Dying With Dignity

"The "when" of dying with dignity often centers on the stage of illness, quality of life, and personal wishes. For some, it coincides with a terminal diagnosis, when treatment is no longer effective and suffering outweighs the potential for recovery. Others may consider this choice when chronic pain, loss of autonomy, or diminished capacity severely impact their sense of self and well-being. Three main factors need to be considered, the prognosis, the patient autonomy as well as his/her emotional and spiritual readiness."

"Medical Prognosis: Many laws and ethical guidelines require a prognosis of a terminal illness, often with a life expectancy of six months or less, as a criterion for certain end-of-life options. Patient Autonomy: The individual's readiness and expressed wishes are central. Advanced directives and living wills can help clarify preferences before the patient loses decision-making capacity. Emotional and Spiritual Readiness: The timing may also involve personal and family acceptance, addressing fears, beliefs, and values surrounding death and the dying process."

Dying with dignity encompasses choices about when, how, and where a person ends life, centered on autonomy and control. Eligibility often depends on medical prognosis, such as terminal illness or severely diminished quality of life, and legal criteria that may limit options. Advance directives and living wills support decision-making before capacity is lost. Emotional and spiritual readiness, family acceptance, and addressing beliefs and fears influence timing. Approaches range from palliative and comfort-focused care to medical-aid-in-dying, with medical-aid-in-dying providing the patient with full control of the process from initiation through completion.

Read at Psychology Today