 |
A loved one who is dying must cope with declining health, as well as issues
about existence, spirituality, and separation. Our goals of care now change
to help the patient live comfortably and include emotional and spiritual support.
The dying patient has to cope with a declining physical condition, as well as
relevant issues about existence, spirituality, and separation. The patient may
need help to make up for loss of function and maintain quality of life for the
time he/she has remaining.
The family of a dying patient also has special needs that include honest communication,
practical and psychosocial support, and bereavement counseling. Physical and
emotional demands on the family reach their peak as a loved one approaches the
end of life.
In this section, we discuss
 |
Care of the Dying |
| |
Care for the Family |
PBS Online:
Before I Die
Medline Plus: End of Life Issues
WNET On Our
Own Terms: Moyers on Dying
|