["And suddenly I have a tumor" - the situation of family S./N]

Many families affected by a terminal illness need professional help and support. In order to be able to cope with emotional stress, loss of light-heartedness and changes in family structure thorough information is important for patients and their families. The Calgary Family-Assessment and Calgary Family Intervention-Model are suitable to determine the needs of concerned families and hence to offer appropriate interventions.

In an instrumental case study the situation of Mrs. S.2 and her family was analyzed. Mrs. S. is suffering from an inoperable adenocarcinoma.

An assessment classified the different information given during the first meeting and determined the focus of the interventions.

Interventions concentrated on cognitive and emotional support.

The case study showed how family models for nurses could systematically guide professionals in supporting families. Listening and spending time with the concerned person and their families showed to offer important factors, which were perceived as very helpful by the families.