Spirituality and public education in end-of-life care

Abstract

With the rise in elderly population due to life expectancy increase, new ethical issues, advanced care planning programmes giving the possibility to persons to get medical treatment aligning with their life values, goals and meaning; healthcare systems and society face an increasing need to address not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of older adults and those in end-of-life care. Needs of patients and their close relationships include, 1) need for religion, 2) companionship, 3) positive outlook, 4) involvement and control in decision making, 5) to finish and complete unfinished business and issues, 6) to experience nature, 7) to find meaning and hope, 8) to have time for reconciliation, given and received, 9) to overcome fear.