A Dying Persons Bill of Rights

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know...that a person in the last stages of life has a Bill of Rights especially for them?
 

The dying person has the right to:

• Be treated as a living human being until death
• Maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing its focus may be
• Be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this might be
• Express feelings and emotions about approaching death in their own way
• Participate in decisions concerning their care
• Expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though “cure goals” must be changed to “comfort goals”
• Not die alone
• Be free of pain
• Have their questions answered honestly
• Not be deceived
• Have help from and for their family in accepting death
• Die in peace and dignity
• Retain their individuality and not be judged for their decisions, which may be contrary to the beliefs of others
• Discuss and enlarge their religious or spiritual experiences, regardless of what they may mean to others
• Expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respected after death
• Be cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand their needs and will be able to gain some satisfaction in helping them to face death

Taken from (Matzo & Sherman, 2001a) Home Health and Hospice Care Inc., 2012 We as caregivers from BrightStar Care honor these wishes.  In the past several weeks three of our clients have died.  In two of the three cases we worked alongside hospice staff in caring for the needs of the client and family in the last weeks and days of their lives.  In one case, unfortunately and unexpectedly, our client died at home alone. As I reflect on the care that each of these clients received from BrightStar Care caregivers I feel very honored to work with individuals who have both professional expertise and truly compassionate hearts.  In the last several weeks I have witnessed caregivers who are caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who have met their clients’ needs and who have gained satisfaction in helping them to face death.

About BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City:

BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City provides hourly to 24/7 home health care and medical staffing services.

BrightStar's Professional Care Team, led by a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing, delivers expert, compassionate, and personal home care, including COVID-19 care, employee screening, and testing for businesses and clients. Our professional care experts are ready to serve 24/7. RN oversight ensures the right care from the right people.  We proudly provide home health care and support for seniors to children, including 24-hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities including those on hospice. We proudly serve Mountainside, Sandy Draper, Midvale, Salt Lake City, Park City, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Holladay, Ogden, Orem/Provo, and Murray areas in UT.

To find out more about BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City's commitment to excellence, please CLICK HERE or call 801-559-3999

We are proud to support the efforts local companies have made to keep their employees safe and healthy. Read about how BrightStar Care nurses and staff are helping HERE.