Anthroposophy and Integrative Care at the End of Life

Abstract

The anthroposophic care model for patients with advanced and/or terminal illnesses offers instruments to care professionals to help allow the patients a gentler process of dying and death, while also aiming to ensure that this is a period of potential transformation and inner growth. The aim of this descriptive study is to present anthroposophic know-how in relation to end-of-life care and draw parallels between the anthroposophic paradigm and the good-death model of the modern hospice movement. Anthroposophic therapies applied in end-of-life care, engaging care professionals in patient and family reception and the environment and integrative work between the various actors can contribute toward the quality of life of these patients, helping them in the process of dying and the bereavement phase. There are significant similarities between the good-death model of the hospice movement and anthroposophic end-of-life care. Care professionals who work with patients with progressive, advanced, and terminal illness may encounter substantial elements in the anthroposophic paradigm to help these patients and their families, while learning about new forms of care and approaches to the process of dying.