Book Description

Five years after its first publication, with more than 150,000 copies in print, Final Gifts has become a classic. In this moving and compassionate book, hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley share their intimate experiences with patients at the end of life, drawn from more than twenty years experience tending the terminally ill.

Through their stories we come to appreciate the near-miraculous ways in which the dying communicate their needs, reveal their feelings, and even choreograph their own final moments; we also discover the gifts--of wisdom, faith, and love--that the dying leave for the living to share.

Filled with practical advice on responding to the requests of the dying and helping them prepare emotionally and spiritually for death, Final Gifts shows how we can help the dying person live fully to the very end ... Read more

Reviews (58)

An Absolute Must Read
A friend of my mother sent us this book while we were spending the final weeks of my father's life taking care of him at home. We had hospice services but they came nowhere near touching on our emotional needs as caregivers. Mom was a nurse and intellectually knew what to expect physically through the dying process. This book helped both of us tremendously. Anyone going through caring and slowly losing someone with a terminal illness needs to read this book. It helps give you the courage to say what needs to be said. You'll still have grief but hopefully, less regrets and more understanding. Dad went through every phase of death, like textbook, as I had read in the book. He died on a Wednesday and we knew the weekend before it would be his last weekend with us. Giving final gifts is the last opportunity to give the best of your love to someone while you still can. This is a book to keep extra copies of to give to someone who needs it when you don't know exactly what to say.

If you read only one book on dying read this one!
Written by hospice nurses with a lifetime of experience dealing with the dying, you are spared all the cliches about dying. This book trains us to be aware of the messages and information that the dying provide us with. The language of the dying is highly symbolic and indirect, often revealed through visions and dreams. Through dozens of case histories the authors teach by example how to interpret this information, and how to use it to provide the means for a peaceful death. Wonderful for learning how to improve communication with the dying. The book is also rich in background content with some history of hospice tossed in. This book had a truly transformative effect on me, something that I didn't think was possible!! I would really have missed out on some major personal growth if I hadn't read this book!! Extremely well written, this is one of those books that you just can't put down until you've done. I can't say that about any other book on death and dying I've come across.

Final Gifts - a must read book!
I read the book on the year anniversary of my father's death. It was well-written. It was highly recommended by a colleague and is a very moving book written by these hospice nurses. A must read for BEFORE the dying process, but helpful for after the death of a loved one!

Helpful and comforting
A friend gave this to me when my mother was dying at home with the wonderful help of Hospice workers. It helped us all get through each day with its gentle insights and good advice. Highly recommended.

Read BEFORE death is imminent... change lives and deaths
"Final Gifts" was suggested to me after I spoke to an old friend who called to talk to me after being told he had a week to live. There were many gems within which helped me to communicate well with him and his wife (another close friend) in his final week of life.

I am very grateful I was able to read this as my friend was dying instead of after he was gone. I strongly suggest people begin reading this book as soon as they know death is possible: before it is imminent.

We need to demystify the dying process and stop being afraid of it. This book does a great service in that direction. ... Read more

Book Description

A standard reference in the home health market, Handbook of Home Health Standards and Documentation Guidelines for Reimbursement includes everything the home care nurse needs to effectively document care based on accepted professional standards.For each of the more than 60 clinical problems included, this handbook offers detailed standards and documentation guidelines including ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes, service skills, factors justifying homebound status, outcomes and goals, discharge plans, and specific tips for reimbursement. Widely known as the "little red book," the fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded to include new guidelines on trauma and ventilator care, basic assessment tools, OASIS considerations, up-to-date coding, and the most recent government regulations, including all new information on the Prospective Payment System (PPS) that the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) mandated for home care effective October 2000. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Home Health Standards
A MUST resource guide for all nurses who work in the Home Health industry.

