The Best Death: How to Die Well

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In April 2008 Sarah's husband, Lincoln, died from kidney cancer that was diagnosed only four months earlier. He was 48. Sarah is a registered nurse, sociologist and ethicist with experience in the research, training and management of end-of-life care. Her 30 years of working in the healthcare system did not fully prepare her for Lincoln's death, but it did help her and Lincoln plan for the best death possible. This book is the result of Sarah's personal and professional experiences. It is an intimate, compassionate and practical guide to help you and the people you love face death. This book helps you to- - understand and believe bad news including diagnosis and prognosis - develop your own end-of-life plan - get the support you need professionally and personally to make your plan happen - identify the legal documents that you may need - understand the dying process - troubleshoot care issues. It takes Sarah's first book, Best Death Possible, and expands on all she has learnt since then, including the process of grieving, understanding your options and where to access reliable information.

Reviews

'In my decades as a medical practitioner, I have come to know that while death is inevitable, few people understand how to approach the physical, emotional and spiritual experience of dying. The Best Death is a practical and valuable resource for people who are facing the final challenge of their lives.' Professor Kerryn Phelps AM

Author Bio

Dr Sarah Winch is the CEO of the not-for-profit organisation Health Ethics Australia, and Head of the Discipline of Medical Ethics, Law and Professionalism in the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland. She is a registered nurse and health care ethicist with 30 years of experience in the management, research and education in end-of-life matters. She teaches ethics and law to medical students, conducts research on end-of-life and medical decision making, and consults widely to the community and healthcare professionals on ethics at end of life, resource allocation and improving the ethical culture of healthcare workplaces. Sarah designed and developed the clinical ethics cafU as a model for facilitating ethical decision making and compassionate care; responding regularly to conduct cafUs nationally and internationally. She published Best Death Possible- A Guide to Dying in Australia in 2013 and is committed to improving death literacy among Australians.