This diploma thesis deals with the ethical problems contemporary dying and relationships society to death. One is devoted to issue dysthanasia, that approached as manipulation with death. Work looks for sources of dysthanasia and one finds is in contemporary attitudes medicine and patients to deaths, dehumanization of medicine and diversion from traditions. That also looks for pathway to prevention of dysthanasia. One sees is in repeated humanization of medicine, in accept the concept futile treatment and the capabilities to distinguish ordinary and extraordinary means. This work offers the alternative of dysthanasia palliative care and seeks for a position of social worker in it.

The objective of this Thesis is to outline the role of social work and social worker when accompanying a man in dying. The Thesis focuses on defining the social work and, at the same time, it points to the enormous diversity of the social work. The Thesis thus deals with the unclear definition of the field of social work as a particular helping profession, with the competency of social workers and with the current discussion about the need for a law on social workers. The Thesis also treats the phenomena of death and dying and how these issues are viewed from the perspective of social work. In the Thesis, these questions are highlighted in the context of the impact of the postmodern society. A large part of the Thesis is dedicated to finding the role of social work and social worker in hospice environment. Interest in dying clients and their loved ones represents an integral part of the Thesis, which also points out their needs, wishes and troubles. The Thesis outlines the issue of advisory for bereaved persons as well. Furthermore, it analyzes the ethical dimension of death and dying, especially with regard to human dignity. Critique of professional literature is confronted with author's own practical experience and with the output from an interview with a social worker.

The spiritual needs of pensioners in the residential home in Velká Bíteš Abstract: This theses focuses on spiritual needs of senior citizens living in the residential home for pensioners in Velká Bíteš. The theoretical part concentrates on the human needs, ageing and old age, healh and social services. It deals with spirituality, pastoral care, meaning of life and some religions. The practical part examinates the spiritual needs of pensioners in Velká Bíteš and tries to find out if these are sufficiently met. Further it maps the relation between the elderly to the faith, especially to some religious activities, and their cooperation with pastoral workers. The theses provides specific recommendations based on the results of the survay. The conclusion lists recommendations, which could be put into the practice and increase the quality of the spiritual care for senior citizens in residential facilities. Key words: HUMAN NEEDS, MEETING OF NEEDS, NEEDS BY MASLOW, SPIRITUAL NEEDS, AGEING OF PEOPLE, CHANGES IN OLD AGE, HEALTH CARE (SERVICES), SOCIAL CARE (SERVICES), RESIDENTIAL HOME, SPIRITUALITY, PASTORAL CARE, PASTORAL WORKER, DEATH, DYING, MEANING OF LIFE, V. E. FRANKL, SOLITUDE, RELIGION