The Dignified Dying of the Elderly

Ljudsko dostojanstvo vrlo je važna dimenzija svakog ljudskog bića, a posebno značenje dobiva upravo u razdoblju umiranja i smrti. Osobe starije životne dobi u procesu umiranja i smrti suočavaju se s brojnim teškoćama. Teškoće nisu samo fiziološke, već i socijalne, psihološke i duhovne. Zadovoljavanjem potreba starije umiruće osobe omogućavamo osobi da očuva svoje dostojanstvo do samoga kraja i ostvari „dobru smrt“. Cilj ovog rada je prikazati najvažnije aspekte dobre smrti čije je osiguravanje nužno za ostvarivanje dostojanstvenog umiranja starijih osoba te ukazati na važnost očuvanja dostojanstva do samoga kraja života. Koncept „dobra smrt“ predstavlja osnovno ljudsko pravo i vrijednost. Ona je dinamička i humanistička kategorija koja odražava jedinstveno iskustvo umirućeg. Odgovarajućim upravljanjem simptomima, boli i osjećajima, osiguravanjem prisutnosti najmilijih i brigom o duhovnim patnjama umirućih omogućavamo im kvalitetan kraj života. Mnoge odgovore o ovom području pruža palijativna skrb - skrb o umirućima i njihovim obiteljima. U okviru palijativne skrbi stvaraju se okolnosti u kojima umiranje i smrt postaju dostojanstveni i prihvatljivi. U novonastalim okolnosti uzrokovanim epidemijom Covid-19 potrebno je pronaći načine očuvanja humanosti, zajedništva i suosjećanja na kraju života. Veliku ulogu u unaprjeđenju očuvanja dostojanstva umirućih osoba ima profesija socijalnog rada koja svojim djelovanjem u području skrbi o starijim umirućim osobama može osigurati kvalitetnu skrb za umirućeg i zbrinjavanje potreba korisnikove obitelji. Osiguravanje dostojanstvenog umiranja potreba je i prioritet cjelokupnog društva. Svaki ljudski život dolazi do svojeg kraja i zato je potrebno osigurati da se to dogodi na dostojanstven način.Human dignity is a very important dimension of every human being, and it has special significance precisely in the period of dying and death. In the process of dying older people face a number of difficulties. Difficulties are not only physiological, but also social, psychological and spiritual. By meeting the needs of the elderly dying person, we enable the person to preserve his dignity to the very end and achieve a "good death". The aim of this paper is to present the most important aspects of a good death, the provision of which is necessary for the achievement of dignified death of the elderly, and to point out the importance of preserving dignity until the very end of life. The concept of "good death" is a basic human right and value. It is a dynamic and humanistic category that reflects the unique experience of the dying. By properly managing the symptoms, pain and feelings, ensuring the presence of loved ones and caring for the spiritual suffering of the dying, we enable them a quality end to life. Many answers about this area are provided by palliative care - caring for the dying and their families. Within palliative care, circumstances are created in which dying and death become dignified and acceptable. In the new circumstances caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, it is necessary to find ways to preserve humanity, togetherness and compassion at the end of life. A major role in improving the preservation of the dignity for the dying person is played by the social work profession, which through its activities in the field of care for the elderly dying can provide quality care for the dying and care for the needs of the beneficiary's family. Ensuring a dignified death is a need and priority of society as a whole. Every human life comes to an end and that is why it is necessary to ensure that it happens in a dignified way