At first the family did not appear to be aware of the prognosis but were insistent about taking the patient home. Over several days his symptoms were controlled and the patient was ready for discharge. Upon further inquiry from the social worker, the wife and other family members explained that they understood the grave prognosis but chose not to discuss it openly. The family organized to care for the patient at home with the help of hospice homecare services. The patient died at home two weeks later.
Family caregivers shoulder an increased burden in the advanced stages of the disease.
Social workers should be sensitive to the shame and discomfort which may go unexpressed for women dealing with the male patient's urinary symptoms. Women are likely to be even less informed than the patient about prostate cancer unless they are involved in the decision making process throughout the illness. Social workers can initiate groups for female caregivers of men with prostate cancer such as those developed for male partners of breast cancer patients to provide this unique support.