Whats a "good death," and how can you ensure one for yourself and your loved ones? The Bay Area News Groups Cost of Dying app contains the essential information you need to confront end-of-life issues ranging from making medical decisions to avoiding needless expenditures to spending your final days in comfort. Based on the personal story of a San Jose Mercury News reporter and incorporating poignant stories from readers, the app includes interactive graphics and videos and offers these features:
• A look at hospice and palliative care programs that make it possible to die at home
• An interactive journey through the legal forms that ensure decisions at the end of your life will be made according to your wishes
• An exploration of the pros and cons of one of the most controversial means of prolonging life, the feeding tube
• A look at the challenges and rewards of caring for critically ill loved ones
• Personal stories from people who explain how they and their loved ones took control of their final days
• An analysis of data showing which California hospitals hold down costs at the end of life
Hundreds of readers have credited the Cost of Dying series with easing their decision making at one of lifes most critical times. The Association of Health Care Journalists recently honored the Cost of Dying series with a first place in Consumer/Feature coverage for large newspapers.