Best training manual for nurses ever written
I have always used this handbook to train new home care nurses. It's compact enough to fit into their nursing bag and tote along on admissions. Be sure to order one for each nurse and therapist or they will get into a tug of war over them

Answers legal questions quickly
Home health regulations have always been lengthy and murky to the average nurse. This small but concise book gets to the bottom line clearly and quickly. Questions such as maximum hours of weekly coverage and homebound requirements are clearly discussed. An essential resource book for team teaching in a home health agency. A great car guide to the nurse making home visits. I have ordered this book 3 or 4 times over the last 10 years of home health nursing experience. Reach for this book first if you are a new home health nurse in a certified agency - you will not regret it. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you are a healthcare professional who cares for dying patients or a family member caring for a loved one who is approaching death, you will appreciate the information in the second edition of Healing the Dying. This practical, yet compassionate, guide explores ways caretakers can assist the dying person reach a sense of integration of self and life, claim his life as his own, and feel his death matters to someone.The author thoroughly discusses the needs of caretakers who are caring for the terminally ill and explores the relationship between death and society throughout history, how to comfort the dying individual and how to help families deal with the loss of a loved one.The book also includes goals for comfort in dying, pain management, spirituality, and care of the caregiver.Comprehensive in its scope, this book is a thoughtful look at what "to heal the dying" really means. (Key Words: dying, healing, hospice, hospice care, grief counseling, bereavement, spirituality) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

raving
This book is wonderful! It really helped me gather infomation on a career interest. I have definatly decided to become a geriatric nurse after reading this awesome book. ... Read more

Book Description

The first edition of this book was highly acclaimed and became the definitive text in the area. Its successor has been substantially enlarged, revised and improved. New chapters cover the provision and economics of palliative care, measurement of pain and other symptoms, principles of drug use, interventional radiology, asthenia, pruritus and sweating, pediatric palliative care, AIDS in children, and multiprofessional education. A number of chapters have been completely or substantially re-written. Over 100 European and North American experts contribute to this edition, many for the first time.

The Textbook's wide-ranging approach details every aspect of palliative care--physical, emotional, social and spiritual--in both research and practice. Sections examine the scientific principles underlying the subject, and offer a thorough review of the current status of research in the field. Besides emphasizing the emotional and psychological needs of the dying, the book considers the suffering of the family and discusses bereavement, support, the involvement of relatives, and the issue of domiciliary care. Other chapters cover the ethical aspects of care, rehabilitation, and the education and training of health professionals. Although based on practice in the developed world, the growing relevance of palliative care in the developing world is stressed throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine 3e
It's here. What we've all been waiting for. The third edition of the OTPM. And it does not disappoint.

This edition looks to be largely re-written, not just up-dated, and there are many new contributors. There is a new section on the palliation of non-malignant disease, which I think will be particularly useful for the majority of us who deal primarily with advanced cancer. New chapters deal with the role of each of the allied health professionals who make up the multidisciplinary team. There are also new chapters on the principles of evidence-based medicine and on learning communication skills, both of which I think are particularly welcome.

It is not possible to review each section of what is a very large textbook. Overall, it provides good coverage of the whole field of palliative medicine. Duplication, as may occur in any multi-authored text, has been kept to a minimum. Although it has about the same number of pages, the use of a smaller (but very legible) font gives the impression that this edition is considerably larger and has a lot more information than the previous one. I have to declare that I wrote the chapter on HIV/AIDS in Adults, about which nothing more will be said, but had nothing else to do with the production of this book.

Is it up to date? I browsed a few areas where practice has changed in the last few years and found good coverage for selective COX-2 inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists and interventional radiology, although the usefulness of low molecular weight heparins in palliative care has not been emphasized.

Is it worth it? The book is not cheap by anybody's standards. But the answer has to be yes because this book will remain the gold standard reference in palliative medicine for the next few years at least. The editors are to be congratulated on the successful completion of what is a very impressive reference. And all who work in palliative medicine owe a debt of gratitude to Derek Doyle, who has now pioneered this book through three editions.

Dr Roger Woodruff
Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia

Palliative Medicine
For local physician's association who counts up to 350 GP' ... Read more

Book Description

Home Care Aide: Inservice Modules is a collection of materials that will compliment any inservice training program.Twenty modules supply the trainer with current research materials, as well as overhead transparency masters and handouts that can be customized to meet the needs of specific programs and audiences.Real-life scenarios personalize program material and illustrate the practical application of concepts in the working environment.Bibliographies of research sources and relevant Web sites are included to encourage and facilitate further study. ... Read more

