Physiological and Spiritual Aspects Of Dying
“In order to understand the broader picture, you must understand that death is not a bad thing. Death is birth – there is not death, and so it is a transition.”
~Abraham Hicks~
Understanding the psychological and social experience of a dying person
Many people associate end-of-life care with treating physical pain.
While that is an important part, complete end-of-life care also includes helping the dying person manage mental and emotional distress.
An elder who is nearing the end of life who is alert might understandably feel depressed or anxious. Encourage conversations, so the elder has an opportunity to talk about their feelings.
You may want to contact a counselor, possibly one familiar with end-of-life issues.
If depression or anxiety is severe, medicine might provide relief.
Understanding the psychological and social experience of a dying person
Provide Time & Space For Communication
i) Be available to listen to concerns
ii) Communicate your ability to be present with the dying person verbally and non verbally
iii) Clarify to make sure that you understand concerns
iv) Provide clear, simple information on how person’s symptoms, problems and concerns can be addressed
v) Ask clarifying questions to make sure that you understand the person and that the person understands the end of life team
Communicate respect and acceptance of the dying person
i) Develop an awareness of the values and beliefs of the dying person and family
ii) Allow the dying person as much control as is possible in end of life care and living situation
iii) Maintain realism about expectations for the person’s needs and care, but avoid direct questioning of coping mechanisms such as denial
iv) Allow the person to use coping resources even when these seem to minimize the seriousness of the situation
v) Coping mechanisms, such as denial, may be the best or only way for the person to live with a highly stressful and discouraging reality without being overwhelmed
Avoid withdrawing prematurely from the dying person
i) As End of Life Doulas we may have difficulty with our own grief and pain in seeing someone die
ii) A natural response is to withdraw from these difficult emotions
iii) It is extremely important to be aware of this response, however, and to avoid abandoning the person who is dying.
Avoid withdrawing prematurely from the dying person
i) Avoid minimizing painful emotions when they are expressed
ii) Avoid communicating in an overly positive view of dying, especially when it is clear that the person’s experience is not good
iii) Important for health care professionals to be aware of their wishes or desires that people die a ‘good’ death
iv) While working to make the process of dying better for patients, it is important to recognize that often death is not beautiful
Do You Want To Learn How To Become A Death Doula?
If you are interested in becoming a death doula, or to find out what it is all about, have a look at our death doula course page by clicking the button below.
Dear Mona
Please could you give me an indication of the length of time I might expect to complete each module
Hi Nicki, thank you for your question. The length of time to compete each module differs. For those that are not working full time, it could be in as little as two weeks. However for those that are employed full time, it may take a bit longer. In short, the full course can be completed between 4 to 6 months. Kind regards, Mona