The document discusses death, dying, grieving and related topics. It covers: - How circumstances of death have changed over time, with most now occurring in institutions rather than at home. - Kubler-Ross' five stages of dying: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. - Factors that can impact adjustment to the death of a spouse, such as gender, age and financial resources. - Effective strategies for communicating with a dying person, including establishing presence, touching, limiting distractions and allowing expression of feelings.

1. Chapter 17
Death, Dying, and Grieving
PowerPoints developed by Jenni Fauchier,
Professor Carney

2. Circumstances of Death
 200 yrs ago
 Average life
expectancy 47
 1900
 Most people died at
home
• Cared for by family
(U.S. Census Bureau, 2006)
 Today
 Average life
expectancy 78
 80% deaths occur
with professional
caregivers
• Institutions
• Hospitals

3. Kubler-Ross’ Stages of Dying
Five stages
 denial & isolation
 anger
 bargaining
 depression
 acceptance

4. Coping with Death & Loss
Best for dying persons & family to
know death is immanent
 Individuals
•
•
•
•
•
•
can
Close life with own ideas about proper dying
Complete some projects & plans
Make funeral arrangements
Make arrangements for survivors
Reminisce
Experience physical sensations & medical
procedures

5. Adjustment to Death of a Spouse
Optimal adjustment depends on
several factors
 Women
do better
• Better networks of friends
• Care for selves psychologically
 Older
widows do better
• Death may be more expected
 Widowers
more likely
• Better financial resources
• Remarry

6. Effective Strategies for Communicating
with a Dying Person
 Establish presence at same eye level
 Don’t be afraid to touch
 Eliminate distraction, including excessive
small talk
 Keep visits short with frail individuals
 Don’t prescribe or deny feelings of
acceptance
 Allow & encourage expressions of feeling

7. Effective Strategies for Communicating
with a Dying Person
 Ask:
expected outcome of illness
 someone like to see or contacted

 Discuss alternatives & unfinished business
 Encourage reminiscences
 Talk to individual when he/she wishes to talk
 Express your caring, & love

8. Coping & Type of Death
Sudden, untimely, violent, or
traumatic deaths
 More
intense & prolonged effects
Diverse grieving patterns
 culturally embedded practices

9. Making Sense of the World
Beneficial aspect of grieving
 Make sense of world
Death caused by accident or disaster
 Effort to make sense of it is pursued
vigorously
Bereaved want to put death in a
perspective they can understand

10. Losing a Life Partner
Suffer profound grief
Financial loss
Loneliness
Increased physical illness
Psychological disorders
 Major
depression
Widows outnumber 5 - 1