Preparing for Death While Embracing Life

The process of dying begins at birth. Each of us know that someday we will die, but we don't generally like to think or talk about it. The topic of death is often taboo in our society. Because of this, we are often unprepared when we are faced with the final stages of the dying process with someone we love.

Attitudes and concepts about death and dying vary greatly. Death refers to the actual physical ending of life, while dying refers to the process of coming to that end. Most people do not simply stop breathing. It is often a slow, lingering, unwinding process that can take days, weeks, or months. Even the actively dying process can occur over a period of hours or days. Observing this process can be extremely difficult for loved ones.

Some people experience the symptoms of being close to death and then, for some unexplained reason their condition may begin to improve a little. The family's hopes soar, only to be dashed again, as the loved one's condition deteriorates. These roller-coaster changes can be emotionally and physically exhausting for caregivers.

Most of the fear of death is really fear of the unknown. Education and open discussion about the events that will occur can relieve much of the fear patients and families experience. Each death is different, a touching and special drama, just as each birth is. And usually the act of dying requires some assistance, just as the act of giving birth does.

Because each person's death is unique, it is difficult to state exactly what will happen in each situation. This particular period of time is one of the most difficult times you and your family will experience.

Some people believe that preparing for a death is the most difficult part of losing a loved one. Friends and family members may feel helpless as their loved one comes closer to death. Fear of the inevitable, sorrow, and anticipating the grief to come are common and can be completely exhausting.

Many people who have a serious illness may anticipate their own passing and experience a range of emotions as well. A grief counselor can help an ill person work to resolve issues and, perhaps, achieve a level of peace with the inevitable.

On a more practical note, there are issues that can be resolved during the period of physical decline that may lead to greater peace of mind. The person's will should be drawn up or updated and any other personal matter...

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...son whom you have named as "successor Trustee" takes over your Trust. This person is in charge of taking care of the property under the Trust or of distributing the property to the beneficiaries you specified within the Trust.

Remember, before you take the legal action of creating a trust, it is almost always in your best interest to consult a lawyer for more information and guidance.

So as you can see, there are many ways to deal with death while one is still alive. It is important that one realizes that these means are not there to “rattle Death’s cage” as some people have put it, but for more practical means, such as taking care of the one’s left behind.

Bibliography

Ø Mannino, Davis J. Grieving Days, Healing Days. Allyn and Bacon

Ø Kubler-Ross, E. On Death and Dying. Simon and Schuster

Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/guardianship/default.htm

Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/living_wills/default.htm

Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/power_of_attor/default.htm

Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/wills/default.htm

Ø http://www2.seniorcareweb.com/senior/legal/assets_and_tru/default.htm