the needs of the dying

>  the need to be treated as a living human being

>  the need to maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing its focus may be

>  the need to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this may be

>  the need to express feelings and emotions about death in one’s own way

>  the need to particpate in decisions concerning one’s care

>  the need to be cared for by compassionate, sensitive, knowledgeable people

>  the need for continuing medical care, even though the gaols may change from “cure” to “comfort” goals

>  the need to have all questions answered honestly and fully

>  the need to seek spirituality

>  the need to be free of physical pain

>  the need to express feelings and emotions about pain in one’s own way

>  the need of children to participate in death

>  the need to understand the process of death

>  the need to die in peace and dignity

>  the need not to die alone

>  the need to know that the sanctity of the body will be respected after death

from “The Needs of the Dying” by David Kessler