“Do individuals become more religious as they die? This question has often been debated among academics who study death. Such debate avoids the central issue that the dying process raises profound spiritual concerns of meaning and connection for individuals. Whether those who are dying reconnect, review, or renew prior religious beliefs (or are even open to new religious experiences) they are likely to engage in some form of spiritual searching” (Doka, 2013).
Each dying person and each of his or her family members may cope with the dying process in a different way. Past losses, educational level, spiritual beliefs, and the individual’s philosophy may all affect how he or she reacts to the dying process. To die peacefully and to die knowing that life has had meaning are important to the dying person. The goal at the end of life is a healthy death, which is defined as a death that has positive benefits for the dying person and for his or her family, caregivers, and friends (Dossey & Keegan, 2013).
Health care professionals can assist individuals at the end of life and their families by providing compassionate care that incorporates the physiological, psychosocial, and spiritual considerations that are most relevant to the dying person and his or her family. By providing guidance and support, health care professionals can guide their dying patients and their family members through this final life transition.
Loss, and the grief that often accompanies that loss, is a normal part of the human experience. A healthy response to loss is the goal. That healthy response, and the healing process, is only achieved when individuals give attention to, and achieve a balance between their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
THE NATURE OF DYING
Dying individuals are usually the best qualified to help others understand what is best for them in this process. It is important for dying individuals to communicate their needs related to the place of their death, pain management concerns, the specific roles of health care providers during the dying process, the type and level of involvement of family members throughout the process, specific funeral arrangements required, and important rituals requested during the process. None of these is as important, however, as the care, trust, compassion, acceptance, and love that are provided and shared in the dying process (Dossey & Keegan, 2013). It is important to listen to the dying person's needs and not impose one's own fears, beliefs, or biases on that person (Doka, 2013).
The nature of dying and the dying process include spiritual, psychological, social, and physical aspects common to both dying individuals and their families. Although these aspects are discussed individually, each aspect rarely occurs without impacting the others (Kuebler, Heidrich, & Esper, 2006; Meiner & Lueckenotte, 2006).