Healthcare institutions should establish multidisciplinary teams that include medical professionals, social workers, mental health experts, spiritual and patient navigators. These teams can coordinate care and provide a range of support services. Patient navigators can guide cancer patients through the complex healthcare system, helping them access the resources and support services they need. As we strive to advance the field of oncology, it is imperative that we do not neglect the importance of providing Tender Loving Care to those who battle this formidable disease. Ultimately, by recognizing and addressing the unique needs of cancer patients, we can contribute to a more compassionate and effective approach to cancer care. Patients who receive TLC services are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, experience fewer complications, and have improved overall survival rates. Moreover, these services provide a sense of hope and empowerment, allowing patients to maintain their dignity and autonomy throughout their cancer journey. (Dr Fiaz Fazili is a Consultant Surgeon at Mubarak hospital Srinagar and member of the international community cancer prevention and awareness programme and is team leader of the Group campaigning for Not-for-Profit State of Art Cancer hospital in Ut of JK. can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com.