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The Dying Process: A Journey

Death is inevitable: dying concludes our journey on this earth. "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

The Dying Process

Death is a personal journey that each individual approaches in their own unique way. Nothing is concrete, nothing is set in stone. There are many paths one can take on this journey but all lead to the same destination.

Acts of Love: Caring for a Dying Loved One

Information and tips for those caring for their dying loved ones. Includes information on the dying process and steps to take to ensure comfort. Focus on safety, comfort, eating and drinking, and restlessness.

Preparing for Death

Most people, if given the choice, want to die at home. Find tips to help you prepare for a death at home.

Common Symptoms at the End of Life

Recognize and help manage common end of life symptoms.

Death Stories - My Experience Caring for a Dying Loved One

Readers share their stories of caring for a dying loved one.

Explaining Death to Children - Tips for Talking About and Explaining Death to...

Readers share how they explained death to their children.

Interacting with a Dying Person

There are several reasons many people have a difficult time interacting with a dying person including not wanting to face the reality of their own death, not having the time to become involved, and not having the emotional reserves to deal with such an intense situation.

How Can I Help My Dying Friend or Loved One?

If your loved one is dying, you might be wondering how you can help. Here is a list of helpful actions you can take to help your dying loved one.

Unhelpful Actions Toward a Dying Loved One

There are some things that are unhelpful to say and do to a dying friend or loved one. Find out what they are...

Interacting with the Dying - Tips for Interacting with the Dy…

Readers share their tips for interacting with a dying person.

The Dying Process - Share Your Experience with the Dying Process

Share with others what you experienced during the dying process of a patient or loved one.

Being with a Dying Person - Tips for Interacting and Being Wi…

Readers share their tips for interacting with a dying person.

Talking to a Dying Loved One

Common beliefs about talking to the dying and tips for talking to a dying friend or loved one.

The Five Tasks of Dying

There are five tasks that a dying person should accomplish to have closure at the end of life.

The Five Stages of Life Review

A dying person may prepare for death by using a life review or life reconciliation. These are the five stages of life review.

The Dying Process

The dying process is a period of time when the body begins to shut down and prepare for death. It's an important time for the dying person and their loved ones during which they can express their feelings and show their love. The actual process may be very quick or happen gradually. Recognizing that it has begun is important so you can prepare for what's to come and maximize the time you have …

My Loved One is Dying, Do I Have to Tell Him?

My loved one is dying but doesn't know. Do I have to tell her that she is dying?

Nearing Death Awareness

Many dying patients exhibit a phenomena of "nearing dath awareness". Find out what this is and what it might look like.

The DABDA Theory of Coping With Death

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross made the DABDA theory of coping with death popular.

The Denial Stage

Description of the denial stage of DABDA, a theory of coping with death.

The Anger Stage

Discussion of the Anger stage of the DABDA theory of coping with death.

Coping With a Dying Loved One's Anger

Anger is a common stage of coping with a terminal illness. Here are tips for dealing with a dying loved ones' anger.

Dealing with Anger and Death - How Did You Deal with a Loved One's An…

Readers share how they dealt with the anger of a dying loved one.

The Bargaining Stage

Description of the bargaining stage of DABDA, a theory of coping with death.

The Depression Stage

Description of the depression stage of DABDA, a theory of coping with death.

The Acceptance Stage

Description of the acceptance stage of DABDA, a theory of coping with death made popular by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

DABDA - Did You Experience DABDA After a Death?

Readers share whether they experienced any or all of the five stages of coping with death.

Scared to Death -- of Death

Overview of the reasons many people fear death, including healthy and unhealthy fears and tips for overcoming fears.

Fear of Death - Share Your Fear of Death

Readers share the reasons why they fear death.

What is it Like to Die of Kidney Failure?

When dialysis is no longer an options,

What Is it Like to Die of Lung Cancer?

What is like to die of lung cancer? Many lung cancer patients and their loved ones want to know what to expect when dying of lung cancer.

Deciding Where to Die

Making the decision where to spend the last day’s of life isn’t always easy. Each choice has its pros and cons and personal preference can sometimes be trumped by practicality. Find out how you can make that decision.

How to Plan a Funeral or Memorial

The purpose of a funeral is to give meaning to a person’s life. It’s an opportunity for family and friends to gather and remember the deceased while offering support and comfort to one another. Find information and tips to help you plan the perfect memorial service.

The Dying Process: A Guide for Caregivers

A caregivers guide to the dying process from the Hospice Foundation of America.

Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Death

Common signs and symptoms of approaching death from the Hospice Patients Alliance.

Care at the End of Life - The Dying Process

Information from WebMD about the dying process.

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