If you could choose how you want to die, what would you want most to make it more comfortable? Based on his experience as a chaplain and on a survey of people in workshops across the country, Meyers lists four top choices: quick, painless, at home, and with family around.But as the author points out so clearly, these are not what most seriously ill people experience. He takes a good hard look at present practices and the alternatives. A change of mentality is needed, Meyers asserts; we need to get away from thinking that if we have the technology, we are required to use it (what he calls the technological imperative). We need to relearn how to die naturally. We can choose.In a very practical presentation that offers clear and concise explanations of terms, situations, and options, the author maintains that patients with a terminal illness have the right to choose comfort care over aggressive care. Individuals and families need to plan ahead, to make provisions for good deathcare and a good death. "Everything should be aimed at meeting the patient's definition of comfort, dignity, safety, and quality.Specific topics include: changes that have taken place in healthcare; facts, terminology, and myths about how we die; alternatives such as hospice and home care, and complementary medicine; euthanasia: "obviating the need"; the role of spirituality; and concrete steps to take to assure, as far as possible, a good death.Ideal for all who are engaged in pastoral care and ministry to the sick, especially chaplains and hospital staff, hospices, retirement/healthcare homes; social workers; lay visitors; and family members of persons in a terminal condition. Recommended reading foranyone who wants or needs information on this important topic.

Tags: good death