Chapter 10 Loss Grief Dying and Death Mosby

Loss, Grief, Dying, and Death • Loss § An aspect of self no longer available to a person • Death § Cessation of life • Grief § Pattern of physical and emotional responses to bereavement • Grief Work § Adaptation process of mourning a loss • Mortality § The condition of being subject to death Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 2

Changes in Health Care Related to Dying and Death • Before the 1950 s, it was common for patients to die • • • at home in their own beds with assistance from family. From the 1950 s to 1980 s, the health care system became highly mechanized and dying occurred mostly in institutions. By the early 1980 s, when diagnosis related groups (DRGs) came into play, this trend changed. Currently, the recuperating or terminally ill patient is often discharged to home, a convalescent home, or a nursing home. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 3

Historical Overview • 1960 s § Pioneers in death and dying theory, such as Kübler. Ross and Glassner and Strauss, produced works that stimulated the health care industry to research topics about death and dying. • 1970 s § Hospices became recognized as health care delivery systems. • 1980 s § Grief therapy was introduced when Benoliel and Martocchio added new insights into the needs and care of the dying patient. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 4

Loss • Not all losses are obvious or immediate. § Obvious losses • • § Death of a loved one Divorce Breakup of a relationship Loss of a job Not-so-obvious losses • Illness • Aging • Changing schools, jobs, or neighborhoods Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 5

Loss • Losses may be actual or perceived. § Actual loss is easily identified. • A woman who has a mastectomy § Perceived loss is less obvious. • Loss of confidence • A women who hopes to give birth to a female child delivers a male child instead • Perceived losses are easily overlooked or misunderstood, yet the process of grief involved is the same as an actual loss. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 6

Loss • Maturational Loss resulting from normal life transitions § Loss of childhood dreams, the loss felt in adolescents when a romance fails, loss felt when leaving family home for college or marriage and establishing a home of one’s own § As an individual ages, they experience menopause and loss of hair, teeth, hearing, sight, and “youth. ” § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 7

Loss • Situational Loss A loss occurring suddenly in response to a specific external event § Sudden death of a loved one, or the unemployed person who suffers low self-esteem § • Personal Loss Any loss that requires adaptation through the grieving process § Loss occurring when something or someone can no longer be seen, felt, heard, known, or experienced; individuals respond to loss differently § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 8

Grief and Grieving • Grief The subjective response of emotional pain to actual or anticipated loss § The total process of reacting and responding to the losses in one’s life § • Bereavement § A common depressed reaction to the death of a loved one • Mourning § A reaction activated by a person to assist in overcoming a great personal loss Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 9

Grief and Grieving • Morbidity An illness or an abnormal condition or quality § Both physical and mental morbidity after significant loss § Increased incidence of divorce after the loss of a child or after a partner loses a body part or function § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 10

Grief and Grieving • Tasks of Grief to Facilitate Healthy Adjustment to Loss Accepting the reality of the loss § Experiencing the pain of grief § Adjusting to an environment that no longer includes the lost person, the object, or the aspect of self § Reinvesting emotional energy into new relationships § • These tasks are not sequential; may work on all four tasks simultaneously, or only one or two may be priorities Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 11

Grief and Grieving • Nurse’s Role § Assess for grieving behaviors. § Recognize the influence of grief on behavior. § Provide empathetic support. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 12

Figure 10 -1 (From Potter, P. A. , Perry, A. G. [2005]. Fundamentals of nursing. [6 th ed. ]. St. Louis: Mosby. ) Nurses assist family members in finding resources to help with the grieving process. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 13

Grief and Grieving • Anticipatory Grief This type of grief is to expect, await, or prepare oneself for the loss of a family member or significant other § It is somewhat easier to cope with loss if it is expected. § Having time for anticipation does not necessarily ease the pain of loss. § Emotions expressed at this time can make the loss less conflicted. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 14

Grief and Grieving • Sudden death of someone who is not “supposed to” die is the most difficult grief to bear. • Parents and siblings are often wracked by powerful and personal emotions of guilt, denial, and anger, as well as sorrow. • Blame and guilt can destroy a family just when family members need each other most. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 15

Grief and Grieving • Nurse’s Grief § Nurse must come to grips with • • • Understanding the grief process Appreciating the experience of the dying patient Using effective listening skills Acknowledging personal limits Knowing when there is a need to get away and take care of the self Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 16

