The intergenerational spectrum: An innovative approach to end-of-life care

Our experiences color our practice lens, motivating and guiding our efforts. They define our need to renew and refocus interventions and energies. The unique nature of these efforts prompts us to validate the individuality of issues faced with clients. My respect for this principle of self-determination drives my case management practice in how I approach that intimate world of client systems during their death and dying processes.

From the earliest phase of awareness to anticipatory grief and mourning, through death itself and then bereavement, the critical importance of examining the course of themes from an intergenerational perspective sets a tone for practice—a tone that embraces age-specific concepts for our clients and their support community, including the professionals involved.