Care for the Dying

Publisher Marketing: This wise and practical handbook, written by a palliative care physician and a priest with experience in hospice ministry, addresses the needs of the dying, their relatives and friends, and also those who provide support and care. Recognizing that these needs are physical, emotional, and spiritual, Care for the Dying draws on insights from current best practice in palliative care, pastoral experience, and theological reflection. It explores the following: --the availability of care for the dying person --communicating with the family --responding to a request for assisted suicide --forgiveness, reconciliation and anointing --saying goodbyes --the mystery of suffering --dying with dignity --supporting the bereaved --caring for the carers. Throughout, there is a helpful emphasis on understanding the care of the dying as a privilege as well as a responsibility, on the importance of proper self-care and of gaining strength from working as a team. Many people, including medical professionals and clergy, are fearful of what to say or do when faced with approaching death. This resource will deepen understanding and build courage and confidence. ANDREW DAVISON lectures in theology at the University of Cambridge Divinity Faculty, and is the author of a number of books on theology and pastoral ministry. SIONED EVANS is a doctor who has specialised in palliative care and has taught ordinands on the subject of death and dying. Contributor Bio:  Davison, Andrew Andrew Davison received his Ph. D. from Imperial College in London, and was a lecturer at the University of Melbourne for six years, before moving to Prince of Songkla University in Thailand. He is the author of "Killer Game Programming in Java", "Pro Java 6 3D Game Development", and co-author (with Carol Hamer) of "Learn BlackBerry Games Development". Contributor Bio:  Evans, Sioned SIONED EVANS is an experienced specialist palliative care doctor who has been involved in teaching ordinands.