| Psychologists are learning more about dying so that they can help others successfully meet the challenges of this last stage in life. The hospice movement provides an alternative to the cold environment of a hospital for the terminally ill (Holden, 1980). Originally developed in England, a hospice is an organization that helps the dying person and the family with social needs, as well as medical attention. The program provides supportive services, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aid. Hospices serve several important functions. Medical personnel help make patients physically comfortable by providing pain medication. Psychological personnel provide support for patients by helping them feel secure. This support might be in the form of talking to patients or helping them get their legal and social affairs in order. Finally, hospices provide support for the bereaved through counseling or pastoral care. |
To find out more about Hospice,
Connect to these sites:
APA Division 20 Adult Development and Aging site
Administration on Aging site
Deathnet--info on death and dying
| Copyright ©2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Please visit our Technical support website at http://mhhe.com/support. |
 |