Book Description

In gentle, compassionate language, The Needs of the Dying helps us through the last chapter of our lives. Author David Kessler has identified key areas of concern: the need to be treated as a living human being, the need for hope, the need to express emotions, the need to participate in care, the need for honesty, the need for spirituality, and the need to be free of physical pain. Examining the physical and emotional experiences of life-challenging illnesses, Kessler provides a vocabulary for communication with doctors, with hospital staff, and with each other, and-at a time when the right words are exceedingly difficult to find-he helps readers find a way to say good-bye. Using comforting and touching stories, including new accounts about Michael Landon and Anthony Perkins, he provides information to help us meet the needs of a loved one at this important time in our lives. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a guide in life's final chapter
The Needs of the Dying addresses the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill. It is an easy to read guide that examines what the dying need for a peaceful death. This book is appropriate for family and friends of the dying. It expresses what the dying would want us to understand about their journey but could not tell us.

This book was a wonderful gift
I bought this book when my Dad was entering into the final few months of his life and I wanted to go through this final chapter of his life with him in a meaningful way. David Kessler provides information on the needs of the dying in a kind, compassionate and truthful way. I find knowledge to be comforting and grounding. If you do also, this book will be a special gift to yourself.

A GREAT BOOK IF A LOVED ONE IS DYING
I bought this book because my mother is dying and I needed to know more. Kessler has a wonderful way of delivering this knowledge. He is thorough in imparting this knowledge and does so with total compassion for the dying and the living. I underscored many passages in this work and especially appreciated someone telling me (chapter 8) what can I expect in the way of physical signs as mom goes through the dying process. This book is very user friendly having a very readable quality. I strongly recommend it!

A Godsend.
A must-read for anyone who is experiencing the death of a loved one. This book really helps you understand what your father or mother or other loved one is experiencing, and gives you practical suggestions for how to deal with all the emotions YOU might be experiencing. Beautifully written and easy to read without a bunch of psycho-babble.

Thank you David Kessler.

Give to friends dealing with family final illnesses
As a baby boomer, I have more and more friends dealing with their own illnesses or with the terminal illnesses of their friends and parents. I have ordered a stock of Mr. Kessler's book to give to them. It offers helpful advice on how to communicate in a compassionate and loving way--whether you are suffering from your own illness and trying to find a way to talk about it or trying to talk to dying friends or family. It is extraordinarily difficult to know how to approach the subject of dying--this book is a godsend. ... Read more

Book Description

Covering everything from the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology to postpartum care, this book offers well-organized chapter, easy-to-follow narrative, step-by-step procedures, and many concept-supporting illustrations. Explores such areas as corporate compliance, patient satisfaction, and cultural competencies. Also updates/expands sections on identifying abuse, and incorporating standard precautions into all activities. For home health care professionals seeking a refresher and reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

This pocket-sized companion includes the tools needed to quickly analyze medical terms, accurately form medical plurals, understand clinical tests and diagnostic procedures, interpret medical laboratory tests, identify common prescription drugs and their uses, translate medical word parts to English, and translate from English to medical word parts. A quick reference, full-color anatomy orientation is included, as well as other helpful resources such as information on prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, abbreviations, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

WONDERFUL REFERENCE FOR STUDENTS!
This little book has been a most valuable addition to my library. Wouldn't leave home or office without it!

Great book to have handy
I am a student studying to be a medical assistant and this book is wonderful. It is small enough you can carry it to every class with you and will be helpful when you join the workforce. It has alot of information like abbreviations, acronyms for healthcare organizations and much, much more.

I like the price as well. Medical books are usually very [costly] but this is exactly what I was looking for at a great price.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Hospice and Palliative Care, Concepts and Practice offerstheoretical perspectives and practical information about this growing field. Inthe first part the authors present a historical overview of hospice and explainhow the interdisciplinary team functions in the hospice setting. In the secondpart the authors discuss challenges to the team including symptom management,death education, ethical issues, and support groups. The future of hospice isaddressed in the final part. The contributors are expert in community medicalcare, geriatric care, nursing care, pain management, research, counseling, andhospice management. ... Read more

Book Description

This popular text provides complete coverage of the knowledge and skills nursing assistants need to work in a long-term care facility. The concise, readable, highly visual format appeals to learners of all levels. The clear, logical presentation of procedures, with hundreds of large, full-color photos and drawings, makes it easy for students to learn and understand. This new edition addresses the expanding role of the nursing assistant in long-term care, providing additional coverage of assisted living, restraint alternatives, transfers, wound care, elderly abuse, and restorative nursing. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mosby's Textbook for Long-term care Nursing Assistants
I bought this book along with other recommended reference books for CNAs, and in my opinion this one is the best. It is absolutely a pleasure to read, easy to follow procedures, great color pictures and illustrations. Very user-friendly format. I was actually looking forward to study time using this book.
I would also recommend the Workbook that supplements this textbook.

