Living With Grief When Illness Is Prolonged

by Kenneth J. Doka (editor), Joyce Davidson (Editor)

This book was produced as a companion to the Hospice Foundation of America's fourth annual national bereavement teleconference. Hospice Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership in the development of hospice and its philosophy of care for terminally-ill people. Through education, research, and philanthroptc programs, The Hospice Foundation of America assists those who cope either personally or professionally with terminal illness and the process of death, grief and bereavement. In addition to the annual teleconference, the Foundation publishes Journeys, a monthly newsletter to help in bereavement; produces A Guide to Recalling and Telling Your Life Story, a tool to assist people in writing their autobiographies; and provides a number of free informational brochures on hospices, military service centers, and other organizations. The Foundation is developing an audiotape series entitled Clergy to Clergy to help clergy members learn more about grief and bereavement issues.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of papers about how a prolonged illness is slowly killing a person, and how that is different from a sudden death or one with a short illness. Prolonged illness means that the care giver is on call for a much longer time; this takes a huge toll on the caregiver both mentally and physically. On the one hand, a longer illness gives time for talking, finding out about the dying person’s life and opinions, and for understanding and forgiving. But the longer time needing care can bring on feelings of guilt in the dying person, fearing they are asking too much of their family.

It’s an interesting book, but because it’s written by several people, certain passages are much more user friendly than others. It goes over such things as anticipatory grief, ethical considerations, hospice care, and sections on AIDS, cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. The final part consists of how long term disease effects children and teens, things the caregiver should do, and the use of rituals both before and after death. I’d give it five stars for useful information, but only 3 ½ stars for being reader friendly- many passages seem to be written for the professional hospice worker, mental health professional, or MD. So that leaves it with a 4 star rating.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have a "constantly-reading" category for many of my book selections. This is a book that I buy multiple copies of and hand out to others. Doka is an accessible, compassionate write whose experience is with a national hospice association. He offers practical advice arranged in a way that does not overwhelm the individual who is seeking guidance for themselves or for others.