World of Wisdom 54. The process of dying with Barbara Karnes
Aug 22, 2019
Barbara Karnes, an award-winning hospice nurse and end-of-life educator, shares her profound insights on the dying process. She discusses how death is a natural, programmed event, and breaks down the differences between sudden and gradual dying. Barbara explains the changes in eating, sleeping, and emotional withdrawal as signs of nearing death. She emphasizes the importance of personal beliefs in facing death and highlights cultural shifts in our approach to grief. Ultimately, Barbara encourages celebrating life through personalized funerals, reminding us to embrace death as part of living.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dying Follows A Natural Biological Pattern
- The human body is programmed to die and follows natural patterns that have existed for millennia.
- Distinguishing normal dying processes from pathological events helps families and caregivers respond appropriately.
Three Early Signs Of Gradual Dying
- Gradual death typically begins months before death with changes in eating, sleeping, and withdrawal.
- These predictable shifts help identify the normal dying trajectory from disease or old age.
Offer Food, Don’t Force It
- Always offer food to someone dying but never force them to eat when their body resists.
- Accept that decreased intake and dehydration are normal parts of the dying process and can ease the transition.