Out of date in body mechanics/transfers/safety
As a nursing instructor working closely with rehab we found this book out of date, with no changes in transfers, body mechanics that have been updated for safety throughout the years. The demos show transfers with staff using poor body mechanics, leaning over residents, not using lower legs using lower back muscles. Moving a person to the side of the bed technique demonstratess segmental movement taking the resident out of body alignment. There are up to date techniques for this. Mercury thermometers are no longer used. A two person transfer to the wheelchair in this book involves picking up the resident from the back and lifting with someone in the front with the legs. if a resident needs this then a hoyer a must. For back safety! The Essentials of Nursing Assistants by Mosby Second Edition, includes the same outdated pictures and demonstrations.

Mosby's Textbook for Long-term Care Assistants
As a teacher of nursing assistants, I find the book to be the most helpful. Easy reading, descriptive drawings for the procedures they must learn and practice. I am looking forward to an addition of a "student Workbook". Although this textbook does has excellent chapter reviews with practice questions and answers. The State exam is 100 questions long and this helps them with not fearing answering multiple choice questions. ... Read more

Book Description

Graduate students in health care administration, public health, nursing and social work will appreciate this comprehensive overview of long-term health care. It provides a solid framework for understanding this highly fragmented field. Key sections explain the operating characteristics of each type of long term health care facility; discusses case management, information systems and financing associated with long-term care; and details specific health care systems for seniors, children, mental health clients, veterans and rehabilitation patients. Client examples along with tables and graphs improve your understanding of material. An instructor's guide and review questions make this book useful for faculty and students alike.Key features *Covers long-term care for various populations and age groups that must be served *Discusses long-term care through hospitals, nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospices and assisted living facilities *Client examples, tables and graphs help improve understanding of content(KEYWORDS:health care, public health, administration, nursing, long-term care, graduate level) ... Read more

Book Description

This best-selling competency-based learning system provides comprehensive coverage of the theory and skills required for nursing assistants working in acute, long-term, and home health care settings. It includes all of the essential information needed to pass the competency evaluation exam required by the Omnibur Reconciliation Act (OBRA) as well as advanced nursing assistant skills.The innovative book, workbook, video series, and instructor support materials include 143 step-by-step procedures that emphasize patient/client rights, safety issues, and infection control guidelines.(OBRA, CNA)ALSO AVAILABLE - INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Student Workbook ISBN: 0-8273-9062-9 Instructor's Manual ISBN: 0-8273-9059-9 Instructor's Resource Kit ISBN: 0-8273-9060-2 Computerized TestbankISBN: 0-8273-9061-0 Nursing Assisting Video Series, 3E ISBN: 0-8273-7533-6 Nursing Assistant Challenge Software (with site license) ISBN: 0-8273-7980-3 Nursing Assistant Challenge Software (individual license)ISBN: 0-8273-7870-X ... Read more

Book Description

Helping your family and loved ones when they need you most

"Caregiving has a big heart–on a much-needed topic. A rare book of spiritual and practical wisdom."–Sue Benderauthor of Plain and Simple and Everyday Sacred

"A poignant, wise, and in-the-trenches view of caregiving that is both practical and spiritual, especially of value to midlife adults."–Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of Goddesses in Everywoman and Close to the Bone

"Lovely. . . . Beth McLeod’s experience and wisdom shine through as she shares her heartfelt journey of loss, surrender, hope, and healing."–David Simon, M.D. medical director, the Chopra Center for Well Being, author of Vital Energy and Return to Wholeness

Sooner or later it will touch us all: A family member or loved one becomes ill or disabled, and we step in to help. This is caregiving, and in this powerful, unique book, prizewinning writer and advocate Beth Witrogen McLeod leads us through the caregiving journey with unflinching authority and compassion.Framed by the author's personal odyssey as a caregiver and richly informed by the inspiring and poignant tales of others, Caregiving explores medical and financial problems, all aspects of spirituality, and such issues as depression, stress, housing, home care, and end-of-life concerns. A rare blend of powerful storytelling and practical information, Caregiving is a revelation. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

highly recommended!
Caregiving is a godsend. Many of my grieving clients have struggled with the challenges of caring for a dying parent, an experience that can be fulfilling but also exhausting and even traumatic at times. In this helpful and heartful book, Beth McLeod weaves her own moving story with the stories of other caregivers, advice from professionals, and helpful suggestions; it offers offers the reader comfort, guidance and inspiration. I have already recommended it to many of my friends and clients.

