A GOOD DEATH

Abstract

The hospice movement and advocates for the dying make the assumptions that death can be “good” and can be controlled to some degree. The mission of a hospice therefore, is to maximize the conditions which make this possible and to minimize those elements which create suffering. But what is a “good death”? Sounds like an oxymoron. For any living creature, in the continual drive for survival, death is the enemy; yet, death is inevitable and life cannot exist without death. We attempt to control death and dying in response to the absolute lack of power and control of our own mortality. This paper will seek to identify the elements of an acceptable death, with the understanding that like a good play, the final act of dying is the testament of what came before and what brings closure and meaning to the script.