1. WHAT IS A GOOD DEATH? Dying is a very intimate, personal experience. Each person will have his or her own definition of “dying well” that will be affected by his or her personality, gender, culture, ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs. However, most people believe that dying well includes: • being pain free • having a sense of choice and control over what
“Death and dying bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. Most people muddle along, coping as best they can. As volunteers we can help with the latter.” Gallasch, 1996
happens in their lives (including who is present and shares the end) while gradually relinquishing the responsibility for their care to significant others • maintaining their dignity and privacy • having access to emotional and spiritual support • resolving long-standing conflicts • satisfying final wishes • having time to say good-bye • being able to leave when it is time to go and not have life prolonged . 2. THE EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF THE DYING PERSON Each person diagnosed with a life threatening or
terminal illness will have a unique emotional reaction to impending death – and unique needs, losses, fears and hopes. To help someone who is dying, it’s important to understand his or her needs and concerns – and to remember that it’s not the volunteer’s role to “fix” the person, the family or the problems, but just to be there and listen. Here are some common emotional needs of people who are dying – and steps the volunteer can take to provide emotional support.
A life-limiting illness is frightening. It affects
relationships, lifestyles and the individual’s sense of who they are. If we are to offer support … we need to understand the fear as well as the various illnesses and treatments. Gallasch, 1996
40
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog