End-of-life is a difficult period not only for the ones dying but also for their loved ones. It is the time when the person is most vulnerable, physically and emotionally. Each one wants to feel respected and valued during such times.
Dignity therapy is psychotherapy that involves reviewing the accomplishments, relationships, and memories of a person who has a terminal illness. It addresses the mental and spiritual suffering that often accompanies terminal illness- which means it is not only for the patients but also for their family members and friends.
In this blog article, we will dive deeper into the concept of dignity therapy, and how it helps provide emotional support during the end-of-life care phase.
The Role of Dignity Therapy in End-of-Life Care
Dignity therapy is majorly focused on storytelling. The patient shares their life story, from childhood, teenage years, career, relationships, and achievements to challenges they faced and overcame. A trained therapist or clinician interviews the patient and records their story. This process gives the person a sense of purpose but also helps the therapist to learn more about the patient, their life goals, and their values.
Family Bonding and Strengthening Relationships
The family members of the dying person are also an essential part of dignity therapy. No one wants to live with regret after their loved one has left. While death is inevitable, remembering lost loved ones fondly helps in dealing with loss in a healthy way. With recorded memories, the family members have the chance to listen to their loved one’s life story, wishes, and needs.
It is an opportunity for the family members to connect and comprehend the experiences, emotions, and struggles their loved ones endured. But, it is also an emotional journey that strengthens the bond between everyone involved.
Legacy Transfer
Apart from providing emotional support, dignity therapy helps in offering hope to patients. It validates their life and accomplishments. Through various storytelling tools, patients can focus on the legacy they want to leave behind for their loved ones after they are gone.
The therapy is not limited to end-of-life care patients but also benefits the family members as they can learn about their loved one’s thoughts and feelings towards them through their life stories. It helps bring back fond memories and rejoicing over the happy moments spent together.
Peace, Accomplishment, and Closure
Dignity therapy has proved invaluable for people suffering from life-threatening illnesses. In one study, patients reported high satisfaction after going through dignity therapy. One of the reasons for this success is that it helps them to come to terms with their situation and to feel heard.
Ultimately, this provides a sense of peace, dignity, and acceptance. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to address the unresolved issues in their life. In retrospect, dignity therapy allows patients, their families, and caregivers to express their emotions and feelings toward each other.
The Takeaway
Implementing dignity therapy during end-of-life care has shown a positive impact, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, and caregivers. Families and the patient get to preserve the patient’s sense of dignity and values during their last days.
As for legacy transfer, dignity therapy is an excellent resource for patients who want to share their life story and leave a memory legacy.
The Autumn Whispers digital time capsule helps secure memories of loved ones.
