Speaker Biography

Mrs. Padma Sesha Sarada Lingaraju

Manager of Counselling at Sparsh Hospice

Title: Mental Health in Palliative Care - Quality of Life Issues

Mrs. Padma Sesha Sarada Lingaraju
Biography:

Mrs. Padma Sesha Sarada Lingaraju, Telecounsellor, Indian Association of Clinical Psychology, Counselling for mental health during COVID crisis. She earned Certification from Stanford University, 2019 about Palliative Care Always. She also earned Certification in End of Life Care: Challenges and Innovation, University of Glasgow, 2020 and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Certification, University System of Maryland, 2020.Member of International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) and life member of Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC).

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:: Mental well-being of a patient and his/her family determines the path of life for the patient , especially at the juncture of hospice admission.Mental health comprises well-being at all other levels. It affects our behaviour, thoughts and even the outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To ensure mental well-being of the patient and family at the end of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a country like India, definition of quality of life is so varied that it is quite shocking. People from different walks of life in terms of social stature, religion, culture and financial background ,have a quality of life concept very individualised. While planning for quality of life at hospice, we need to keep in mind their social structure. Sensitising the family beyond the scope of their understanding of mental well-being might disturb their life beyond the comprehension of the health care provider. Mental well-being is about self-esteem, confidence, respect, communication, family bonds,finances and dignity and normalisation of stress factors. Mental well-being can result in better coping with physical and emotional stress of the disease. Mental well-being can be ensured for the patient by keeping him physically comfortable,reducing family collusion,having a definite care plan,addressing his spiritual issues,arranging for family meetings,facilitating rituals, connecting them with support groups,

RESULTS:: Mental well-being results in dignity and quality of life in the last days of the patients. It relieves the family of guilt and sense of wrongdoing.

CONCLUSION:: In EOLC,we address the total pain of the patient like physical, emotional,social and spiritual. Mental well-being is the overall well-being of the patient at the above four levels. This might sound complex but when handled with empathy and open mindedness, it can be achieved both for the patient and the provider.