Download or read book EBOOK A Good Death On the Value of Death and Dying written by Lars Sandman and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2004-09-16 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ·Is there such a thing as a good death? ·Should we be able to choose how we wish to die? ·What are the ethical considerations that surround a good death? The notion of a ‘good death’ plays an important role in modern palliative care and remains a topic for lively debate. Using philosophical methods and theories, this book provides a critical analysis of Western notions surrounding the dying process in the palliative care context. Sandman highlights how our changing ideas about the value of life inevitably shape the concept of a good death. He explores the varying perspectives on the good death that come from friends, family, physicians, spiritual carers and others close to the dying person. Setting out a number of arguments for and against existing thinking about a good death, this book links to the practice of palliative care in several key areas including: ·An exploration of the universal features of dying ·The process of facing death ·Preparation for death ·The environment of dying and death The author concludes that it is difficult to find convincing reasons for any one way to die a good death and argues for a pluralist approach. A Good Death is essential reading for students and professionals with an interest in palliative care and end-of-life issues.
Download or read book The Good Death written by Ann Neumann and published by Beacon Press. This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following the death of her father, journalist and hospice volunteer Ann Neumann sets out to examine what it means to die well in the United States. When Ann Neumann’s father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she left her job and moved back to her hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She became his full-time caregiver—cooking, cleaning, and administering medications. When her father died, she was undone by the experience, by grief and the visceral quality of dying. Neumann struggled to put her life back in order and found herself haunted by a question: Was her father’s death a good death? The way we talk about dying and the way we actually die are two very different things, she discovered, and many of us are shielded from what death actually looks like. To gain a better understanding, Neumann became a hospice volunteer and set out to discover what a good death is today. She attended conferences, academic lectures, and grief sessions in church basements. She went to Montana to talk with the attorney who successfully argued for the legalization of aid in dying, and to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to listen to “pro-life” groups who believe the removal of feeding tubes from some patients is tantamount to murder. Above all, she listened to the stories of those who were close to death. What Neumann found is that death in contemporary America is much more complicated than we think. Medical technologies and increased life expectancies have changed the very definition of medical death. And although death is our common fate, it is also a divisive issue that we all experience differently. What constitutes a good death is unique to each of us, depending on our age, race, economic status, culture, and beliefs. What’s more, differing concepts of choice, autonomy, and consent make death a contested landscape, governed by social, medical, legal, and religious systems. In these pages, Neumann brings us intimate portraits of the nurses, patients, bishops, bioethicists, and activists who are shaping the way we die. The Good Death presents a fearless examination of how we approach death, and how those of us close to dying loved ones live in death’s wake.
Download or read book A Better Death written by Ranjana Srivastava and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2019-06-01 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A powerful, timely exploration of the art of living and dying on our own terms by one of Australia’s most respected voices Of all the experiences we share, two universal events bookend our lives: we were all born and we will all die. We don't have a choice in how we enter the world but we can have a say in how we leave it. In order to die well, we must be prepared to contemplate our mortality and to broach it with our loved ones, who are often called upon to make important decisions on our behalf. These are some of the most important conversations we can have with each other - to find peace, kindness and gratitude for what has gone before, and acceptance of what is to come. Dr Ranjana Srivastava draws on two decades of experience to share her observations and advice on leading a meaningful life and finding dignity and composure at the end. With an emphasis on advocacy, leaving a legacy and staying true to our deepest convictions, Srivastava tells stories of strength, hope and resilience in the face of grief and offers an optimistic meditation on approaching the end of life. Intelligent, warm and deeply affecting, A Better Death is a passionate exploration of the art of living and dying well. Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM is a practising oncologist, award-winning writer, broadcaster and Fulbright scholar. See www.ranjanasrivastava.com
Download or read book Death and the Afterlife written by Samuel Scheffler and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2013-09-09 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Suppose you knew that, though you yourself would live your life to its natural end, the earth and all its inhabitants would be destroyed thirty days after your death. To what extent would you remain committed to your current projects and plans? Would scientists still search for a cure for cancer? Would couples still want children? In Death and the Afterlife, philosopher Samuel Scheffler poses this thought experiment in order to show that the continued life of the human race after our deaths--the "afterlife" of the title--matters to us to an astonishing and previously neglected degree. Indeed, Scheffler shows that, in certain important respects, the future existence of people who are as yet unborn matters more to us than our own continued existence and the continued existence of those we love. Without the expectation that humanity has a future, many of the things that now matter to us would cease to do so. By contrast, the prospect of our own deaths does little to undermine our confidence in the value of our activities. Despite the terror we may feel when contemplating our deaths, the prospect of humanity's imminent extinction would pose a far greater threat to our ability to lead lives of wholehearted engagement. Scheffler further demonstrates that, although we are not unreasonable to fear death, personal immortality, like the imminent extinction of humanity, would also undermine our confidence in the values we hold dear. His arresting conclusion is that, in order for us to lead value-laden lives, what is necessary is that we ourselves should die and that others should live. Death and the Afterlife concludes with commentary by four distinguished philosophers--Harry Frankfurt, Niko Kolodny, Seana Shiffrin, and Susan Wolf--who discuss Scheffler's ideas with insight and imagination. Scheffler adds a final reply.
