Includes index. Includes bibliographical references (p. 188-199).

Turning points at life's end -- Rights of the dying patient -- The first turning point : from active treatment to comfort care -- Pain control -- What you should expect from your doctors and nurses -- Family and friends -- The second turning point : making the decision to hasten death -- What options have been used in the past to hasten death? -- Helium : newly used method to end suffering -- Differentiating sadness at the end of life from clinical depression -- The special case of irreversible dementia and end-of-life management -- Planning ahead with advance directives : staying in control -- Allowing a merciful death -- Appendix A: Historical background of the end-of-life movement and current national organizations -- Appendix B: Oregon and physician-assisted dying -- Appendix C: The international scene -- Appendix D: End-of-life organizations -- Appendix E: Sample living will -- Appendix F: Health care proxy form with optional attachment -- Appendix G: Proposed authorization for ending life in situations of irreversible and progressive cognitive decline.