Ethical and Legal Issues of Death and Dying
Ethical and Legal Issues of Death and Dying
Tracey Rentas
Old Dominion University
CHP 480
November 30, 2012
Dr. P. Lynch-Epps
Abstract
This was not easy to put this paper together. Recently my mother- in- law passed away, and her death was devastating to the entire family as well many friends. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and became dependent as she neared the end of life. All anyone of us could do was comfort her with our expression of loves while we tried to comprehend what was taking place. We leaned close, whispered I love you in her ear, and held her hands at all times. Our loved one was dying right before our eyes. As a family we had to adjust to her decline from an active, loving, spirited, wife, mother and grandmother, who loved to dance, to a fragile, helpless, inactive woman who communicated with the family through her touch and her big blue eyes. We gave her our full attention as we made sure she received great medical care during her end of life. As we sit with her, she gave us a sense that she was becoming more comfortable with her passing as if she was trying to soothe our hearts. She passed away and today she is missed so very much. My experience with my mother- in- law has guided my writing. I didn’t share any personal accounts of my experience but I could relate to every part of this paper. What I have shared, is the knowledge I have gained about the importance of being prepared for end of life and making certain that your wishes are carried out.
Historical perspective about death and dying today has gradually changed throughout history. History of death and dying has set forth values, customs and beliefs for many cultures and religion to build on. Throughout history different cultures and religion have continued to form their very own ideas and beliefs about how they want to die. In the late 1800’s most people died in the comfort of their home. Death was common due to living conditions and medical practices. If someone
Tracey Rentas
Old Dominion University
CHP 480
November 30, 2012
Dr. P. Lynch-Epps
Abstract
This was not easy to put this paper together. Recently my mother- in- law passed away, and her death was devastating to the entire family as well many friends. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and became dependent as she neared the end of life. All anyone of us could do was comfort her with our expression of loves while we tried to comprehend what was taking place. We leaned close, whispered I love you in her ear, and held her hands at all times. Our loved one was dying right before our eyes. As a family we had to adjust to her decline from an active, loving, spirited, wife, mother and grandmother, who loved to dance, to a fragile, helpless, inactive woman who communicated with the family through her touch and her big blue eyes. We gave her our full attention as we made sure she received great medical care during her end of life. As we sit with her, she gave us a sense that she was becoming more comfortable with her passing as if she was trying to soothe our hearts. She passed away and today she is missed so very much. My experience with my mother- in- law has guided my writing. I didn’t share any personal accounts of my experience but I could relate to every part of this paper. What I have shared, is the knowledge I have gained about the importance of being prepared for end of life and making certain that your wishes are carried out.
Historical perspective about death and dying today has gradually changed throughout history. History of death and dying has set forth values, customs and beliefs for many cultures and religion to build on. Throughout history different cultures and religion have continued to form their very own ideas and beliefs about how they want to die. In the late 1800’s most people died in the comfort of their home. Death was common due to living conditions and medical practices. If someone
References: Barker, R.N., & Foerg, Mary CSW. (n.d.). In Mendez (Ed.), Historical Perspectives of Dying and Death in America [Training Manual]. Retrieved November 14, 2012, from Historical Perspectives of Dying and Death Web site: www.eperc.mcw.edu/.../HistoricalPerspectivesofDyingScript.pdf CBC News. (2005, March 31). Terri Schiavo [Fact Sheet]. Retrieved November 14, 2012, CBC News Web site: www.cbc.ca/news/background/schiavo Eileene E. Morrison. (2011). Ethics in Health Administration (2nd ed.) [A Practical Approach for Decision Makers]. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Ferrell, & Coyle, Nessa. (2010). Palliative Nursing (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University.