BODY IMAGE

Old photographs of a patient can be valuable in patient care. These help carers relate to the patient as a person, seeing him as he was before he became ill. (see Weight Loss)

Photography can help a patient become more accepting of disfigurement or disability. A family photograph emphasizes that the ill person is still part of the family, possibly the most important part. A photograph can also enable the adjustment process, by making the event an undeniable reality.

If a couple are having difficulties in communication, particularly where one partner is reluctant to discuss dying, it can be very helpful for them to look through old family photographs together. This integrates the past and present, and can help them to grieve together for their lost future. (see Spiritual Pain)

Videos, home movies and photographs can be very helpful ways of including a patient who is too ill to attend an important family occasion (such as a baptism, a bar mitzvah, or a wedding).

The author and publisher have taken precautions to ensure that the information in this book is error-free. However, readers must be guided by their own personal and professional standards of good practice in evaluating and applying recommendations made herein. The contents of this book represent the views and experience of the author, and not necessarily those of the publisher.