Reflections on Death and Dying Practices- Insights for Social Workers and Considerations for Older Adults

Reflections on Death and Dying Practices- Insights for Social Workers and Considerations for Older Adults

The readings have provided in-depth information on some of the challenges older adults face; loneliness and grief are among the major challenges. The majority of older adults like to know that they have options and that they would live a quality life close to and during their time of death. Discussions like rational suicide, palliative or hospice care and advanced care planning are common among older adults.

Death and dying practices are different around the world and are highly influenced by such factors as culture, community traditions, personal beliefs and religion (Applebury, 2022). Some individuals believe in ending their lives through such means as voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, rational suicide, not stopping or starting treatment and palliative sedation (Death with Dignity, 2022; Bailey, 2019), whereas others are vehemently against it, regardless of the reasons for doing so. Understanding this can help a social worker to offer culturally appropriate and competent care to the patients and their families. As a social worker who works with older adults, I will be able to gain knowledge on the death practices and rituals of the clients and families that I will be working with, be aware of the cultural differences in death and dying practices and offer support, understanding and comfort as needed.

The Death with Dignity Act makes it possible for terminally ill adults to seek to end their lives by asking for lethal medication doses from osteopathic and medical physicians. Given that most individuals value their self-determination and autonomy and are rational enough to know that ending their lives will bring them satisfaction, I believe that the Death and Dignity Acts should be enforced to allow such individuals to engage in such acts.

Moreover, offering support by being there for members during grief and loss is essential in preventing loneliness and depression and helping older adults get through the grief process (Williams, 2021; Mendoza, 2019; Go-Coloma, 2018). Furthermore, understanding their individual needs during this time will also be helpful

References

Applebury, G. (2022). Different Cultural Beliefs on Death and Dying Practices. Love to Know. Retrieved from https://dying.lovetoknow.com/death-cultures-around-world/different-cultural-beliefs-death-dying-practices

Bailey, M. (2022). In Secret, Seniors Discuss ‘Rational Suicide.’ Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from https://khn.org/news/rational-suicide-seniors-preemptive-death-medical-aid-in-dying/

Death with Dignity. (2022). Resources. Retrieved from https://deathwithdignity.org/resources/

Go-Coloma, R. (2018). Long-term care: The role of social workers in end-of-life care. Today’s Geriatric Medicine, 11(6), 30.

Mendoza, M.A. (2019). Grief and Loneliness in the Aged: A Deadly Duo. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-grief/201903/grief-and-loneliness-in-the-aged

Williams, C. (2021). The 9 Stages Of Grief In Older Adults. WellQor. Retrieved from https://wellqor.com/the-9-stages-of-grief-in-older-adults/

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After reviewing the readings, please consider the following:

*Please share your thoughts on the readings.
*What did you learn about death and dying practices worldwide and how can this help you in your practice as a Social Worker working with older adults and their families?

Reflections on Death and Dying Practices- Insights for Social Workers and Considerations for Older Adults

*Please share your thoughts relating to the Death and Dignity Acts.
*Are there any special considerations for grief/loss in older adults?