The End-of-Life Handbook: A Compassionate Guide to Connecting with and Caring for a Dying Loved One

by David B. Feldman, Stephen Andrew Lasher Jr., Ira Byock (Foreword)

This book address both the emotional and psychological issues associated with death and dying and the practical and medical realities typically dealt with at this time-unusual among titles in this subject area.
The authors, a psychologist and medical doctor, are passionate advocates for quality end-of-life care. Author Feldman's background in positive psychology brings an emphasis on hope, inspiration, meaning, and human connection at the end of life to the book.
As medical technology progresses and life expectancies edge upward, families are being faced with ever-more-complicated choices as loved ones approach their final hours. This book offers readers much-needed guidance and support for making these often difficult decisions.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, How To

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Chanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

highly recommended.

Ch. 1: Could the Doctors Be Wrong?
Understanding and Coming to Terms with Bad News

Ch. 2: Who Are All These People?
Making Sense of the Medical System and Its Many Faces

Ch. 3: What Treatments are Available?
Making Sense of Diseases and Medical Interventions

Ch. 4: What Can I Do About My Loved One's Pain and Suffering?
Addressing Symptoms and Difficulties

Ch. 5: Where Will It Happen?
Choosing the Right Place for Your Loved One

Ch. 6: How Will It Happen?
Dispelling Myths About the Final Days of Life

Ch. 7: How Should I Be Feeling?
Facing Your Feelings About Caring for a Losing a Loved One

Ch. 8: What Should I Be Saying?
Learning to Talk with Someone Who is Dying

Ch. 9: What Should I Be Doing? Part I
Attending to Practical Matters

Ch. 10: What Should I Be Doing? Part II
Attending to Matters of the Heart

Ch. 11: What Is the Meaning of It All?
Considering the Spiritual Aspects of Dying

Ch. 12: Will I Ever "Get Over" Losing My Loved One?
Discovering Life After Loss

Resources

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this book cover to cover because my dad died before I found it. However, in research for my own book, I took a careful look at it as reference. I found value in the end of the book that addressed grief and the resource section. I also was glad to see practical matters discussed such as Advanced Directives, Last Wills and Testaments and Funeral arrangements. The authors addressed subjects about symptoms, diagnosis, choices of care, the dying process and much more. There is a significant amount of sound advise to help you make better choices.

[Lisa_g · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can avoid discussing this for your whole life, but at some point you will become an active participant. A must read if you or someone you love plans to die (actually, you really don't have to plan).

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know very little about end-of-life decisions, eventhough I work with older adults, primarily. So far, this book has been helpful for my work on WVU's blood & marrow transplant unit this year.

[Marcia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far better than most self-help books, this clear-eyed and compassionate overview of a difficult yet universal topic brings reassurance and comfort.

[Debara Zeller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this because one of my loved ones is battling terminal cancer. Frankly, it didn't tell me a whole lot I didn't already know.

[Lori Watson koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

helped a lot with being and understanding my dad as he died.