End-of-Life Issues: Death, Dying, and Grief

What is grief? What are normal grief responses? What is involved in the final life transition – death? The dying experience is a profound, individual experience. The experience of loss and grief are as individual and unique as the persons involved. During this time, people often raise questions about the meaning of life. The role of culture, palliative and hospice care, advance directives, the role of spirituality in death and dying, healing strategies and rituals are all important aspects of effective end-of-life care.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the spiritual, psychological, social, and physical aspects of the process of dying.
2. Discuss the needs of caregivers and the needs of individuals at the end of life.
3. List interactions and healing strategies for the dying.
4. Describe the use of the senses in rituals used at the end of life.
5. List the advantages and disadvantages of dying at home.
6. Identify signs and symptoms of imminent death.
7. Describe the grieving process.
8. Identify psychological responses, physical symptoms, social changes, and spiritual aspects of normal grief responses.
9. Explain grief and the healing process.