The Family, Larger Systems, and the Dying Process

Thirty-five years ago those working in the new field of death, dying, and hospice believed that the need for specialists who cared for the dying would be obsolete in 20 years. Good care for the dying would become part of the larger health care system and separate organizations such as hospice would no longer be needed. While a laudable goal, it is now clear that the need for those who specialize in care of the dying will continue for the foreseeable future.