Description
Book SynopsisWhat do we want for ourselves and our loved ones, 'when the time comes'? Jointly written, collected and curated by a doctor and nurse working in end-of-life care, this collection of personal experiences (of families and healthcare professionals) throws light on social, cultural and individual influences on what is expected but not necessarily wanted and when we need to start asking ourselves and our loved ones - and our patients - about their preferences. In particular, the issue of futile over-treatment getting in the way of peaceful opportunities to be with friends and family and say good-bye arises again and again. Far more universal and pressing than 'the right to die' is the right to have a non-medicalised and not over-extended, good quality end-of-life.
Table of ContentsForeword by Dr John Kellett (Ireland); Foreword by Dr Aoife Lowney (Oxford, UK); Introduction; Preparing for death but living life to the full; What time is the right time; An unexpected friendship; Where is the manual for the family of the dying person? The belated conversation and the imprecise directive; Not coming home; Letting go of love and life; The daughter from California syndrome; My 'new normal'; 'Ready to go' Bob; What Dad learnt from Mum's death; too late to change her mind; Knowing when to do nothing; Not for resuscitation; A celebration of life on his own terms; The advocate and translator; The right to not know; I think it was the right choice; Dying and grieving during the pandemic lockdown; Dad, sorry we can't honour your wishes; The future me; The 'other' end of end-of-life; Afterword by Norman Swan
