The perceptions on good death of the older adults in the semi-urban community: A qualitative study

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of good death of the older adults living in Bang Nang Li Sub-District, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand.

The data of the study was collected using in-depth interviews between October 2019 to January 2020. The data collected a total of 14 older adults who had firsthand experience in caring for terminally ill patients were recruited for the study. Content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data.

The results of this study revealed the perceptions of good death which were categorized into three main themes and eight sub-themes, including 1) death without suffering (not suffering from life support devices, dying with care); 2) natural death (death with the end of life expectancy, death with illness or ailments); and 3) death without the worries (preparation for death, spiritual and belief practice toward preparation for death, family and property management before death, death among family members and at their familiar place).

The findings of this research provided the insight to clarify the understanding of the perceptions on a good death of older adults. The findings can be used to support the practice and management of nursing education and health care providers who have to be involved in palliative care for terminally ill older adults.