The lack of openness and discussion about death and dying has adverse consequences: People may be unnecessarily frightened about the process of dying; Close relatives of people who are approaching the end of life may be unaware of their wishes and therefore how best to help and support them.
This is particularly important for those who may lose the capacity to make their own decisions; Inappropriate interventions may be tried if those caring for someone are not aware of the person’s treatment preferences, including advance decisions to refuse treatment; People who would have wished their organs to be used for transplantation may not have discussed this with relatives who have to make decisions after their death; People may not have discussed funeral wishes with their relatives; People may die without writing a will;
Same sex partners may not have declared their status, with the consequence that professionals may exclude them from involvement in their partner’s care; Fear of the unknown means that people sometimes tend to avoid those who are ill for fear of ‘upsetting them’ or ‘making them worse’; Lack of public and professional discussion about death and dying may be one of the reasons why this area has historically been given low priority by health and social care services; People, including clinical staff, are ignorant of the possible options that could improve quality of life and restore independence; Lack of knowledge of the financial implications for the bereaved following a death and what needs to be put in place ahead of the event; and Lack of public and professional discussion about grief and loss, which results in the isolation of the bereaved. National and local action to promote public awareness and change attitudes about death and dying
The Review on How Different Cultures React To Death And Dying
... proscribed.” This discussion of different reactions to death and the dying process across ... dying process will allow health care professionals and family members to provide for personalized care to the dying.” References Barker, D. (1999, Apr). Dying, death, ... factor in how people deal with death and dying. For example, in ... lack of sensitivity involving the latter, may be most distressful to the dying ...
2. 5 This strategy sets out the government’s intention to make end of life care a priority. However, government action alone cannot change attitudes towards death and dying, nor raise awareness of the issues involved. 2. 6 The general public, professionals, independent groups, voluntary sector and statutory organisations will need to work together in partnership to deliver improved awareness of the issues involved with end of life care and to change attitudes. This will require concerted action and progress will not be made overnight.
