According to the late William Bartholme, a 20th-century cancer sufferer from Kansas City, dying should be thought of as an experience to be lived, rather than a medical condition. Nothing is more certain in life, and yet few things are so infrequently talked about. When confronted with news of a terminal illness, it is useful to have on hand a hospice book on the dying process.
Nobody likes talking about mortality. It's almost as if we would rather be surprised at a death in the family than have to deal with it for weeks or months beforehand. Even when the moment is expected, when the inevitable does happen, it is still a major shock. Having a terminal diagnosis allows the individual and their loved ones to prepare themselves financially, practically and emotionally. While nothing can substitute for frank and personal discussions with health professionals and bereavement survivors, the age of the Internet allows the privilege of instant access to the right books written by people with experience in dealing with the process of dying.
Once the dust has settled in the wake of the terminal diagnosis, there will be plenty of things to do and think about. This is the time to educate yourself about what physical changes your loved one will be going through. Topics such as organ donation, whether they want to go into a hospice/hospital or remain at home, etc.
Every person is different in how they handle the last few months and weeks of life. Some people are calm and composed while others are terrified. Some people take it as it comes while others want to maintain every last moment of control.
While the person doing the dying will have a lot to think about, so will the other friends and family. Try to steer people toward settling festering disputes and encourage forgiveness all around. This is partly for the peace of mind of the aspiring deceased, but also to ease the grieving process for those left behind.
Whether or not the dying person wants to donate their organs, it is important to have this decision explicitly stated in their records. It is a delicate question and much easier on both the family and the medical team if it is clearly documented. The same goes for emergency treatment in the event of a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening condition. If there is a DNR document (Do Not Resuscitate) in place, it is essential that everyone concerned to be aware of it.
Some people choose to spend their last few weeks on earth in a hospice, which is a specialized care center dedicated to the needs of the dying. Others will require the high-tech support of the hospital environment. Where possible, dying at home affords familiarity, comfort, and privacy.
While every individual case is different, there are certain aspects that they have in common, and it is helpful for caregivers to have a book where they can look things up. The experience is much easier, or, at least, less fraught if everyone has an idea of what to expect.
Nobody likes talking about mortality. It's almost as if we would rather be surprised at a death in the family than have to deal with it for weeks or months beforehand. Even when the moment is expected, when the inevitable does happen, it is still a major shock. Having a terminal diagnosis allows the individual and their loved ones to prepare themselves financially, practically and emotionally. While nothing can substitute for frank and personal discussions with health professionals and bereavement survivors, the age of the Internet allows the privilege of instant access to the right books written by people with experience in dealing with the process of dying.
Once the dust has settled in the wake of the terminal diagnosis, there will be plenty of things to do and think about. This is the time to educate yourself about what physical changes your loved one will be going through. Topics such as organ donation, whether they want to go into a hospice/hospital or remain at home, etc.
Every person is different in how they handle the last few months and weeks of life. Some people are calm and composed while others are terrified. Some people take it as it comes while others want to maintain every last moment of control.
While the person doing the dying will have a lot to think about, so will the other friends and family. Try to steer people toward settling festering disputes and encourage forgiveness all around. This is partly for the peace of mind of the aspiring deceased, but also to ease the grieving process for those left behind.
Whether or not the dying person wants to donate their organs, it is important to have this decision explicitly stated in their records. It is a delicate question and much easier on both the family and the medical team if it is clearly documented. The same goes for emergency treatment in the event of a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening condition. If there is a DNR document (Do Not Resuscitate) in place, it is essential that everyone concerned to be aware of it.
Some people choose to spend their last few weeks on earth in a hospice, which is a specialized care center dedicated to the needs of the dying. Others will require the high-tech support of the hospital environment. Where possible, dying at home affords familiarity, comfort, and privacy.
While every individual case is different, there are certain aspects that they have in common, and it is helpful for caregivers to have a book where they can look things up. The experience is much easier, or, at least, less fraught if everyone has an idea of what to expect.
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