Human dignity in patients with terminal illness

Some people may argue that dignity is a western concept, and may not apply to Chinese populations. Zhai and Chan interviewed Chinese elderly persons, family members, and staff of long term care facilities in Beijing and Hong Kong respectively, on what the word ‘dignity’ means to them. All respondents thought that the concept of dignity was important. Respect for autonomy was important in preserving dignity. Even the way one was greeted could affect one’s dignity. Maintaining independence was also important. For people who had become dependent, family care and concern could help to restore dignity. Apart from autonomy and independence, preservation of social relationships was also a critical element of dignity. Dignity was also embodied in the filial piety of their children. Lack of concern from the family members would produce a loss of worthiness. Dignity also depended on one’s financial capacity, or the financial support provided by the family. However, one family member commented that ‘if you provide materialistic support to parents but you do not respect and care for them at all, you would be treating parents like animals’. Elderly people were concerned whether children would give them a phone call, take them to restaurants for dim sum, and bring them home for dinner during festivals. Chan quoted an administrator of a long term care facility, ‘A few days ago, an old lady living here was asked by another elderly person, “The Moon-Cake Festival is coming. Are you going home?” The old lady said ‘No!’ and she was very upset’.