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Rituals in Death and Dying: Modern Medical Technologies Enter the Fray

Teaser: 

Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Abstract

In the absence of immortality, the human species has over the millennia developed rites and rituals to help in the passing of life to honor the person who is dying or has died or in some way demonstrate their "courage" and perseverance as well as duty even in the face of almost certain death. The centuries old traditions of the gathering of loved ones, the chanting of prayers, the ritual religious blessings are in the process of being replaced by the "miracles" of modern medical technology.

Key Words: Cross-cultural death, death, dying, rituals.

Living Wills--A Coping Strategy for Those Who Are Dying and Their Families

Living Wills--A Coping Strategy for Those Who Are Dying and Their Families

Teaser: 

Tracey Tremayne-Lloyd, BA, LL.B,
Tremayne-Lloyd Partners
Toronto, Ontario

More than just the catch-phrase of the day, 'Living Wills' appeared to be the answer for increasing patient control in end-of-life decisions, and a much sought-after solution for an aging population (but one that is increasingly sophisticated about treatment options). The issue of Living Wills was explored in the May/June 1998 edition of Geriatrics and Aging in an article entitled 'Living Wills Ease Patient's Fear' by Lawrence J. Papoff (please see our web site www.geriatricsandaging.com for this article). Recent research has demonstrated that the Living Will is an instrument well-liked by physicians and patients for its capacity to empower patients with independence when facing a life-threatening condition, but it is still surprisingly under-used. It is important for physicians treating geriatric patients to be aware of the extent to which Living Wills can be incorporated into their practice, and to consider their role in educating patients about the issue.

A Living Will is nothing more than a written document that speaks for your patient after he or she becomes incapable of making or communicating his or her own health care decisions.

Helping Families Cope with the Dying of a Loved One

Helping Families Cope with the Dying of a Loved One

Teaser: 

Miriam Vale, B. Journalism

Like girl scouts, doctors should always be prepared to help families cope with grieving for the death of a loved one. The physician's support is needed when he or she introduces the option of palliative as opposed to curative care. For the patient and family, palliative care is the acknowledgement that managing pain and improving quality of life are the most appropriate goals as the patient nears death. This change in care strategy can be difficult for everyone involved. This article focuses on helping the family cope with the dying process of a loved one with an incurable illness.

Family physicians can make an immense difference in helping families cope with grieving. When a loved one has a terminal condition and the family knows that death is imminent, family members will often grieve before the death occurs (this is known as anticipatory grief), consequently losing precious time with their relative.

Anticipatory grief is not necessarily a bad thing as it may help the family deal with the upcoming loss. In some cases, anticipatory grief allows family members to sort out certain feelings toward their loved one (getting emotions off their chests, so to speak) before he or she dies so that there are no regrets afterwards. Because anticipatory grief often forces family members to face the reality that death will occur, they are more likely to start dealing with practical issues before it is too late to get the patient's input.