Contemplative Caregiving: Finding Healing, Compassion, and Spiritual Growth through End-of-Life Care

by John Eric Baugher

Integrating two decades of hospice care and social science research, this heartfelt book offers practical lessons on the transformative possibilities of end-of-life caregiving.

Contemplative Caregiving  is an indispensable guide for end-of-life caregivers and for anyone seeking to transform experiences of caregiving and grief. Rather than leading to burnout and despair, caring for those who are suffering and dying can enrich our lives with meaning and further our own spiritual growth and resilience. Whether you are caring for a loved one with cancer or dementia, grieving a sudden traumatic loss, or even serving time in prison,  Contemplative Caregiving  offers encouragement for showing up to the fullness of life in whatever those circumstances may be. Healing, compassion, and spiritual growth are available to us all, in this lifetime, right now.

Baugher’s unique style of integrating social scientific research on caregiving and grief with teachings from Buddhist, contemplative Christian, and other wisdom traditions illuminates how we each can transform experiences of loss and suffering into a path of compassion.  Contemplative Caregiving  weaves together powerful stories from interviews with diverse hospice caregivers—Vietnam veterans, nurses, housewives, Catholic nuns, those convicted of murder—with the author’s own journey toward wholeness in the face of grief and traumatic loss, including the murder of his own mother. Through rich storytelling, teachings on compassion, and skillful contemplative exercises, Baugher invites you to join him in exploring the healing power of contemplative caregiving.

Genres: Nonfiction, Research, Death

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2019

Reviews

[KJ Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book is a little repetitive, but the spirit, compassion, and the stories of individuals told therein kept me going. I feel like I learned a lot—the vibe and word choice of the author is enough to explain the attitudes a caregiver can embody, and the examples he gives are succinct and pointed. As I head further into my own caregiving journey, I am happy I read this for the unique perspectives presented.

[Lisa Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I much appreciated the stories, the insights and the author's invitations to reflect on my own experience. I have found this book helpful, not just as a caregiver but also as a life-long learner wanting to live life fully and meaningfully.

[Craig Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to hospice in general, and particularly volunteering for hospice.

[Tiffanie Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for professionals and families alike! Easy to understand and embrace. Loved it. I read a little everyday on my lunch break at work ❤️