Death and Dying

1
Death and Dying

• Definition of Death
• Not simple can depend upon culture
• Western biomedical
• Other cultures magical, more spiritual
• Religion plays a role
• Technology changes the biomedical definition of
  death

2
Death TrajectoriesGlaser Strauss (1968)

• Lingering trajectory
• typically been sick for a long period of time
• Expected quick trajectory
• heroic attempts by medical personnel as the
  persons life is in imminent danger (e.g., heart
  attack)
• pointed trajectory
• danger-period trajectory
• crisis trajectory
• Unexpected quick trajectory
• when the person is not believed to be in imminent
  danger of dying but does

3
Stages of DyingElizabeth Kubler-Ross (1969)

• 1. Denial
• 2. Anger
• 3. Bargaining
• 4. Depression
• 5. Acceptance

4
Kastenbaums (1991)Keys to Communication

• Face fears and emotions directly and communicate
  as openly and sensitively as possible
• be sensitive to symbolic forms of communication
• Make competent behavior possible for the dying
• Allow the dying person to set the pace in
  activities and discussions.
• Refrain from projecting own needs and fear on the
  dying

5
Kastenbaums ways to help children deal with death

• Parents need to be good observers and be
  sensitive to the childs needs and answer
  questions as they occur
• Parents should also provide accurate, direct, and
  simple explanations.
• 3. Adults should also resist taking children away
  from the scene or discussion
• 4. Parents should accept the childs thoughts and
  feelings for what they are.

6
Hospice Care death with dignity

• Control of patient pain and discomfort
• Personal caring and open discussion of death and
  dying.
• 3. Hospice care is often less expensive than
  hospitals