Kubler-Ross Five Stages Of Dying

1. Death is defined as the action or fact of dying or being killed; the end of the life of a person. However, now defining death has become much more complicated. Brain death is the neurological definition of death, which states that a person is brain dead when all electrical activity of the brain has stops from a specific period of time. Some critical decisions that may be made regarding life, death, and health care for dying individuals can involve a number of circumstances and issues, and individuals can use a living will to make these choices while they can still think clearly. Hospice care should be thought of as well in these decisions. Hospice care emphasizes reducing pain and suffering rather prolonging life. Palliative Care works to
achieve one of the primary goals of healthcare- relief of symptoms, it is similar to that of hospice care. However, palliative care is not restricted to patients near the end of life and can be used in both acute and long term care settings. A person should also think of the decision made regarding these events is if they would like to be resuscitated once they have passed on.
2.
Kubler-Ross’ five stages of dying include denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Kubler-Ross’ first stage of dying, denial and isolation, is in which the person denies that death is really going to take place. This is usually a temporary defense. In the second stage of dying is anger, the dying person recognizes that denial can no longer be maintained. Denial often gives way to anger, resentment, and rage leading the dying person to always pose the question “Why me?” Bargaining is Kubler-Ross’ third stage of dying, in which the person develops the hope that death can somehow be postponed or delayed. When in this stage some people start bargaining or negotiating often with God, as they want to delay or avoid their death. The fourth stage of Kubler-Ross’ stages of dying is depression. During this stage the dying person comes to accept the certainty of death and grief may begin to appear. In the text Kubler-Ross states attempts to cheer up the dying person at this stage should be discouraged because they have a need to contemplate impending death. Acceptance, the final and fifth stage of dying, in which the person develops a sense of peace, and acceptance of their ending fate. In this stage, feelings and physical pain may be virtually absent and the dying person desires the sense to be left
alone.
There are some problems with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ approach. The existence of the five-stage interpretation neglected the patients; situations, including relationship support, specific effects of illness, family obligation, and the institutional climate in which they were interviewed. Although, Kubler-Ross’ pioneering efforts were important in calling attention to those who are attempting to cope with life-threatening illnesses and death.
3.
The nature of grieving is much like a rollercoaster ride. The ups and downs of grief often involve rapidly changing emotions, approaching the challenges of learning how to do new skills, forming new relationships/ friendships, and creating new patterns of behavior. Grief is defined as the emotional numbness, disbelief, separation anxiety, despair, sadness, and loneliness that accompany the loss of someone we love. Grief becomes manageable over time, but many grieving spouses report that even though time has brought some healing, they have never gotten over their loss. They have somehow managed to live without it. When discussing grief and loss, many conversations include older adults due to the frequency with which they encounter death in their relationships. Characteristics of older adults after losing a life partner is that they appear to often suffer more from profound grief and endure financial loss, psychological disorder, and increased physical illness. Many widows are lonely and the poorer and less educated they are, the lonelier they tend to be. Continuing to support older adults throughout their grieving process will help them to discuss their reactions to the death of their loved one and to grieve successfully. While grief is not a finite process, the survivor is expected to restore his or her life with the understanding that the deceased loved one is no longer with them. This can be especially difficult for couples who have coexisted for several decades. While
the grief may persist, over time individuals are able to live healthily in spite of the loss.
4. My current attitude towards death is that when it happens it’s obviously the right time. I feel that death is an alright thing as long as you have no regrets. At the same time coming from a very religious background I have always believe in death and that a person is either destined for heaven or hell. I also believe that when death is to come, you should welcome it with open arms and accept it, because God makes no mistakes. At this point I do not take death as serious as I think I should because I have never had any one close to me to die. I feel that I need to experience the death of someone close to me to see what it really feels like to have someone permanently gone from your life. If I die, I die. Same goes for someone I love. Nothing more, nothing less.