Key Topics on End-of-Life Care for African Americans

An intellectual discourse derived from The Last Miles of the Way Home 2004 National Conference to Improve End-of-Life Care for African Americans

ABSTRACT: Spiritual Care Near Life’s End including Grief and Loss in the African American Community    [Print Version]

Gwendolyn London, DMin
London & Associates
Silver Spring, MD

And

Robert Washington, PhD, MDiv
Montgomery Hospice
Rockville, MD

The recognition that spiritual exploration is an integral part of the dying process is based on an understanding of the universal nature of spirituality and the ways that spirituality affects everyday life. Faith often plays an important role in the coping responses of persons faced with life crises such as a serious or life-threatening illness. Spirituality encompasses one’s central values in life, especially those values that give life its meaning. Research suggests that for most persons, spiritual issues become paramount at the end of life. Focusing on spiritual rather than religious concerns, the emphasis of spiritual care at the end of life is on addressing the spiritual needs of the dying patient and family.

In Collaboration With:
Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life
Initiative to Improve Palliative Care for African Americans (IIPCA)