When someone is given a terminal diagnosis, family and friends often rally around that individual and pledge together to fight it. When death finally takes the person, those at the funeral find comfort when people say they “fought until the end”. What is the true cost of this approach, and does it rob individuals from really living and then dying well? When we are engaged in a battle it is exhausting and leaves little time for anything else. Making meaningful memories and connecting with loved ones gets pushed to the back burner as we spend all our time, energy, and resources in hospitals and searching for a miracle cure. This presentation will engage the listener as they consider stories of clients who have “fought until the end”. It will encourage them that there is more to fight for as they consider what legacy they leave—to not just live well, but to “die well”.
Objectives:
The participant will be able to:
- Consider what they would consider to be an ideal death
- Identify ways to help clients consider goals of care in end of life discussions
- Identify at least three interventions to assist with management of symptoms at the end of life