Leaning Into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers
Stan Goldberg
Leaning Into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers
2013. New World Library, Novato, CA
I was holding a terminally ill friend's hand when she expressed to me her fear of dying. "I don't know how to do it," she said. In our culture, there are few guideposts for the journey from disease to death. Both the dying person and the person caring for, or even just visiting, the individual frequently feel they've been suddenly thrust into a frightening and foreign land. Starting with the terminal diagnosis and ending with the caregiver’s recovery from grief, Leaning Into Sharp Points offers with sensitivity the often-illusive how-to information caregivers need to navigate the practical and emotional territory of tending to their dying loved ones. Practical suggestions for initiating difficult conversations, and advice for dealing with the medical community, documents and the many physical and emotional adjustments necessary to move from day to day are all provided. Compassion and honesty is what our loved ones most desire. The shock and confusion of hearing a terminal diagnosis can make previously capable individuals unable to manage even simple tasks. Go slow with instructions. Present only one idea at a time. Allow your loved one to set the pace of their increasing dependence and try to make things as predictable as possible. Sit while visiting instead of standing at the bedside, hold hands, and listen.
Gail Lord is a freelance writer living in Massachusetts. Please send book review copies to 51 North Street, Grafton, MA 01519 or email socbookreviewer@gmail.com.
