title: Speaking of difficult choices: the creation of a drama and dialogue group on end-of-life choices.
abstract: The purpose of this project is to relieve the emotional isolation of elders concerned about the manner in which they will die, particularly fears about loss of control. A counselor engaged elders in dialogue exploring nonthreatening ways this could be done. Drama that includes dialogue with the audience was chosen, developed, and performed at their retirement facility and in the wider community. Elders who attend these performances express gratitude and relief at learning they are not alone in their concerns, and for the information about current laws and resources for support.
authors.affiliation: Reed College, Portland, Oregon, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Worley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Henderson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011577:Psychodrama; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic