Problem
Social implications of chronic terminal illness
Nature:
The very fact of being so ill greatly increases the likelihood of control of the terminally ill by others. At the same time, the period of dependency and slow deterioration of health and strength that people undergo has lengthened.
The terminally ill commonly desire death if they must undergo severe uncontrolled pain, or they are afraid of it, and if they do not receive adequate support from friends and relatives. They may become depressed, and then be less interested in prolonging their life.
Incidence:
There has been a dramatic shift toward institutionalization of the aged and those near death. Over 80% of Americans now die in a hospital or other institution. About 25% die in pain, but in only 1 to 2% of the cases is the pain unavoidable.
Broader Problems:
Chronic illnessCritical illnesses Narrower Problems:
EuthanasiaExcessive prolongation of the dying process Related Problems:
Occupational stress Aggravates:
Medical deceptionDehumanization of deathUnavailability of insurance for vulnerable groups Strategies:
Supporting people with AIDS Values:
IllnessUnsociable Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
30.09.2019 – 18:19 CEST