piątek, 29 stycznia 2016

Using A Hospice Book On The Dying Process

By Jennifer Martin


In 1997, Kansas City, cancer sufferer William Bartholme described dying as a lived, experienced, condition, rather than a medical process. It can be said that from the moment we are born, we begin the process of dying. It comes to all of us, yet, as a society, we are chronically unprepared for it. Whether we have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or are supporting a loved one, a hospice book on the dying process might help us get ready for what lies ahead.

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.

Everyone deals with impending death differently. Some individuals can resign themselves to the prospect and adjust quickly. Others will go out screaming and kicking every step of the way.

The same could be said of friends and relatives. In addition to managing the physical and medical issues, there will be a barrage of emotions to manage. Hopefully, the event will enable people to reconcile long-standing differences.

Two emotionally-charged topics that need to be resolved are organ donation and how much medical intervention is acceptable if the need arises. Having both of these decisions documented will save misunderstandings and make life much easier later on when the need arises. Make sure all interested parties are duly informed.

Some people prefer to spend their last days in the comfort of their own homes. Others may require intensive medical care in addition to palliative care. It is useful in both cases to explain the legalities of each situation. In some places, the police are required to attend; this can frighten the relatives if they are not expecting it.

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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