An Appropriate Death
Weisman and Hackett developed the concept of "appropriate
death." When referring to an appropriate death we are
talking about a death with which the patient is relatively at ease -
one the patient might have chosen. Although the specifics of an
"appropriate death" may differ for each of us, some general
factors that contribute to an appropriate death are:
- Conflict is reduced - Fears, anxieties, unfinished
business, and other concerns have been worked through as much as
possible.
- Important relationships are preserved or restored - Unfinished
business has been resolved and the patient has the support of
significant others until the moment of death.
- Last acts or wishes are achieved - The patient lives to
sees a first grandchild, make a last trip, receive communion;
whatever is of critical importance to that particular patient.
- Identity is persevered - The patient's basic sense of
identity is maintained so death is experienced as, "I am
going to die as the person I think I am."
- Pain and suffering are kept to a minimum - Adequate
relief of pain and other symptoms is achieved, and social,
emotional, and spiritual suffering are alleviated.
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return to Death
with Dignity
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