ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the issues relating to this last stage of life, including psychosocial response to changed life circumstances, reduced mobility and terminal illness. It explores the significance of legal mechanisms to facilitate end-of-life decision making. Denial is a common reaction when someone becomes aware of a huge change in their life—for example, a life-threatening illness, and the impending loss that will result from that change. The reaction of anger, and resentment, may emerge as a person acknowledges the extent of their loss. The more significant the loss, the stronger the emotions, and these emotions maybe focused on oneself or significant others. Social workers often describe how, when people are faced with a poor health prognosis, they will 'take their anger out' on those closest to them— their partner or children. Services such as Dympna House in Sydney provide counselling for adult survivors, many of whom are now over 50 years of age.
