2 Making and Reinforcing Connections

Serious illness can be isolating (Royer, 1998). The unique experiences that define illness can set patients apart from others. Despite their best intentions, friends and family may have difficulty fully understanding the nuances or magnitude of a patient's circumstances. In some instances, they may even withdraw or otherwise become distant. Illness can also make it challenging for patients to maintain contact with others. Beyond any mobility impairments, illness may make it hard to perform routine activities that involve social interaction. The inability to continue working, for example, may serve to substantially reduce one's contact with others. Illness can leave patients detached from their social network.