Perspective of Good Death in Older Adults with Chronic Illness and Their Families

A convenience sample of older adults with chronic illnesses and their families was drawn from southern Taiwan, of which 94 pairs completed the interview. The majority of the older adults and their families believe that a terminal diagnosis should be disclosed to the patient. Fifty-four percent older adults versus 19% of family members (p < 0.01) believe that making health care decisions is not a burden to the patient.

Fifty-six percent of older adults versus 39% of family members (p < 0.05) believe that patients have the right to terminate their lives if there is no cure. Regarding to life sustaining treatment, both older adults and families would forgo invasive treatment such as surgery or CPR if cognitive function was impaired or the patient was in an irreversible coma. Older adults considered dying peacefully, no pain, without artificially prolonging life, short dying period, and love ones present as components of a good death.

Only 13% rated remaining mentally alert and only 21% rated fulfilling spiritual needs as essential in a good death. This research found that older adults value patient autonomy and patients’ rights in decision making. Dying peacefully without artificially prolonging life is a part of their wishes for a good death.