ASK THE EXPERTS ABOUT
General LGBT Aging Issues


Q Ready for Death
  Aug 27, 2008

What kind of response can you give an older adult when they say I am ready to die? I have two clients that are 87 and 96 and say they have lived a full life and really want to be done with life.


A Response from Dr. Kooden

Hello, I have put your question in the category "miscellaneous" as I felt "depression/aging" was inappropriate. I do not make the assumption that someone who feels that he has lived a full life and is ready to die is depressed nor needs to be talked out of his feelings. Do you feel that you have to do something to change their attitude? First of all, listen carefully to what they are saying and on what basis they have come to these conclusions. Are they talking about self-delivery or simply stating that they are comfortable with their dying. Are you comfortable with what they are saying? If not, then talk with others and/or your supervisor about your discomfort and see how you can better listen and support what your clients are saying. They need your support at this time--that is the most valuable gift you can give them. Be there as the person who hears them. I know it is a difficult task but you do not have to say anything or give advice or a "correct response"--just hear them, communicate that you care about them and let them know they are not alone. Best to you, Harold Kooden

Share


 



Terms of Use

Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.

Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither SAGE nor any of the collaborating websites at which this forum is carried is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of SAGE or any of its collaborating sites. While neither SAGE nor its collaborating sites regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.