Dying Badly In The ICU
"The sentence that sent my blood pressure skyward was this: 'Even if my patients are beyond pain, there is also a cost to those who are forced to perform emergency efforts that is just that: a performance.'”
‘Til Death Do Us Part!
Death. Mortality. End of Life. Something inevitable, yet rarely discussed and a source of intense discomfort for most. When mentioned, it is considered inauspicious and rude in many cultures. Death is an integral part of the workday for a Critical Care Physician like me. But it was never a topic of discussion in Medical School or training.
A Jewish Interpretation Of Death With Dignity: Seven Teachings
Jewish law states the dying are to be considered, for legal purposes, “like one who is alive for every purpose”, capable of wielding the same power over their lives until their very last moments, as they did in their days of health.
What Does A “Good Death” Really Mean?
Although many individuals shy away from contemplating the inevitability of death, most would agree that they would like to die well. A new review of existing literature, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, asks what makes a “good death” according to those involved in the process.
How To Prepare Yourself For A Good End Of Life
Don't wait until you're at death's door to explore your passions, deepen your relationships and find your posse.
Patients Want A ‘Good Death’ At Home, But Hospice Care Can Badly Strain Families (Part 2)
For many families, making hospice work at home means hiring extra help -- out of your own pocket.
Patients Want A ‘Good Death’ At Home, But Hospice Care Can Badly Strain Families
“Imagine if you’re the caregiver, and that you’re in the house. It’s in the middle of the night, 2 o’clock in the morning, and all of a sudden, your family member has a grand mal seizure.”
We Like To Talk About “A Good Death”. But How Often Does This Really Happen?
Even though I would argue that most deaths aren’t good, we improve the quality of death of the vast majority of people we care for, often substantially. And there isn’t much that’s more satisfying than that.
It just doesn’t make the death good.