Dying A Social Perspective On The End Of Life

An inevitable and universal experience, dying is experienced by individuals in different ways, often related to the character of our relationships, family structures, gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and economic means. Drawing on extensive qualitative fieldwork with patients, carers and health professionals in Australia and the United Kingdom, Dying: A Social Perspective on the End of Life provides a critical examination of the different spheres of dying, in social and cultural context. Exploring complex issues such as the politics of assisted dying, negotiating medical futility, gender and dying, the desire for redemption, the moralities of 'the good fight' and the lived experience of bodily disintegration, this book links novel theoretical ideas within sociology to cutting-edge empirical data collected in palliative and end-of-life care contexts. A theoretically engaged understanding of the social mediation of the end of life, Dying: A Social Perspective on the End of Life also sheds light on the manner in which the end of life can be shaped by major economic, cultural and socio-cultural shifts including neo-liberalism, individualisation, medicalisation, professionalisation and detraditionalisation. As such, it will appeal to social science, health and medical researchers interested in the end of life, as well as those working in palliative and end-of-life care settings.

Death is inevitable, but our perspectives about death and dying are socially constructed. This updated third edition takes us through the maze of issues, both social and personal, which surround death and dying in Canada. Topics include euthanasia and medically assisted death, palliative care and hospices, the high incidence of opioid deaths, the impact of cyber bullying in suicide deaths, the sociology of hiv/aids, funeral and burial practices, the high rates of suicide in Canada and dealing with grief and bereavement, among others. Additionally, Auger explores alternative methods for helping dying persons and their loved ones deal with death in a holistic, patient-centred way. Each chapter includes suggested readings, discussion questions and in-class assignments.

Delivers the collective wisdom of foremost scholars and practitioners in the death and dying movement from its inception to the present. Written by luminaries who have shaped the field, this capstone book distills the collective wisdom of foremost scholars and practitioners who together have nearly a millennium of experience in the death and dying movement. The book bears witness to the evolution of the movement and presents the insights of its pioneers, eyewitnesses, and major contributors past and present. Its chapters address contemporary intellectual, institutional, and practice developments in thanatology: hospice and palliative care; funeral practice; death education; and caring of the dying, suicidal, bereaved, and traumatized. With a breadth and depth found in no other text on death, dying, and bereavement, the book disseminates the thinking of prominent authors William Worden, David Clark, Tony Walter, Robert Neimeyer, Charles Corr, Phyllis Silverman, Betty Davies, Therese A. Rando, Colin Murray Parkes, Kenneth Doka, Allan Kellehear, Sandra Bertman, Stephen Connor, Linda Goldman, Mary Vachon, and others. Their chapters discuss the most significant facets of early development, review important current work, and assess major challenges and hopes for the future in the areas of their expertise. A substantial chronology of important milestones in the contemporary movement introduces the book, frames the chapters to follow, and provides guidance for further, in-depth reading. The book first focuses on the interdisciplinary intellectual achievements that have formed the foundation of the field of thanatology. The section on institutional innovations encompasses contributions in hospice and palliative care of the dying and their families; funeral service; and death education. The section on practices addresses approaches to counseling and providing support for individuals, families, and communities on issues related to dying, bereavement, suicide, trauma, disaster, and caregiving. An Afterword identifies challenges and looks toward future developments that promise to sustain, further enrich, and strengthen the movement. KEY FEATURES: Distills the wisdom of pioneers in and major contributors to the contemporary death, dying, and bereavement movement Includes living witness accounts of the movement's evolution and important milestones Presents the best contemporary thinking in thanatology Describes contemporary institutional developments in hospice and palliative care, funeral practice, and death education Illuminates best practices in care of the dying, suicidal, bereaved, and traumatized

Once defiant of death--or even in denial--many American families and health care professionals are embracing the notion that a life consumed by suffering may not be worth living. Sociologist Roi Livne documents the rise and effectiveness of hospice and palliative care, and the growing acceptance that less treatment may be better near the end of life.

This inter-disciplinary volume gathers scholars from around the world to explore clinical, cultural and ethical perspectives on end-of-life care, not only for the dying but also for those who attend the dying as caregivers.

In the past, most people encountered death at a relatively young age. Dying relatives were cared for at home, and mortality rates were higher. Today, there is much less familiarity with death, which increasingly takes place in hospitals, hospices and nursing homes. This wide-ranging and enlightening book offers an exploration of death and dying as human conditions that impact on the individual, their significant others and those involved with their care and well-being. It is aimed at medical and healthcare staff, social workers and counsellors, as well as social sciences and health psychology students, professional health and social care educationalists, and anyone with an interest in this topic. Drawing on aspects of social anthropology, history, and the social and behavioural sciences, the book examines the customs, attitudes and beliefs surrounding death and dying. Emphasis is placed on the unique experience of death for each individual, and the book highlights the challenges faced by those who work with people who are dying or those who have experienced loss through death. In addition, each chapter ends with some reflective questions that allow the reader to consider certain issues at a more personal level.

The Dying Process - A Hospice Social Worker's Perspective On End Of Life Care provides a detailed exploration of issues pertaining to patient and family grief reactions, closure support needs, understanding pain, pain management and avenues to create a positive death experience.