Leaning into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers

by Stan Goldberg

Whether you’re coping with a loved one who has received a terminal diagnosis, has a long-term illness or disability, or suffers with dementia, caregiving is challenging and crucial. Those who face this responsibility, whether occasionally or 24/7, are brushing up against life’s sharpest point. In this book, Stan Goldberg offers an honest, caring, and comprehensive guide to those on this journey. Everyone wants to “do the right thing,” and this book provides the often-elusive how-to — from bedside etiquette to advice on initiating difficult conversations, caring for oneself while caring for another, navigating rapid changes in your loved one’s condition, and even offering “permission” for them to die. Goldberg’s stories demonstrate how to address the most difficult topics and will facilitate more open and useful communication and caregiving.

Genres: Buddhism, Self Help, Spirituality

232 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2012

About the author

Stan Goldberg has authored 7 books, 40 articles, and over 100 lectures and workshops throughout the world. His publications have received numerous national and international writing awards. His latest book, LESSONS FOR THE LIVING: Stories of Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Courage at the End of Life is Stans memoir of learning to live with cancer by helping people in hospice die. MYSELF.COM A book to change how you plan on living out the rest of your life." USAToday-"compassionate and inspiring.""

Reviews

[K2 ----- · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book full of insights and practical advice about what it is to be a caregiver and what ways one can properly care for someone with intention, compassion, and love.

There were several lines that I made notes of including, "The decision to die in a hospital has the underlying premise that the length of time left to live in more important than the quality of time remaining"

I read the book cover-to-cover in order but it is also a book that can be sampled and dipped in and out of. Clearly Stan Goldberg knows of what he writes and cares about the various people he has seen to as a hospice carer. His willingness to share his experience and wisdom is a gift to all readers.

I have read many books of this ilk and this one stands out as one of the best.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldberg shares what he has learned from his life as a hospice volunteer, family caregiver, and speech pathologist to assist caregivers. Goldberg provides a quiet, steady, and compassionate voice to help caregivers better understand the journey they are on with loved ones who have progressive and terminal illnesses. The books is rich with helpful practices to try, particularly with the wearying and trying times.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish I had read this before Bob's mother was dying
nice balance of thinking about caregivers and the cared-for
potential to help me help my dad...sigh

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for caregivers, this book is a treasure trove of information. It is slanted towards caregiving at the end of an adult life, but the information can be utilized by all in a caregiving role.

[Terena Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on caregiving I have ever read. Wish I had read it 20 years ago

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good general overview of the subject. It might just not have been the book I was looking for. His guidance on being a caregiver to someone who started out as a difficult human being in the first place did not help me. This may be more a reflection on my own character than the veracity of his advice.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A realistic guide to the difficulties of being a caregiver. Not the best book on the subject I've ever read but helpful none the less.

[Laurie Lyngen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Information