Good Death
What is a “Good Death”?
The Institute of Medicine defines a Good Death as “one that is free from avoidable distress and suffering for patients, families, and caregivers in general accordance with the patients’ and families’ wishes; and reasonably consistent with clinical, cultural, and ethical standards.”
At The Good Death Experience, you’ll discover that we share this definition and are committed to offering you the highest standard of care and support throughout your end-of-life journey. Our approach to a Good Death extends beyond the physical aspects, centering on your overall well-being. We prioritize addressing your practical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs. Our philosophy places substantial importance on closure and death preparation, while concurrently supporting and upholding clinical, cultural, and ethical standards.
We understand the significance of families in the end-of-life process. Your loved ones play a pivotal role, and we’re here to assist in managing family dynamics and cultivating a compassionate environment for a positive end-of-life experience. Alongside the recognition of these challenges, a thoughtfully structured care plan can provide the needed relief and support. We wholeheartedly believe that a Good Death can be achieved through open conversations, ensuring that your end-of-life wishes are truly honored and respected.
A “Good Death Experience” is our final gift to our loved ones.
What is our “Good Death Experiment”?
Through our “Good Death Experiment,” our purpose is to guide you in recognizing the paramount importance of actively preparing for your end-of-life journey rather than simply reacting to it.
The “Good Death Experiment” has been developed to address the uncertainties often associated with end-of-life planning. Participating in the GDE Survey will provide you with valuable insights into your level of preparedness, empowering you to take proactive steps towards a more enriching end-of-life experience.
While a guaranteed Good Death Experience is not something we can promise, we strongly believe that creating a comprehensive plan, engaging in discussions, and prioritizing preparedness significantly increase the likelihood of your wishes being respected and fulfilled. This proactive approach empowers you to provide both yourself and your loved ones with a profound and meaningful end-of-life experience.
Many of us have encountered the loss of a friend or loved one and can empathize with the challenges that often arise during the grieving process. These challenges are frequently rooted in inadequate preparedness, limited planning, insufficient caregiver support, or financial constraints. If you recognize these challenges as familiar, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join us and craft your personalized “Good Death Experience (GDE) Plan.
The first step on your journey starts with the “Good Death Experiment” and Take the GDE Survey—a foundational stride towards approaching your end-of-life experience with empowerment and preparation. Through shared conversations and insights, we can confidently navigate the complexities of end-of-life experiences with a sense of assurance and serenity. We wholeheartedly invite you to embrace the “Good Death Experiment,” and embark on a path towards a more profound, meaningful, and well-prepared end-of-life experience for you and your loved ones. Begin by taking the GDE Survey Today!
What is the "Good Death Experience"?
A Good Death Experience (GDE) is fostered through deliberate preparation for the end of life, accompanied by genuine empathy and understanding towards others on our journey. The purpose of this approach is to minimize avoidable distress for the dying person and their families while honoring their wishes. By prioritizing both personal readiness and consideration for others, one can strive to cultivate an environment of compassion and support, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the end-of-life experience for everyone involved.
This compassionate approach fosters an environment steeped in support and respect, facilitating a transition that is both peaceful and dignified. It is imperative for everyone involved in our end-of-life journey to cultivate compassion, demonstrate respect, and earnestly seek to understand each other’s unique experiences. As both a collective and as individuals, our shared aspiration is to achieve a Good Death, honoring the distinctive path of each person. Developing a comprehensive plan becomes a vital step in ensuring a positive end-of-life experience for our cherished ones.
Your Good Death Experience Plan, commonly known as the GDE Plan, comprises three pivotal components:
GET A PLAN: Your GDE Plan empowers you to create a series of purposeful goals that define the realization of your end-of-life desires. By proactively, purposefully, mindfully, thoughtfully, and considerately taking steps towards yourself, your loved ones, healthcare providers, and others on this end-of-life journey, you wholeheartedly exhibit your dedication to crafting a profound and meaningful good death experience.
DISCUSS YOUR PLAN: Sharing and openly communicating your GDE Plan with your family, friends, loved ones, and healthcare providers is of paramount importance. Through the creation of a GDE Plan, you not only ensure that your end-of-life wishes are known, but you also cultivate an environment of mutual understanding. This collaborative effort compassionately works toward the common goal of realizing a good death experience.
EXECUTE THE PLAN: When the time comes, effective execution of the GDE Plan necessitates preparedness for emergencies and crucial moments. Those appointed within your GDE Plan should be well-informed and capable of fulfilling your wishes on your behalf, ensuring that your intentions are upheld and respected.
By embracing these three components, you take significant strides towards creating a well-considered and compassionate approach to the end of life, both for yourselves and for those you hold dear.
Give the Gift of Peace of Mind to Your Loved Ones | A Gift to My Loved Ones GDE Planner & Journal
At the Good Death Experience, aim to inspire you on an empowered journey towards a Good Death, where acceptance, openness, and compassion are embraced. Imagine a path illuminated by your final wishes, guiding your loved ones through the complexities of your end-of-life journey. Through these wishes, you hold the power to transform death experiences into precious gifts for those you care about, leaving behind heartfelt legacies that linger in their hearts. Let’s embrace the opportunity to make our final moments count and create a meaningful legacy that transcends our physical presence.
You don’t have to leave your loved ones in uncertainty when it comes to your final wishes. Take control of your end-of-life planning and ensure that your desires are honored, start with the Good Death Experience (GDE) Planner.
The GDE Planner goes beyond being a mere end-of-life planner; it’s a comprehensive guide and journal that will assist you to start creating your personalized GDE Plan. This user-friendly resource serves as a gateway to those difficult conversations and provides space for organizing personal, medical, and financial information. It also helps you document your end-of-life wishes, plans, and preferences while allowing for personal reflection on your journey.
By securing a copy for yourself and your loved ones, you equip your family with a valuable resource to navigate the complexities of end-of-life. The GDE Planner includes prompts for creating an advanced care plan, recording critical contacts and passwords, and defining funeral and memorial preferences. Beyond practical considerations, it becomes a meaningful keepsake that preserves your legacy.
Imagine the relief and reassurance your loved ones will feel when they have a structured and comprehensive guide to exploring their wishes, documenting important decisions, and effectively communicating their desires. The GDE Planner serves as a starting point for those crucial discussions, you’re taking a proactive step toward your family’s well-being. You’re creating a legacy of care and consideration, ensuring your wishes are known, respected, and honored.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start the conversation today, and get your GDE Planner. Let this gift lay the foundation for meaningful discussions and serve as a source of comfort and guidance for your loved ones.
Remember, a “Good Death Experience” is our final gift to our loved ones.
Ensure a legacy of care and peace of mind for yourself and your family by securing your Complimentary GDE Planner. Complete your GDE Survey today to take the first step. A digital version of your GDE Planner is available NOW for download!
Things to Remember About Your GDE Plan:
By actively engaging in the creation and execution of your GDE Plan, you can pave the way for a more meaningful and compassionate end-of-life journey.
Continuously review your GDE Plan and verify the accuracy of contact information for your healthcare providers, beneficiaries, loved ones, and other appointed individuals.
In the event that you haven’t yet designated a Healthcare Agent, you might want to contemplate inviting a trusted loved one to fulfill this role as your Healthcare Agent/Proxy, within your GDE Plan.