Communication Before Death
The phrase “Set things in order” has been utilized passively regarding end of life preparations. Many societies adopt a rebellious approach to death, refusing to acknowledge its inevitability until they lose a loved one. Such denial can be characterized by avoidance of contact, reduced verbal exchange, and a general absence of meaningful interactions, thus limiting the opportunities to discuss the concept of death and its implications. However, studies on the psychological impacts of death confirm the worth of final communication and relations for both the victim and relatives. End of life communication can significantly improve the dying process as well as the after-experiences for the grieving.
Factors Affecting End of Life Communication
Identifying and overcoming obstacles to effective communication during the end of life can improve the lives of relevant stakeholders. Primarily, many cultures, including those of communities in the United States of America, regard death as a taboo or misfortune (Keeley and Yingling 3). Despite the general knowledge that every individual, at some point, must die, people continue to deny death as part of the life cycle of all living creatures. Scholars have posited such factors as fear, spiritual beliefs, and cultural traditions as the central hindrances to people embracing death (Keeley 45). Markedly, the development of modern healthcare systems has resulted in many people dying in hospitals, where their relatives, until the last minute, are hopeful that the sick will recover. Such sterilization of perspectives to avoid death, combined with the other identified elements, discourage parties from engaging in open discussions about the implications of the impending departure of a loved one. Hence, recognizing the effect of these factors can help all the parties to divulge and interact with each other candidly.
The Value of Discussing Death
Acceptance of death has positive health and psychological effects on all the affected individuals. Participating in honest deliberations about imminent death not only improves the quality of care a patient receives but also assist the remaining family in coping with the demise positively. Notably, individuals at the end of life stages receive palliative to alleviate their experiences, a process that is mainly guided by their wishes (Gunderman). Open communication can help family members to serve the dying individual more effectively by sharing available options and their underlying impacts. Likewise, such discussions and a mutual reception of death can help caregivers to avoid unnecessary expenditure in medical intervention, a factor that can cause future financial challenges and stress. Therefore, exploring the concept of death collectively can be a useful strategy of easing the fear associated with the process, thus improving the mental preparedness of every person. Such readiness and positivity, despite the approaching loss, can guarantee better psychological responses after departure.
Communication during the end of life also helps eliminate the possibility of regrets. Markedly, many people react in shock and disbelief when informed about the demise of a close contact. Such elements of denial can be magnified in cases where people feel they did not “finalize affairs” with the departed. Keeley and Yingling confirm that most of the people they interviewed regretted not having spent more time with the dead to discuss some burning issues. Some topics of concern include resolving existing feuds, strengthening and reaffirming relationships, and acquiring sufficient closure (6). All these elements can be achieved by communicating with terminally ill people or even those in their advanced senior years.
Conclusion
People must understand the pre and post effects of the end of life communication. The wrongful perception of death as a taboo should be discarded since it is an inevitable process of all human life. Families should engage in open ponderings about imminent demise, exploring such issues as the appropriate palliative care and the future. Such discussion can enhance mental preparedness, reducing the level of stress and adverse experiences after death.