Download or read book On Death and Dying written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and published by . This book was released on 1969 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book EBOOK Death s Dominion Ethics at the End of Life written by Simon Woods and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2006-12-16 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is very readable and well argued using real life cases and thought experiments as well … The book provides the reader with a short history of and an overview of the most important issues in modern palliative care. Various theoretical discussions are clearly set out, such as: the relationship between the hospice movement and modern palliative care, between palliative care and health care in general, between palliative sedation and euthanasia, and the question whether euthanasia can be part of palliative care. The author starts with exploring the existing debates and then develops his own arguments in a balanced and well-structured way." Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy "The text of this book is accessible, the philosophical and ethical arguments are clearly articulated, and relevant ethical principles are integrated into the critique of the issues, making this a very useful book for nurses working in palliative as well as in general care." Nursing Ethics "It is crucially important for any student or researcher who is seriously consideringethical and policy matters at the end of life to embrace and tackle intellectually the issues that Woods raises in this book. I would happily recommend it." Journal of Medical Ethics What constitutes a good death? Is it possible to arrange a good death? Is killing compatible with caring? This book looks at death and the issues and ethical dilemmas faced at the end of life. It addresses the central issues in the field such as: Withholding and withdrawing treatment Euthanasia and assisted suicide Terminal sedation The role of autonomy Palliative care Drawing on a philosophical framework, the author explores end-of-life issues in order to reflect on the nature of the good death and how this may be achieved. The book considers whether it is permissible or desirable to influence the quality of dying: offering palliative sedation as a possible alternative to terminal sedation, the argument is extended to examine why some forms of assisted dying can be shown to be compatible with the ideas of palliative care. Consideration is also given to future developments such as life extension techniques and the ethical questions that that these techniques might raise. As such, the book follows in the ongoing philosophical tradition to critique and analyse current thought on the topic of death, encouraging self-reflection in the reader and offering suggestions for practice in end-of-life care. Death’s Dominion is key reading for students and professionals involved in care of the dying, as well as those with an interest in the philosophical issues surrounding end-of-life care.
Download or read book EBOOK Death and Medical Power An Ethical Analysis of Dutch Euthanasia Practice written by Henk ten Have and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2005-05-16 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How have Dutch debates on end-of-life care developed so differently from most other countries, finally resulting in the legalization of euthanasia? What are the relevant legal, medical and ethical dimensions of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide? What lessons can be learned from the Dutch experience with euthanasia? In all modern countries a good death and relief of suffering are important issues of public debate. The bioethical debate in the Netherlands is unique since it has been focusing on the issue of euthanasia for more than thirty years. This book describes the debate, explains its origins, and analyses its development, resulting in the legislation of euthanasia. It also presents data on the medical practice of euthanasia with examples of cases. Death and Medical Power details the evolution as well as the complexities of the legal responses to physician involvement in euthanasia. The authors analyze the ethical debate concerning euthanasia, discussing the pros and cons of medical termination of human life. The book concludes with a section on the lessons to be learned from the Dutch experience. This unique study will be of relevance to all clinicians and other professionals involved in end-of-life care, to health policy makers and educators, as well as anybody else interested in the ethics of euthanasia.
