Pages: 50 - 54
Article topics: Community nurses, Death and dying, Death cafés, Palliative care
There continues to exist within society a taboo on discussing death and dying, an omission of which can lead to severe distress and anxiety, that can leave terminally ill patients fearful of dying. This paper extols the importance of nurses providing psychological, social and spiritual support at a time when patients may understandably be at their most vulnerable. While modern medicine clearly has a place in helping to reduce pain and anxiety, such interventions are not the only answer. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may also have a part to play. This paper also encourages nurses to seek an understanding of the concept of death cafés and how they can help people come together in a meaningful and supportive way. It concludes by encouraging nurses to develop a greater insight into such interventions, so that they are more able at least to discuss these with their patients.