Death Coaches

For a very interesting article about how various organizations such as Hospice are “coaching” family members of dying individuals on how handle the impending death, see Jane Gross, For the Families of the Dying, Coaching as the Hours Wane, NY Times, May 20, 2006.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Now those final moments are a focus of new attention as hospices broaden their range of services, inspired by a growing body of research on the very end of life. More are encouraging the calming properties of music, meditation, aromatherapy and massage for both patients and families. Some are increasing the training for so-called 11th-hour companions who families can request be with them.

Holding a dying person’s hand may be frightening for a loved one alone at the bedside. Relatives and friends may not know that hearing is the last sense to go, and neglect to soothe the patient with a steady, reassuring murmur. Leaving the room briefly may mean missing the moment of passing and always carrying that regret.