Chapter 14, Death And Dying

Front 1

Explain death's relationship to the process of growth and development.

Back 1

Death is a part of life, an extension of birth. Everything that lives in this world will someday perish.

The process of dying has been compared to the process of labor/birth. They are both parts of the same life journey. They both touch people in deep and lasting ways. Individuals and families who experience this process form bonds beyond those of the everyday world.

Front 2

Discuss how culture, ethnicity and religion influence attitudes toward death.

Back 2

Culture, ethnic and religious beliefs help to shape peoples' attitudes toward death. How one dies and how one responds to death vary greatly, depending on the cultural context. In many cultures, death is a social event with great meaning for the whole of society, whereas in others, death is considered a private or hidden occurrence. Some cultures celebrate when a person dies, believing that he or she is in a better place. Others mourn for extended periods. Some cultures view death as an intensely personal experience, with families keeping most of their emotions and feelings within a private circle. Other cultures grieve opening.

Religion plays a large role in the client's and family's responses to death and dying. Many religions have specific laws regarding death, and ceremonies for commemorating the dead person's passage from life.

Front 3

Describe ways that spirituality can help individuals cope with death.

Back 3

Death forces people to consider profound questions: the meaning of life, the existence of the soul, and the possibility of an afterlife. The first level of support for a dying person is drawing strength from God. The second level is strength generated by prayer. The third level is strength from caring relationships with others. Support may take the form of compassionate care and the acceptance of personal beliefs.

Front 4

Define what is meant by terminal illness.

Back 4

Terminal illness is a state in which an individual faces a medical condition that will end in death within a limited period.

Front 5

Identify the 6 stages of coping with impending death.

Back 5

Denial and isolation: "This can't be happening to me"

Anger and Rage: "Why did this happen to me?"

Bargaining and Developing Awareness: "If I live just 2 more weeks, I can see my son get married."

Depression: Two stages - verbal and nonverbal.

Front 6

Differentiate between preparatory and reactive depression.

Back 6

The verbal stage, called reactive depression, the individual concentrates on past losses. They need reassurance and encouragement from others.

The nonverbal stage of depression is preparatory depression. A person realizes the impact of loss. Encouragement is no longer meaningful because individuals realize that they will be leaving behind everything they have known. They may wish to plan for life after death or for their family after they die, or they may daydream and sleep a great deal to escape reality.

Front 7

Explain ways in which the death of an individual affects the family and how families grieve.

Back 7

They experience stress more keenly than does the dying person. They are coping with deep feelings of anticipated loss but do not know how to approach their dying loved one. Be aware that not all family members may be in the same stage as each other or as the client. Have an advance directive so family members won't have the responsibility of making the right decision at the time of death. Financial concerns are a source of worry.

Front 8

Detachment

Back 8

individual separates from the world so two-way communication no longer exists with people around.

Front 9

Preparatory depression

Back 9

Person realizes the impact of loss, touch of hand or kind word.

Front 10

Reactive depression

Back 10

Individual concentrates on past losses, needs reassurance and encouragement from others

Front 11

Terminal illness

Back 11

A state in which an individual faces a medical condition that will end in death within a limited period.