Suicide by Self-Neglect?

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

i need some words of wisdom on how to most effectively care for a new home-care patient. this individual is currently being treated for their second cabg (3 vessel) after second or third mi. diabetic, amputated toes, old cva, two episodes of dka that led to codes, smoker with etoh abuse, only in their mid-forties.

i have a limited psych background, and am wondering if this person might be killing themselves the slow, painful way?? the patient is of normal intelligence, with a spouse who seems supportive and the support of out of town parents.

i'm not sure that the usual teaching is appropriate here, or the usual cardiac rehab [phase ii] at home. i'd like some interventions that will keep them alive to see fifty, but am stumped. any insights gratefully accepted!:bowingpur

[rph3664]

Try being diabetic, it is not easy. Especially when people keep blaming you for your disease. Yes, it does cause depression, which in turn causes people to neglect their disease.

It's not something I would want to have to live with, that's for sure. But there is a HUGE difference between a teenager who doesn't take their insulin when they don't get their way (very common) and a middle-aged person who eats candy by the pound, smokes, defiantly refuses to exercise, etc. and then wants everyone to feel sorry for them when they go blind, have legs amputated, etc. (even more common).

Do you encounter cancer patients who think that not taking chemo will make their disease go away? Probably not.