The Dying Person's Bill of Rights

1. You have the right to be treated as a living human being until you die.
2. You have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing its focus may be.
3. You have the right to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing it might be.
4. You have the right to express your feelings and emotions about your approaching death in your own way.
5. You have the right to participate in decisions concerning your care.
6. You have the right to expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though "cure" goals must be changed to "comfort" goals.
7. You have the right not to die alone.
8. You have the right to be free from pain.
9. You have the right to not be deceived.
10. You have the right to have help from, and for, your family in accepting your death.
11. You have the right to die in peace and with dignity.
12. You have the right to retain your individuality and not be judged for your decision which may be contrary to the beliefs of others.
13. You have the right to discuss and enlarge your religious and/or spiritual experience whatever these may mean to you.
14. You have the right to expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respected after death.
15. You have the right to be cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand your needs and will be able to gain some satisfaction in helping you face your death.

It is with great appreciation and acknowledgment that this article was donated by Ms. Donna Coleman, RN. This philosophy is taken from the philosophy of We Care Hospice in Mississippi where Donna is on staff. Ms. Coleman's long standing contributions have been demonstrated by all of those whom she has touched throughout her career. She is presently a patient care coordinator at the We Care Hospice and most importantly, a patient advocate for those going through the transition in the final stage of life. This website would not be complete without this valuable and needed piece. We thank and acknowledge the administration of We Care Hospice for their outstanding work in this field.