Psychosocial issues of AIDS patients in hospice: case studies

Hospice programs which, through experience, have become aware of the psychosocial issues of patients with AIDS, need to share their observations. Patients react to the physical realities of the disease while experiencing the stigma and fear which society imposes on AIDS. Hospice support of parents of patients with AIDS focuses on issues of guilt and shame while encouraging validation of the lives of their children. Hospice workers find rewards include personal growth in self-awareness and perspective.