Download or read book From Here to Eternity Traveling the World to Find the Good Death written by Caitlin Doughty and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2017-10-03 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller “Doughty chronicles [death] practices with tenderheartedness, a technician’s fascination, and an unsentimental respect for grief.” —Jill Lepore, The New Yorker Fascinated by our pervasive fear of dead bodies, mortician Caitlin Doughty embarks on a global expedition to discover how other cultures care for the dead. From Zoroastrian sky burials to wish-granting Bolivian skulls, she investigates the world’s funerary customs and expands our sense of what it means to treat the dead with dignity. Her account questions the rituals of the American funeral industry—especially chemical embalming—and suggests that the most effective traditions are those that allow mourners to personally attend to the body of the deceased. Exquisitely illustrated by artist Landis Blair, From Here to Eternity is an adventure into the morbid unknown, a fascinating tour through the unique ways people everywhere confront mortality.
Download or read book The Metaphysics of Death written by John Martin Fischer and published by Stanford University Press. This book was released on 1993 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of seventeen essays deals with the metaphysical, as opposed to the moral issues pertaining to death. For example, the authors investigate (among other things) the issue of what makes death a bad thing for an individual, if indeed death is a bad thing. This issue is more basic and abstract than such moral questions as the particular conditions under which euthanasia is justified, if it is ever justified. Though there are important connections between the more abstract questions addressed in this book and many contemporary moral issues, such as euthanasia, suicide, and abortion, the primary focus of this book is on metaphysical issues concerning the nature of death: What is the nature of the harm or bad involved in death? (If it is not pain, wha is it, and how can it be bad?) Who is the subject of the harm or bad? (if the person is no longer alive, how can he be the subject of the bad? An if he is not the subject, who is? Can one have harm with no subject?) When does the harm take place? (Can a harm take place after its subject ceases to exist? If death harms a person, can the harm take place before the death occurs?) If death can be a bad thing, would immorality be a desirable alternative? This family of questions helps to fram ethe puzzle of why--and how--death is bad. Other subjects addressed include the Epicurean view othat death is not a misfortune (for the person who dies); the nature of misfortune and benefit; the meaningulness and value of life; and the distinction between the life of a person and the life of a living creature who is not a person. There is an extensive bibiography that includes science-fiction treatments of death and immorality.
Download or read book A Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality written by John Perry and published by Hackett Publishing. This book was released on 1978-03-15 with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Perry's excellent dialogue makes a complicated topic stimulating and accessible without any sacrifice of scholarly accuracy or thoroughness. Professionals will appreciate the work's command of the issues and depth of argument, while students will find that it excites interest and imagination. --David M. Rosenthal, CUNY, Lehman College
Download or read book Death written by Elizabeth A. Murray and published by Twenty-First Century Books. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines the different ways people die, the role of the medical examiner, and what happens to the body after death.
Download or read book At Peace written by Samuel Harrington and published by Grand Central Life & Style. This book was released on 2018-02-06 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authoritative, informative, and reassuring guide on end-of-life care for our aging population. Most people say they would like to die quietly at home. But overly aggressive medical advice, coupled with an unrealistic sense of invincibility or overconfidence in our health-care system, results in the majority of elderly patients misguidedly dying in institutions. Many undergo painful procedures instead of having the better and more peaceful death they deserve. At Peace outlines specific active and passive steps that older patients and their health-care proxies can take to ensure loved ones live their last days comfortably at home and/or in hospice when further aggressive care is inappropriate. Through Dr. Samuel Harrington's own experience with the aging and deaths of his parents and of working with patients, he describes the terminal patterns of the six most common chronic diseases; how to recognize a terminal diagnosis even when the doctor is not clear about it; how to have the hard conversation about end-of-life wishes; how to minimize painful treatments; when to seek hospice care; and how to deal with dementia and other special issues. Informed by more than thirty years of clinical practice, Dr. Harrington came to understand that the American health-care system wasn't designed to treat the aging population with care and compassion. His work as a hospice trustee and later as a hospital trustee drove his passion for helping patients make appropriate end-of-life decisions.
