A Good Death Checklist

"he three most important factors according to all of three groups were:

• Being pain-free 
• Feeling "at peace" and in a good emotional head space 
• Dying in a location where the conditions are ideal for the patient, whether that's in one's bed with family around or the hospital with doctors nearby 

The others were:

• Feeling ready to say goodbye and accepting that this really is the end instead of wishing to prolong it 
• Having a sense that there is a purpose of life and that it's been fulfilled, regardless of whether one is religious or spiritual 
• Having treatment preferences met (e.g. no heroic measures, pain-relieving palliative care) Having the people you want around you 
• Feeling that a subjective definition of "quality of life" is met (e.g. being home versus being at the hospital) 
• That a subjective definition of "dignity" is met (e.g. control and agency over oneself, being respected and not ignored) 
• Having a good relationship with the health care provider"

A 'good death' by going gentle into that good night - CNN.com: