Preparing for Death While Embracing Life
The process of dying begins at birth. Each of us know that someday we will die, but we don 't generally like to think or talk about it. The topic of death is often taboo in our society. Because of this, we are often unprepared when we are faced with the final stages of the dying process with someone we love.
Attitudes and concepts about death and dying vary greatly. Death refers to the actual physical ending of life, while dying refers to the process of coming to that end. Most people do not simply stop breathing. It is often a slow, lingering, unwinding process that can take days, weeks, or months. Even the actively dying process can occur over a period of hours or days. Observing this process can be extremely difficult for loved ones.
Some people experience the symptoms of being close to death and then, for some unexplained reason their condition may begin to improve a little. The family 's hopes soar, only to be dashed again, as the loved one 's condition deteriorates. These roller-coaster changes can be emotionally and physically exhausting for caregivers.
Most of the fear of death is really fear of the unknown. Education and open discussion about the events that will occur can relieve much of the fear patients and families experience. Each death is different, a touching and special drama, just as each birth is. And usually the act of dying requires some assistance, just as the act of giving birth does.
Because each person 's death is unique, it is difficult to state exactly what will happen in each situation. This particular period of time is one of the most difficult times you and your family will experience.
Some people believe that preparing for a death is the most difficult part of losing a loved one. Friends and family members may feel helpless as their loved one comes closer to death. Fear of the inevitable, sorrow, and anticipating the grief to come are common and can be completely exhausting.
Many people who have a serious illness may
Attitudes and concepts about death and dying vary greatly. Death refers to the actual physical ending of life, while dying refers to the process of coming to that end. Most people do not simply stop breathing. It is often a slow, lingering, unwinding process that can take days, weeks, or months. Even the actively dying process can occur over a period of hours or days. Observing this process can be extremely difficult for loved ones.
Some people experience the symptoms of being close to death and then, for some unexplained reason their condition may begin to improve a little. The family 's hopes soar, only to be dashed again, as the loved one 's condition deteriorates. These roller-coaster changes can be emotionally and physically exhausting for caregivers.
Most of the fear of death is really fear of the unknown. Education and open discussion about the events that will occur can relieve much of the fear patients and families experience. Each death is different, a touching and special drama, just as each birth is. And usually the act of dying requires some assistance, just as the act of giving birth does.
Because each person 's death is unique, it is difficult to state exactly what will happen in each situation. This particular period of time is one of the most difficult times you and your family will experience.
Some people believe that preparing for a death is the most difficult part of losing a loved one. Friends and family members may feel helpless as their loved one comes closer to death. Fear of the inevitable, sorrow, and anticipating the grief to come are common and can be completely exhausting.
Many people who have a serious illness may
Bibliography: Ø Mannino, Davis J. Grieving Days, Healing Days. Allyn and Bacon Ø Kubler-Ross, E. On Death and Dying. Simon and Schuster Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/guardianship/default.htm Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/living_wills/default.htm Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/power_of_attor/default.htm Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/wills/default.htm Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/assets_and_tru/default.htm