Download or read book EBOOK Loss Change and Bereavement in Palliative Care written by Pam Firth and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2004-12-16 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "For anyone seeking to develop their understanding of loss and change, whether in a palliative care of general or social care setting, this book contains much useful material which can be taken selectively or in its entirety." Hospise Information Bulletin How do professionals meet the needs of bereaved people? How do professionals undertake best practice with individuals, groups, families and communities? What are the implications for employing research to influence practice? This book provides a resource for working with a complex range of loss situations and includes chapters on childhood bereavement, and individual and family responses to loss and change. It contains the most up-to-date work in the field presented by experienced practitioners and researchers and is relevant not only for those working in specialist palliative care settings, but for professionals in general health and social care sectors. Strong links are maintained between research and good practice throughout the book. These are reinforced by the coherent integration of international research material and the latest thinking about loss and bereavement. Experts and clinicians draw upon their knowledge and practice, whilst the essential perspective of the service user is central to this book. Loss, Change and Bereavement in Palliative Care provides essential reading for a range of professional health and social care disciplines practising at postgraduate or post-registration/qualification level. It challenges readers, at an advanced level, on issues of loss, change and bereavement. Contributors Lesley Adshead, Jenny Altschuler, Peter Beresford, Grace Christ, Suzy Croft, Pam Firth, Shirley Firth, Richard Harding, Felicity Hearn, Jennie Lester, Gill Luff, Linda Machin, Jan McLaren, David Oliviere, Ann Quinn, Phyllis Silverman, Jean Walker, Karen Wilman.
Download or read book EBOOK Culture and Cancer Care written by Simon Dein and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2005-11-16 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cancer is more than a biological disease. Cultural factors are involved at every stage in the journey through cancer, from prevention to palliative care. Based upon recent studies from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, Culture and Cancer Care examines a number of cultural themes in relation to cancer, including: The disparity of rates of cancer among different ethnic groups Culture and screening Breaking bad news and communication Cultural variations in emotional responses to cancer Cultural variability in cancer treatments and the influence on prognosis Palliative care across cultures The book focuses on three main themes: culture, race and ethnicity and their relationship to cancer; the cultural context of sickness and help-seeking behaviour; the shift from biomedicine to alternative forms of treatment. Throughout the book, a critical stance is adopted towards race and culture, focusing on the relation between these concepts and social deprivation. Culture and Cancer Care is key reading for students, researchers and practitioners in oncology and palliative care, offering a clear analysis of cultural differences with regard to illness and health care, as well as suggestions of how ethnic disparities can be overcome both at a political and local level, through cultural understanding and culturally appropriate health education.
Download or read book EBOOK Palliative Care in Ireland written by Julie Ling and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2005-05-16 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book describes the history and development of palliative care services in the Republic of Ireland. Written from a multi-professional perspective the book appeals to anyone with an interest in hospice and palliative care in Ireland. In attempting to explore what is different about Irish palliative care, this book delves into the cultural, religious and social factors particular to modern Ireland, from the historical roots of the Irish palliative care movement through to the publication of the Government’s ‘blueprint’ for the future development of services. Palliative Care In Ireland explores the provision of palliative care services, bereavement, the influence of folklore, holistic care, faith, religion and spirituality, and the important contributions of the voluntary sector. The changing face of Ireland is described and challenges ahead are considered. This is the first book to truly capture the Irish dimension and is essential reading for those in emerging services worldwide where similar challenges are faced and where local and national influences determine the uniqueness of a particular model of service delivery. The book is key reading for students and researchers as well as all those involved in the delivery and management of palliative care services. Contributors: Jide Afolabi, Maria Bailey, Frank Brennan, David Clark, Sinéad Donnelly, Matthew Farrelly, Stephen Higgins, Jacqueline Holmes, Kaye Kealy, Michael Kearney, Ann Keating, Orla Keegan, Christy Kenneally, Philip Larkin, Peter Lawlor, Julie Ling, Anna-Marie Lynch, John McCormack, Regina McQuillan, Michael J. Murphy, Tony O'Brien, Eileen O’Leary, Liam O’Síoráin, Maeve O'Reilly, Patrick J Quinlan, Deirdre Rowe, Siobhan Sheehan, Geraldine Tracey, Onja Van Doorslaer, Eithne Walsh.
Download or read book Death written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 1975 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers various viewpoints on death and dying, including those of ministers, rabbis, doctors, nurses, and sociologists, along with personal accounts of those near death.
Download or read book Life Lessons written by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2014-08-12 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A guide to living life in the moment uses lessons learned from the dying to help the living find the most enjoyment and happiness.
