End of Life

 

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Introduction

Important Issues in the
   Care of the Dying

Your “Job” in the Death and
   Dying Process

Hierarchy of the Dying
   Person’s Needs

Living with Spiritual Distress

Overview on Death from a
   Traditional Jewish Perspective

The Role of Culture and Diversity

Signs of Impending Death

Resources

Action Ideas That Work

“Real” Intersection of Systems

Helping Individuals Face Important
   Decisions at the End of Life

Questions That are Good    Conversation Starters

Common Questions and Answers

Advance Care Planning

Advance Health Care Directive

Living Will

Durable Power of Attorney for
    Health Affairs

Hospice Care

Helping Survivors Deal With Grief

Questions and Answers About
    Health Care Directives

Handouts

References

Living with Spiritual Distressiii

Patient Symptoms Description Response
Abandonment By family, friends, helath care professionals or religious Human presence
Anger Directed or undirected Urge expression and accept feeling
Betrayal “Punishment” by God Contact clergy if patient/family agree
Despair Without hope Contact clergy if family/patient agree
Fear Of dying process or of death Explain dying process
Guilt Concern over misdeed Urge seeking forgiveness, contact clergy or social worker
Meaningfulness Life without purpose Validate life accomplishments
Regret Dreams unfulfilled Life review and validation
Sorrow/Remorse Profound sadness due to acute depression Urge verbalization – valudate feelings
Depression Turning to wall, fetal position, non-responsive Talk with them to provide tie to humanity