The Bottom Line
I've read several great books written for family members and caregivers of terminally ill patients but few are directed toward the ailing person himself. It was refreshing to read a book that empowers the patient to direct his health care and make important end-of-life choices.
I've started recommending this book to all my patients. It's so important to many people to know what they can expect as they progress towards death and what they can do to ensure a peaceful one, and this book has it all.
Pros
- Empowers patients to plan ahead and make end-of-life choices that are important to them.
- Guides patients through the entire trajectory of a terminal illness.
Cons
- You won't hear any from me.
Description
- Authors: Joanne Lynn, M.D. and Joan Harrold, M.D.
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Year Published: 1999
- ISBN: 0-19-514601-8
- Soft Cover Price: $15.95
Guide Review - Handbook for Mortals - Guide Review
"Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness" is about as close as you can get to an instruction manual for dying. The book begins by looking at how to live with a serious illness and cope with the changes in inevitably brings. It guides the reader through decision making processes and planning ahead. Tips for managing distressing symptoms are discussed with specific information about common end-of-life illnesses. Even ethical and moral aspects of end-of-life decisions are discussed, giving the reader a rich perspective of common arguments.
Common questions about the actual dying process and the grieving process of loved ones are answered and special topics, such as infant death, autopsies, and organ donation are discussed. It's expertly written and full of great advice.
I've started recommending this book to all my patients. It's so important to many people to know what they can expect as they progress towards death and what they can do to ensure a peaceful one, and this book has it all.
