Caregiving: Hospice-Proven Techniques for Healing Body and Soul

One of America's leading hospice experts offers practical, easy-to-follow advice for caregivers and a holistic approach to treating the infirm or the terminally ill.

Author Douglas C. Smith organizes his material around "A Bill of Patient's Rights," a unique system he has taught to thousands throughout the country. He explains that the caregiver should enable patients to retain these rights:

• to be in control
• to have a sense of purpose
• to know the truth to be comfortable
• to touch and be touched
• to laugh to cry and express anger
• to explore the spiritual to have a sense of family

Included are easy-to-follow techniques and practical tools for improving care:

• assessment techniques
• dialogues
• meditations
• life reviews
• breathing exercises
• body revitalization methods
• ways that patients can evaluate and improve their own care
• and many others

Filled with inspirational stories and effective guidance, Caregiving also addresses how to communicate with difficult patients and those in denial, how to facilitate non-stressful family interaction, and other important topics. It will be invaluable to parents and children caring for their elders; physicians and nurses; social workers and home health aides; members of the clergy; and all facing the challenge of enriching patients' lives and spirits.