What are the rights of the dying?
• The right to be treated as a living human being • The right to maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing its focus may be • The right to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this may be • The right to express feelings and emotions about death in ones own way • The right to participate in all decisions concerning ones care • The right to be cared for by compassionate, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand ones needs • The right to expect continuing medical care, even though the goals may change from “cure” goals to “comfort” goals • The right to have all questions answered honestly and fully • The right to seek spirituality • The right to be free from physical pain • The right to express feelings and emotions about pain in ones own way • The right of children to participate in death • The right to understand the process of death • The right to die • The right to die in peace and dignity • The right not to die
