Rodzina wielopokoleniowa wobec problemu choroby w fazie terminalnej

Abstract

Family life in which a few generations are involved has its leading place in the history of man’s presence on earth. It constitutes a very convenient environment for establishing bonds with another man, for cooperation with him and for tolerance of his dissimilarity. Family is the best environment for forming social bonds. Without them no society is able to survive, and the more so to develop. The article tackles the problem of a disease at the terminal stage in the aspect of family life, with a special attention directed to the multi-generational family. Disease and death radically influence both the individual and communal functions of the family. Disease, especially terminal, is a peculiar challenge to the family that bears its consequences. It means a great burden to the family that results from the necessity of making new arrangements and engaging in new activities. Firstly, the family has to take over the duties that the sick person carried out before. Secondly, it has to take on new tasks connected with the disease. The burden depends on who is sick in the family, what role he or she plays in the family and what position he or she occupies.