A "Must Read" book on Caregiving Love & Joy of Life Renewal
Every adult should read this book. It is heart warming and inspirational; practical and thorough with all aspects of caregiving. McCleod plumbs the depth of the soul challenged with caregiving. Her personal story of loss, the many poignant tales of caregivers, helpful advice from professionals, and the spiritual transformation that occurs with the care and loss. It also is a glorious reaffirmation of the joy of life that continues for the caregiver...even after loss. As Rosalyn Carter said: "There are only 4 types of people: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who receive care, and those who will be caregivers in the future!" This book must be read and re-read ....it will inspire you as you learn what true love and commitment is, the innermost core of you, and finally, you will cherish the stories of caregivers who were changed forever as they resumed their lives after loss. This will be a landmark book on the Rite of Passage and the Human Spirit. It is a worthy adjunct to Gail Sheehy's book of the Rites of Passage. Thank you, Beth McCloud

A highly compelling and poignant book for all of us.
Beth Witrogen McLeod's book Caregiving The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal is a must read for any person taking care of an ill loved one, whether they are a child, spouse and/or aging parent. My interview with Beth revealed a strong woman with a fierce detrmination to help other caregivers make the most of a very painful situation. Beth includes her own personal journey along with the stories of hundreds of people she has met online in her chat groups or in person during her many public appearances in her incredible book. As the creator and editor of HotFlash! a woman's online perimenopause/menopause magazine and online support group, I have found women in the same place as Beth. She has described so well in her book the guilt, the pain, the sorrow and yes, at times, the joy of taking care of a sick loved one. In attempting to find hope and love in a truly difficult situation, Beth guides us to make good decisions not only for the person needing care but for the person herself. She pulls back the curtain on this often overlooked yet important topic.

This is a must read for anyone taking care of a loved one and for the rest of us who will one day be in these extraordinary shoes.

Fascinating
This is a fascinating book. I highly recommend it, although I was hoping it would have more concrete ideas for caring for an elder. I would recommend something like the Fourteen friends Guide to Eldercaring if you are looking for comcrete suggestions and a unique support group.

A beautiful, and inspiring book that has touched our hearts.
Beth has been there for all of us as the head of our "Caregiving" support group. Her experience and knowledge has helped us through, and her beautiful book has helped us know, why she is so caring of others. A must read for all CAREGIVERS. ... Read more

Book Description

The updated edition of this unique guide provides practical and innovative strategies for care of people with Alzheimer's disease.Written from the viewpoint that activity-focused care promotes the resident's cognitive, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual wellbeing, the text is very readable and highly recommended for caregivers and families of people with Alzheimer's disease. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Resourceful Care Planning Guide
I don't need a thousand words to encourage the publisher to print more books. This book provides wonderful information on the problems that arise and some strategies for care of the individual with Alzheimer's. I really wished I hadn't loaned my copy out...ah well perhaps someone is finding what a great resource it is for the caregiver. ... Read more

Book Description

This concise text is specifically targeted for shorter nursing assistant courses, and focuses on OBRA required content. This 2nd edition includes new and expanded coverage of work ethics, comfort, wound care and oxygen needs. It addresses current responsibilities of the nursing assistant in a concise, readable, highly visual format that appeals to learners of all levels. The clear, logical presentation of procedures with full-color photos and drawings makes it easy for students to learn and understand. Skills included in the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) are highlighted. ... Read more

Book Description

This textbook is known for its comprehensive coverage, readability, and visual presentation. This revision builds on these strengths, adding new content and features to better address learning needs and practice realities. Increased emphasis on delegation and safety help prepare students to function most effectively in today's practice settings.