Figure 10 -2 (From Potter, P. A. , Perry, A. G. [2005]. Fundamentals of nursing. [6 th ed. ]. St. Louis: Mosby. ) Nurses benefit from support of colleagues during their time of loss. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 17

Grief and Grieving • Bereavement Overload The initial loss was compounded with an additional loss before resolution of the initial loss § When nurses experience multiple losses and fail to adequately process them § • Burnout § The stresses exceed the rewards of the job and the individual nurse lacks the support of peers Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 18

Grief and Grieving • Stages of Grief and Dying § Kübler-Ross stages of grieving/dying 1. Denial and isolation 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression 5. Acceptance Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 19

Kubler –Ross Stages of Grief Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by

Grief and Grieving • Stages of Grief and Dying § Mustachio's manifestations of grief and bereavement • • • Shock and disbelief Yearning and protest Anguish, disorganization, and despair Identification in bereavement Reorganization and restitution Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 21

Grief and Grieving • Unresolved, Dysfunctional Grief Bereavement is a state of great risk physically, as well as emotionally and socially. § Unresolved grief § • There have been some disturbances of the normal progress toward resolution. § Dysfunctional grieving • There is a delayed or exaggerated response to a perceived, actual, or potential loss. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 22

Grief and Grieving • Unresolved, Dysfunctional Grief § Dysfunctional grief occurs when an individual • Gets “stuck” in the grief process and becomes depressed • Is unable to express feelings • Cannot find anyone in daily life who acts as the listener he or she needs • Suffers a loss that stirs up other, unresolved losses • Lacks the reassurance and support to trust the grief process and fails to believe that he or she can work through the loss Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 23

Grief and Grieving • Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors of Dysfunctional Grieving § § § Acquisition of symptoms belonging to the last illness of the deceased Alteration in relationships with friends and relatives Lasting loss of patterns of social interaction Actions detrimental to one’s social and economic wellbeing Agitated depression with tension, insomnia, feelings of worthlessness, bitter self-accusation, obvious needs for punishment, and even suicidal tendencies Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 24

Grief and Grieving • Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors of Dysfunctional Grieving (continued) § § § A feeling that the death occurred yesterday, even though the loss took place months or years ago Unwillingness to move the possessions of the deceased after a reasonable amount to time Inability to discuss the deceased without crying, particularly more that 1 year after the loss Radical changes in lifestyle Exclusion of friends, family members, or activities associated with the deceased Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 25

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Assessment • To give compassionate nursing care and support to the family and patient during the grieving and dying process, the nurse should consider the five aspects of human functioning: § § § Physical Emotional Intellectual Sociocultural Spiritual Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 26

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Physical assessment • • Sleeping patterns Body image Activities of daily living (ADLs); mobility General health Medications Pain Basic needs: nutrition, elimination, oxygenation, activity, rest, sleep, and safety Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 27

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Emotional assessment • Patient’s and family’s anxiety level, guilt, anger, level of acceptance, and identification • Major fears: abandonment, loss of control, pain and discomfort, and the unknown Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 28

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Intellectual assessment • Evaluation of the patient’s and family’s educational level, their knowledge and abilities, and expectations they have in regard to how and when death will occur Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 29

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Social assessment • Assessment of the patient’s and family’s support systems is valuable. • Ascertain whether family members desire to assist in the patient’s daily care. Never assume they do; many do, others do not. • When families choose to take the patient home for care, be sure that they are well-prepared before discharge for what they need to know and do. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 30

Grief and Grieving • Supportive Care during the Dying and Grieving Process § Spiritual assessment • Assess the spiritual dimension by gaining insight into the patient’s philosophy of life, religious resources, and how the rituals of the particular faith group have significance in dealing with his or her death. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 31

Special Supportive Care • Perinatal Death The death of a child before, during, or shortly after birth § Often viewed as one of the most devastating losses that can occur in a family § When possible, the parents should see, touch, and hold the infant, so that the reality of the situation can be faced and resolution of the grief can occur. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 32

Special Supportive Care • Pediatric Death Nurses should be aware of how children view or understand death, both for themselves and for others. § They need to be told the truth in language they can understand be allowed to share fears, feelings, and opinions. § Parents may express hostility and anger toward health care providers, a higher power, or the world in general. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 33

Special Supportive Care • Suicide Survivors of a person who has committed suicide suffer all the emotions of grief, in addition to profound guilt or shame. § Survivors fear rejection and lack of social and religious support. § Survivors are at risk for suicide themselves, and a grief counselor may be helpful. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 34

Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate

Special Supportive Care • Gerontologic Death The older patient must be treated as an individual, and the nurse should assess the patient’s needs in the same way as for any patient facing a terminal illness. § Families who suffer the loss of an older person may accept the death but nonetheless must experience the grieving process. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 36

Special Supportive Care • Sudden or Unexpected Death Accident, homicide, and sudden illness are difficult to cope with. § There is “unfinished business, ” such as things left unsaid or undone. § There can be an obsessive need to understand or know why this happened. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 37

Issues Related to Dying and Death • Euthanasia § Active euthanasia • An action deliberately taken with the purpose of shortening life to end suffering or to carry out the wishes of a terminally ill patient § Passive euthanasia • Permitting the death of a patient that takes the form of withholding treatment that might extend life, such as medication, life-support systems, or feeding tubes Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 38

Issues Related to Dying and Death • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Patients and families should control any decisions relative to any conditions that withhold or withdraw treatment. § DNR decision should be a joint decision of the patient, family, and health care providers. § DNR means only not to resuscitate; it does not mean to withhold any other care. § All DNR orders and the discussion with the patient and family should be thoroughly documented in the patient’s chart. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 39

Issues Related to Dying and Death • Advance Directives § Signed and witnessed documents providing specific instructions for health care treatment in the event that a person is unable to make those decisions personally at the time they are needed • Living wills § Written documents that direct treatment in accordance with patient’s wishes in the event of a terminal illness or condition • Durable powers of attorney § Designates an agent, a surrogate, or a proxy to make health care decisions on patient’s behalf Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 41

Issues Related to Dying and Death • Organ Donations Legally competent people are free to donate their bodies or organs for medical use. § In most states (National Organ Transplantation Act), required request laws stipulate that at the time of a person’s death, a qualified health care provider must ask family members to consider organ or tissue donation. § The Uniform Anatomical Gifts Act addresses many problems of organ donation and stipulates that the physician who certifies death shall not be involved in removal or transplantation of organs. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 42

Issues Related to Dying and Death • Rights of Dying Patients Death with dignity is the goal in caring for the dying patient. § “The Dying Person’s Bill of Rights” is honored at hospitals and other health care agencies and is posted in prominent areas. § • Fraudulent Methods of Treatment Often patient and family seek unconventional methods of treatment to prolong the patient’s life. § Treatments that are misrepresented, whether by concealment or nondisclosure of facts, for the purpose of inducing another to use the product are fraudulent. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 44

The Dying Patient • Communicating with the Dying Patient Therapeutic communication expresses respect for the patient, maintains realistic hope, and offers appropriate reassurance and support. § Careful attention to what the patient expresses verbally and nonverbally is required. § If patients do not wish to communicate at a particular time, they need to know that this is acceptable and will be respected. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 45

The Dying Patient • Assisting the Patient in Saying Goodbye This may be expressed in verbal, nonverbal, concrete, and symbolic ways. § Provide a private, comfortable environment. § They should be encouraged to express those feelings and thoughts they would most want their loved ones to know in their absence. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 46

The Dying Patient • Physical Care Provide adequate nutrition and maintain elimination patterns. § Keep the patient clean, dry, well-groomed, odor-free, and comfortable; provides the patient with feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. § Adjusting the environment to increase comfort and safety is paramount. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 47

The Dying Patient • Palliative Care § According the World Health Organization, when health care providers deliver palliative care, they do the following: • • Provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms Affirm life and regard dying as a normal process Neither hasten nor postpone death Integrate psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 48

The Dying Patient • Palliative Care (continued) Offer a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death § Offer a support system to help families cope during the patient's illness and their own bereavement § Enhance the quality of life § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 49

The Dying Patient • Assessments and Interventions for the Dying Patient Most crucial needs are control of pain, preservation of dignity and self-worth, and love and affection. § Assessing for impending death § • Restlessness • Discoloration of arms and legs • Changes in vital signs: slow, weak, and thready pulse; lowered blood pressure; rapid, shallow, irregular, or abnormally slow respirations Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 50

The Dying Patient • Assessments and Interventions for the Dying Patient § As death becomes imminent • • Pupils dilated and fixed Cheyne-Stokes respirations Pulse weaker and more rapid Blood pressure continues to fall Skin cool and clammy Profuse diaphoresis Death rattle: noisy respirations Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 51

