Dignity therapy...
Illustration
Hospice has introduced "dignity therapy" for terminally ill patients. It is called dignity therapy because it allows those in the closing months of life to assure that their lives have had dignity and purpose. The patient, with the assistance of an interviewer, records answers to specific questions regarding his/her life. The patient is encouraged to speak openly and freely regarding memories, thoughts, and feelings that were experienced over the years. Tantamount to all of this is the ability to advise succeeding generations. The recordings are then edited, printed, and distributed to family and friends.
The importance of this program is expressed by lead researcher Harvey Chochinov, a professor at the University of Manitoba in Canada. He said, "Everybody's story is profound because it's genuinely theirs." These stories allow family members and the patient to reconnect.
Naaman had a terrible and painful disease. He sought healing but could find none among the physicians of the Armeans. A Hebrew slave girl told him about a prophet in Israel who could heal him. Naaman then went and visited Elisha. After protesting and disillusionment, Naaman followed the advice of the prophet and was healed. The task required was simple -- he only had to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River.
Healing takes place in many ways. Some are simple, others extravagant. Some are expensive, others relatively inexpensive. Some require a physician, others a priest. Some require medicine, others require a caring touch. Dignity therapy is just one example of how interpersonal relationships can bring the most meaningful healing of all.
The importance of this program is expressed by lead researcher Harvey Chochinov, a professor at the University of Manitoba in Canada. He said, "Everybody's story is profound because it's genuinely theirs." These stories allow family members and the patient to reconnect.
Naaman had a terrible and painful disease. He sought healing but could find none among the physicians of the Armeans. A Hebrew slave girl told him about a prophet in Israel who could heal him. Naaman then went and visited Elisha. After protesting and disillusionment, Naaman followed the advice of the prophet and was healed. The task required was simple -- he only had to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River.
Healing takes place in many ways. Some are simple, others extravagant. Some are expensive, others relatively inexpensive. Some require a physician, others a priest. Some require medicine, others require a caring touch. Dignity therapy is just one example of how interpersonal relationships can bring the most meaningful healing of all.
