--Apple-Mail-1D1BEB11-1896-4756-9D0B-851C9B85F3DE Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Palliative Care and the End Of Life "It is not that we die but HOW we die" Human beings have a unique asset and that is the ability to rationalize a= nd have free choice.=20 We have the gift of choice, to choose our individual quality of life and as w= ell, of how we are going to die. Palliative care represents the enhancement o= f quality of life, retainment of dignity, and the management of all distress= ing symptoms related to the disease process. Palliative care works hard to provide two major reassurances to the client and the family; t= he client does not have to die alone, and they do not need to suffer in pain= . These are usually the two greatest fears people face. Palliative care stre= sses the flexibility in care with a focus on empathy, personal individualize= d attention, 24 hour care, and comfort measures in an atmosphere, home or ho= spital, of love and security.=20 We, at Home Care Assistance, acknowledge the need for humanistic caregivi= ng, and support a compassionate and caring approach to clients and their fam= ilies and friends. The emphasis is on total care. Clients are seen as person= s rather than disease processes. We believe that each client has psychologic= al,economic,spiritual and physical needs which comprise the total person. We= understand that the client is the nucleus of it all, therefore our care alw= ays revolves around coordination and continuity of their wants and needs. Gi= ven our support, the client and the family can face the termination of life w= ith dignity and self worth and self respect. We must all live and we must al= l die. What makes them invaluable and meaningful is when they are done in an= atmosphere of caring, pain and symptom free, and rich in feelings of love a= nd caring.=20 THE DYING PERSONS BILL OF RIGHTS CREATED BY THE SOUTH WESTERN MICHIGAN INSTITUTE IN= SERVICE ED. I HAVE THE RIGHT TO be treated as a living human until I die.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO maintain a sense of hopelessness, however changing its f= ocus may be.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO express my feelings and emotions about my approaching de= ath in my=20 own way.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO participate in decisions concerning my care.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO expect continual medical and nursing attention.=20 INHAVE THE RIGHT TO not die alone.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO be free from pain.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO have my questions answered honestly.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO have help from and for my family in accepting my death.=20= I HAVE THE RIGHT TO die in peace and dignity.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisio= ns contrary to=20 beliefs of others.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO discuss and enlarge my religious beliefs or spiritual ex= periences.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respe= cted after death.=20 I HAVE THE RIGHT TO be ca