The Dying Patient • Clinical Signs of Death § § § Unreceptivity and unresponsiveness No movement or breathing No reflexes Flat encephalogram Absence of apical pulse Cessation of respirations Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 52

The Dying Patient • Postmortem Care § § § This is care of the patient’s body after death. The body should be cared for as soon as possible after death to prevent tissue damage or disfigurement. Offer the family the opportunity to view the body. Before the family views the body, prepare it and the room to minimize the stress of the experience. The body should be made to look as natural and comfortable as possible. Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 53

The Dying Patient • Special Considerations for Children § The child’s developmental level determines the amount and type of detailed information that should be discussed with the child. • Documentation It must be objective, complete, legible, and accurate. § It should be frequent and include the signs of impending death as they occur. § The last entry should state where and to whom the body was transferred. § Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 54

The Grieving Family • Support § The needs of the grieving family and significant others should be met by a caring, compassionate health care provider. • Resolution of Grief § Begins when the grieving person can complete the following tasks • Have positive interactions, participate in support groups, establish goals and work to achieve them, discuss the meaning of the loss and its effect Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2007 by Mosby, Inc. , an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Slide 55

Chapter 38 End-of-Life Care Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams &

Terminal Illness and Care • Terminal illness: recovery from the condition is beyond reasonable expectations • Stages of dying – Denial: psychological defense mechanism; refusal to believe certain information; helps to cope with reality of death Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Stages of dying (cont’d) – Anger: emotional response to feeling victimized; occurs because there is no way to retaliate against fate – Bargaining: psychological mechanism to delay the inevitable – Depression: sad mood; realization that death will come sooner rather than later Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Stages of dying (cont’d) – Acceptance: attitude of complacency that occurs after clients have dealt with their losses • Promoting acceptance: nurses can help client to pass from one stage to another by providing emotional support and supporting client’s choice regarding terminal care Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Stages of Dying Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Promoting acceptance (cont’d) – Emotional support: part of missing nursing care; more necessary for dying clients – Arrangements for care: respecting the rights of dying clients Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Helping Dying Clients Cope Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams &

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Arrangements for care (cont’d) – Home care o Respite care: relief for the caregiver by a surrogate – Hospice care o Eligibility for hospice care: 6 months or less to live Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Question • Is the following statement true or false? In home care, the focus of support may shift back and forth from the client to the caregiver. Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Answer True. In home care, the focus of support may shift back and forth

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Arrangements for care (cont’d) – Hospice care (cont’d) o Hospice services: clients receive care in their own homes; multidisciplinary team of hospice professionals and volunteer support are provided Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Medicare Home Hospice Benefits Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams &

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Arrangements for care (cont’d) – Terminating hospice care o Residential care: form of intermediate care o Acute care: sophisticated technology and labor-intensive treatment Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Providing terminal care – Hydration: maintenance of adequate fluid volume – Nourishment: tube feeding and parenteral nutrition – Elimination: catheterization; enemas or suppositories; skin care Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Providing terminal care (cont’d) – Hygiene: clean, well groomed, and free of unpleasant odors – Positioning: promote comfort and circulation – Comfort: keep clients free from pain Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Family involvement: maintain family bonds to help coping with future grief • Approaching death: decrease and ultimate cessation of function – Multiple organ failure: two or more organs cease to function – Family notification: family should be aware of approaching death Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Signs of Multiple Organ Failure Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Family notification (cont’d) – Meeting relatives to promote smooth transition – Discussing organ donation • Confirming death: determined on the basis that breathing and circulation have ceased Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Age Criteria for Organ Donation Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Confirming death (cont’d) – Brain death: irreversible loss of function of the brain – Death certificate – Permission for autopsy: examination of organs and tissues of human body after death Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Terminal Illness and Care (cont’d) • Performing postmortem care: – Cleaning and preparing the body to enhance its appearance during viewing at the funeral home – Proper identification – Releasing the body to mortuary personnel Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Grieving • Process of feeling acute sorrow over a loss • Pathologic grief: dysfunctional grief; refusing to accept the client’s death • Resolution of grief: time taken for mourning; ability to talk about the dead person; controlling emotions Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

General Gerontologic Considerations • Understand that the dying older client is a living person who may want to maintain the same interpersonal relationships as someone who is not dying • Encouraging older clients, who have experienced the death of a close friend or family member, to express feelings associated with grieving is important Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

General Gerontologic Considerations (cont’d) • Reading obituaries can be an effective coping mechanism in helping to develop a peaceful and accepting attitude toward death Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins