[Preparation for Death and Its Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Palliative Care
• Nursing

Background:

• Death preparedness among caregivers is essential for peaceful end-of-life experiences.
• Lack of clear definition and operationalization hinders research and clinical application.
• Caregivers of elderly individuals face unique challenges during end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe death preparedness in caregivers of elderly individuals at end-of-life.
• To explore the clinical implications of death preparedness for caregiver support.
• To synthesize current understanding of death preparedness from recent literature.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of scientific publications.
• Literature search conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2020.
• Synthesis of findings related to death preparedness and its components.

Main Results:

• No consensus definition of death preparedness exists.
• Studies consistently view death preparedness as a process of acknowledging death.
• Adjusting caregiving practices is a key component of death preparedness.
• Educational interventions and professional support are highlighted as important.

Conclusions:

• Death preparedness is a vital, albeit complex, process for caregivers.
• Further research is needed to establish a clear definition and measurement tools.
• Healthcare professionals should prioritize educational and emotional support for end-of-life caregivers.