What matters most when someone close to you has been diagnosed as terminal? Time and quality of life for both of you. Every death is individualboth for the one leaving and for the ones they leave behind. Focusing on what truly matters between human beings while taking care of living is what this book is about. It offers: tips for coping with the physical challenges that will impact both the person and the caregiver; advice on what to put in place to make things a little easier for those they leave behind; tips for those who are not going to be primary caregiver, but who are friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, whatever; others' stories; some humor to leaven.
There is no perfect way to walk through this time. (There's no perfect way to walk through all of life for that matter). But there are good ways to do it. Browse the chapter headings. Skip around in TIPS to solve specific problems. Search the Sources lists. Read the stories of others' experiences.
For the co-worker, the friend and the neighbor, the book offers advice and helpful hints on what to say or do as well as what not to say or do. For the loved one, spouse, and relative it's a practical guide to what you might expect at each stage and offers realistic and reasonable coping strategies. It includes examples born of the experience of a range of people -- professionals in the field as well as non-professionals -- of what you might experience on this difficult journey. Each death is individual just as are the relationships, personalities and personal dynamics involved. Despite that, there are also issues and threads that are universal in human life. This book can act as a practical guide, an encouraging friend and support, and offers hope for the best possible experience as you help to walk someone 'home.'
Across America, 43.5 million people, (nearly one in five adults) care for a loved one 50 or older according to AARP.
Collins, Sue: - Sue Collins has been a nurse for 40 years and a hospice nurse for 30 years. She has the extensive experience of the professional caregiver and has seen virtually everything at the end of life. This book arises out of the OMG!-I-can't-believe-they-said-that/did-that moments she's dealt with as well as the anger, frustration, grace and poignancy she has witnessed during the last days of patients for whom she has cared. Her father owned a hardware store in which she worked until she went to nursing school, and after her marriage she and her husband also owned a camera and photography business. She grew up boating, has two grown children and two grandchildren, and is an active competitive rower.
Robson, Nancy Taylor: - Nancy Taylor Robson, author of three other books, lost her father to bone cancer, which took approximately three years from diagnosis to departure, and her mother-in-law to a long decline and a series of strokes. She has sat by the deathbeds of treasured friends and seen more than one through the last months, weeks, days and hours of life. Each time has been an experience that has added to her understanding and knowledge. She knows that as painful a journey as this is, there can be gifts and blessings along the way. and she knows, (at least intellectually), that none of us is getting out of here alive.
