This article was updated on 26 July, 2022.

The first step to prepare for a good death is to find out more about death. We learn:

1. How to companion the dying.
2. About the non-physical aspects of dying, including the spiritual
3. Better ways to eliminate pain
4. What death looks like
5. About the ‘housekeeping’ after the death occurs
6. Social skills to help when a death is unexpected
7. How to create a meaningful farewell
8. Better ways to reach out to others who are grieving

Next, we prepare for our own end. To do this we:

9. Prepare our paperwork
10. Visualise where we would like to die
11. Explain to others what we would like to happen at our own death.

For more discussion about these 11 steps, see:
A Good Death – a compassionate and practical guide to prepare for the end of life, by Margaret Rice, Murdoch Books.

For an adaptation for Covid-19 times, see: Eleven steps to a prepare for a good death – in Covid-19 times. https://good-grief.com.au/eleven-steps-to-a-prepare-for-a-good-death-in-covid-19-times/

And here’s more from Margaret, this time from the Sydney Morning Herald: ‘The cultural change needed to ensure a good death in nursing homes’

And you might like to look at our video series to help people who are dying at home. Below is an excerpt from one. To find the whole series, go to: https://good-grief.com.au/videos/