The Bill of Rights for Someone who is Dying

I have the right to be treated as a human being until I die.

I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing it's focus may be.

I have the right to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this may be.

I have the right to participate in decisions concerning my care.

I have the right to expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though "cure" goals must be changed to "comfort" goals.

I have the right not to doe alone.

I have the right to die alone.

I have the right to be free from pain and alert.

I have the right to have my questions answered.

I have the right to have my questions answered honestly.

I have the right not to be deceived.

I have the right to die in peace and dignity.

I have the right to have help from, and for, my family in accepting my death.

I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisions which may be contrary to the beliefs of others.

I have the right to expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respected after death.

Bill of Rights For Family Members

I have the right to enjoy my own good health without feeling guilty.  it is not my fault that someone I love is dying.

I have the right to chose whom I will talk to about the illness.  If I hurt other's feelings because they are asking too many questions, it is not my fault.

Even if I am  a child, I have a right to know what is going on in our family.  I have the right to be told the truth about the illness in words that I can understand.

I do not always have to agree with someone just because he or she is sick.  I can get angry at the patient without always feeling guilty, because sickness does not stop someone from being a real person.

I have the right to feel what I feel now, not what someone else says I "should" feel.

I have the right to look after my own needs, even if they do not seem as great as the patient's.  I am permitted to take 'time out' from the illness without feeling disloyal.

I have the right to get outside help for the patient. I cannot manage all the responsibilities of home care myself.

I have the right to get help for myself, even if others in my family choose not to get help.

No one has the right to take my hope away. I believe that the powers that control life are greater than the understanding of any person or group of persons.