Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The growing incidence of chronic disease has highlighted the need for palliative medicine and care facilities for the terminally ill, sometimes over an extended period. George J. Taylor examines what this means in A Caregiver’s Guide to Palliative Medicine. Caregivers can include family members, doctors, nurses, social workers, retirement centers, and nursing homes. Then there are insurers, hospitals, and emergency rooms. Families do not have medical training, and this group will benefit from the information provided. The patient may be a loved one, spouse, or parent. To be a caregiver is a loving relationship and is a position of trust. The aim is to facilitate a peaceful transition through pain control, providing a suitable treatment environment, ensuring access to family and friends, and achieving spiritual closure. The aim is to ensure the best possible quality of life at all times, in the sad knowledge that a cure is no longer possible. Death is rarely discussed openly. Dying is a normal process and should not be seen as a failure of the individual or the healthcare system. The five principles of palliative care are outlined, along with questions of ethics. The doctor has an obligation to inform the patient and family, not conceal bad news. Patient autonomy and participation in decision-making are desirable. Issues such as assisted suicide and whether to resuscitate in serious cases are dealt with sensitively and can be documented in a living will to remove ambiguity. Other considerations include cultural influences, depression and suicidal thoughts, plus the side effects of treatment.

George J. Taylor is a retired cardiologist, clinician, and teacher with extensive experience in end-of-life care and hospice medicine. He shares valuable advice in A Caregiver’s Guide to Palliative Medicine. The common illnesses that caregivers are likely to encounter are described in detail, from the symptoms to the care needed, medication and its side-effects, and the decision-making process involved. I found the advice on dialysis and dementia to be particularly insightful. The author points out that nursing can be physically demanding, although caregiving can nevertheless be fulfilling despite the challenges. The spiritual side of death is often overlooked, as is the grieving process. The author acknowledges the significant contribution of healthcare workers and families who nurse the terminally ill. This guide benefits from the experience of seasoned professionals and will provide sound guidance to those already involved in palliative care, or family members faced with the challenge of caring for a loved one who is terminally ill. It is practical and easy to read, with medical conditions and the appropriate care described in detail in layman’s terms. An informative glossary of medical terms rounds off an outstanding publication.