Concerns for the dying patient and family

Some of the special concerns of the dying patient have been addressed. Loss of control, adequate pain control, and sexuality represent only a small portion of the enormity of caring for dying patients. Great strides have been made in recent years both in the areas of special concerns and recognizing the anticipatory grief that patients and families need to experience. Perhaps the most important concern today for patients and families is that professional caregivers validate their feelings and allow them to make their own choices.