* Comprehensive coverage of nursing assistant responsibilities in all settings
* Nearly 1,000 full-color photos and drawings provide clear, visual explanation of concepts and actions
* Learning Objectives for each chapter help students focus on information presented
* Key Terms with definitions help students understand chapter content
* Step-by-step procedures detail skills and are divided into pre-, procedure, and post-procedure sections for easier learning
* Icons in section headings alert student to associated procedure
* Focus On... boxes address the special needs of children, elders, long-term care residents, and home care patients
* Caring about Culture boxes provide information to help students learn about the practices of other cultures
* Chapter Review Questions help students evaluate learning
* Quality of Life sections in the procedures remind students to show respect for the person by performing simple courtesies such as knocking before entering the room, calling the person by name, and more ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Textbook for Nursing Assistants Text and Workbook Package
As a Nursing Assistant Instructor, this very updated textbook is pleasing to the eye, easy to read, excellent illustrations and chapter reviews. The workbook has crossword puzzles and other game and FUN related activities for the students to interact and learn together in class. A great Deal! IF you are a student or a teacher, DON'T delay, order right away.

Nursing Assistant 4th edition
I am a Nursing Assistant instructor at Guam Community College. I teach both at the post secondary level and high school. I have used this edition for 2 years and am in desperate need to obtain the teachers edition. I have tried to contact Mosby directly but without success. If you can help me with ordering teachers edition I would truly appreciate it. Please let me know ASAP. ... Read more

Book Description

An internationally renowned palliative care physician offers sensitive guidance, solace, and helpful strategies for people living with a terminal illness and their caregivers.

Facing death results in more fear and anxiety than any other human experience. Though much has been done to address the physical pain suffered by those with a terminal illness, Western medicine has been slow to understand and alleviate the psychological and spiritual distress that comes with the knowledge of death. In What Dying People Want, Dr. David Kuhl begins to bridge that gap by addressing end-of-life realities -practical and emotional -through his own experiences as a doctor and through the words and experiences of people who knew that they were dying.

Dr. Kuhl presents ways of finding new life in the process of dying, understanding the inner reality of living with a terminal illness, and addressing the fear of pain, as well as pain itself. He also offers concrete guidance on how to enhance doctor/patient relationships and hold family meetings, and provides an introduction to the process of life review.

It is possible to find meaning and peace in the face of death. What Dying People Want "helps us learn to view the knowledge of death as a gift, not a curse." (New Times) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

rational guide to understanding the needs of the dying
This book explores the rational needs of the dying and is well written and easy to understand, in parts engaging though a bit lengthy.
Caregivers,friends,family of dying can gain some insight into the personal and social aspects of some of the issues the dying deal with including coping with pain, cargeivers, friends, family, and finding meaning. Nonetheless,it lacks thoroughness, is somewhat unsystematic and oversimplifies many aspects of dying.The author failed to borrow from many studies now available on hospice and palliative care not to mention social psychology and communication theory.The author seems to believe finding meaning for the dying is critical and achieveable. In this regard, I am reminded of William James belief about "healthy-mindedness"-an unrealistic optimism which is uncanny given the author is critical of how caregivers provide for the dying.
If you want a cursory, rational, unemotional beginners guide to what the dying deal with this is a decent choice but sedulous professionals or serious devotee need look elsewhere.

A wise and wonderful book
Dr. David Kuhl's book is the culmination of a ten year research study sponsored by the Project on Death in America. After receiving special training, he listened to the stories of people diagnosed with either cancer or AIDS. Even though his subjects, or "coresearchers" (his preferred term) were of varied marital, sexual, social, financial, familial and cultural backgrounds, their stories revealed common themes. Dr. Kuhl explains what each theme means to his coresearchers and translates their experiences into useful advice for terminally ill people, the people who love them and the health professionals caring for them.
Dr. Kuhl has written a quiet, thoughtful and moving book that is also quite practical. But be forewarned: it's not easy reading. For to acknowledge the dying experiences of others, we must confront our own mortality. Those who take the journey through to the end of the book may discover unexpected places in themselves more comfortably left hidden. But as Dr. Kuhl states, "Living and dying well involve enhancing one's sense of self, one's relationships with others, and one's understanding of the transcendent, the spiritual, the supernatural. And only in confronting the inevitability of death does one truly embrace life." ... Read more