Last Comforts : Notes from the Forefront of Late Life Care

Ellen Rand

ISBN 10: 0996615342 / ISBN 13: 9780996615341

Published by Ellen Rand, 2016

About this Item

nach der Bestellung gedruckt Neuware - Printed after ordering - 'A must read for caregivers, individuals with serious illnesses, their loved ones who care about their care, and elected officials. Using the reporter's skill of interviewing, analyzing and explaining, Ellen Rand tells us what does not work today on our path to death and how the 'system' can be changed so that we can die with dignity, in comfort and with those we love around us. She explains why it is time to 'tear down the wall' that separates hospice care from palliative care, the wall that separates those who want to continue treating their illness yet would like to die a natural death and the wall that reimburses for all sorts of medical procedures and tests but not for compassionate discussion. Rand explains why the nursing assistant in a nursing home, ostensibly at the bottom of the professional totem pole, is the key to good compassionate care and why she needs to have the autonomy to be effective. She explains why there is just too much paperwork necessary in hospice care just as there is in all of health care-taking the caregiver's time away from the patient. She describes the lack of training of physicians to engage in meaningful listening conversation about medical care in general and end of life care in particular. And the importance of training in palliative care, empathy, interprofessional collaboration and care coordination. Rand refers to the studies of physicians who consistently state-contrary to how most physicians actually practice-that they would not want aggressive end of life care but rather a care system more akin to that found in hospice and with good palliative care beforehand. Importantly, the author understands that for change to occur, it will take the concerted efforts of many, working together. She uses examples of leading politicians who understand what needs to happen but can only make it happen if there is a groundswell of public outcry for change. I am reminded of a phrase from Abraham Lincoln 'Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.' ' -Stephen C Schimpff, MD Internist, professor, former CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center and author of Fixing the Primary Care Crisis: Reclaiming Relationship Medicine and Returning Healthcare Decisions To You And Your Doctor. 'Journalist Ellen Rand embedded herself in the front lines of end-of-life care and became a participant in the quest to transform dying. 'To anyone perplexed by why so many Americans die badly when so many enlightened alternatives exist, Last Comforts provides answers and points the way to tangible solutions. 'Rand's investigative skills and wordcraft result in a must-read book, not only for healthcare and policy wonks, but more importantly, for any adult child bearing the weight of parent care. Authoritative and highly readable, Last Comforts is at once sobering and hopeful.' -Ira Byock, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer. Providence Institute for Human Caring; author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible.

Seller Inventory # 9780996615341

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Last Comforts : Notes from the Forefront of Late Life Care
• Publisher: Ellen Rand
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0996615342
• ISBN 13: 9780996615341
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 229W x 152H x 21D millimeters 229 millimeters width by 152 millimeters height by 21 millimeters depth
• Weight: 569 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Too often, end-of-life care in the U.S. is fragmented, uncoordinated, costly, and unsustainable. But it doesn’t have to be that way.Last Comforts: Notes from the Forefront of Late-Life Care spotlights many innovations that can make a significant difference as we approach the last chapters of our lives.“A deeply insightful book that addresses the complex issue of helping individuals who need end-of-life care. Last Comforts presents real life situations and, most importantly, offers solutions, support, and resources.”Steve Saling, resident, Leonard Florence Center for Living, Chelsea, Massachusetts“Journalist Ellen Rand embedded herself in the front lines of end-of-life care and became a participant in the quest to transform dying.“To anyone perplexed by why so many Americans die badly when so many enlightened alternatives exist, Last Comforts provides answers and points the way to tangible solutions.“Rand’s investigative skills and wordcraft result in a mustread book, not only for healthcare and policy wonks, but more importantly, for any adult child bearing the weight of parent care. Authoritative and highly readable, Last Comforts is at once sobering and hopeful.“This book should be on the desk of every health care and human service executive, every medical educator, and every legislator across this country.”—Ira Byock, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer. Providence Institute for Human Caring; author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible“Determining what has given meaning to one’s life is often a topic of reflection by those approaching the end of their lives. Ellen Rand’s personal experiences illustrate how serving others receiving late life care can teach all of us how to live more fully. In this book, baby boomers get to preview what lies ahead in their life journey.” —Greg Schneider, Founder, Hospice Volunteer Association, and CEO, Hospice Educators Affirming Life (HEAL)Journalist and former New York Times housing columnist Ellen Rand is a hospice volunteer with Holy Name Medical Center in Bergen County, NJ.

About the Authors

Ellen Rand has been a journalist for more than 40 years, including five years as a housing columnist for The New York Times. Her essays have appeared in several medical humanities publications, including Pulse-Voices from the Heart of Medicine; KevinMD; and Life Matters Media. She is a hospice volunteer with Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. An avid theater and film fan, she cofounded, and was, for five years, the executive director of a film festival in her community. The theme is "Activism: Making Change." The festival draws an audience of thousands every November.

A former journalist, Bonnie Britt edits and designs print and digital books.

Stephen C Schimpff, MD, internist, professor, former CEO, University of Maryland Medical Center, and author of Fixing the Primary Care Crisis: Reclaiming Relationship Medicine and Returning Healthcare Decisions To You And Your Doctor.