Death and Dying Sourcebook, 5th Ed.

Although death is considered a taboo subject, it is inevitable. Some people die suddenly, while others pass away after long-term struggles with chronic disabilities or diseases. Considering the dying process in advance allows people to talk about their choices concerning end-of-life medical preferences. Discussing these topics can be difficult, but appropriate planning allows people to remain in charge of their health care even after they are no longer able to make decisions. Additionally, knowledge about loved ones’ wishes can help friends and families cope with the shock and grief of death.

Death and Dying Sourcebook, Fifth Edition provides information about end-of-life perspectives and the medical management of symptoms that can occur as death draws near. It discusses palliative care and describes the issues surrounding end-of-life care and the process of organ donation. The book also addresses caregiver concerns and provides information about children and death. Facts about legal and economic issues at the end of life, funerals and other final arrangements, and grief are also included, along with statistical data, a glossary, and directories of support groups and other resources.

Part 1: Preparing for End-of-Life Care begins with defining and discussing end-of-life care and the importance of end-of-life planning. Cultural and spiritual concerns that impact end-of-life decisions are discussed and ways to managing chronic conditions in older adults are also described.

Part 2: Managing End-of-Life Symptoms and Comfort provides an overview of palliative care and end-of-life care. Pain management and assessment is discussed in detail, and information on managing and treating fatigue is also provided.

Part 3: Medical Decisions and End-of-Life Care presents personalized end-of-care preferences and specific information for individuals with dementia and young cancer patients. It provides information for commonly experienced end-of-life issues related to advanced cancer and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

Part 4: End-of-Life Care Facilities offers guidelines for evaluating end-of-life care facilities and selecting options based on the needs of patients and caregivers. Home care, long-term care, palliative care, hospice care, telemedicine and virtual support and other alternatives are described.

Part 5: End-of-Life Caregiving has practical information for caregivers about coordinating communications among patients, families, and health-care and support service providers. Topics include how to help at the end of life, what to do when death occurs, and self-care tips for caregivers.

Part 6: Death and Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers provides an understanding and tips to parents for coping with stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death and sudden infant death syndrome. Provides advice on caring for terminally ill children and grieving the death of a child. Guidance for helping children cope with death, funerals, and grief along with pediatric critical care research is also presented.

Part 7: Legal and Economic Considerations at the End-of-Life presents guidelines for advance directives, financial assistance, taxes, and Social Security issues. It also describes patients’ legal rights, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the duties of an executor.

Part 8: Funeral and Grief offers practical information about funeral and cremation services, planning meaningful funerals or memorial services. Chapters on grief which address bereavement, how to help grieving people, and tips for working through grief are also included.

Part 9: Mortality Statistics includes global and national mortality trends and statistics on the leading causes of death in the United States, and life expectancy at birth. Disparities in deaths from suicide, alcohol, and stroke are also discussed.

Part 10: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of end- of-life terms, a directory of support groups for end-of-life concerns, and a directory of organizations able to provide more information about death and dying.