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.