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Living Will, Living Well
Reflections on Preparing an Advance Directive |
M. Dianne Godkin
Foreword John B. Dossetor |
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| Using the voices of ordinary people, clinical ethicist and nurse Dianne Godkin explores the end-of-life issues and emotions that arise when an individual sets out to prepare an advance directive (living will). Conversations with study participants, and the composite character of Alice, are forthright, practical, and uplifting. Written for individuals and their families who are thinking about creating an advance directive, and for healthcare providers who interact with these individuals, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the experience of preparing for the end of life. |
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| ISBN: 978-0-88864-494-7 |
| Price: CND$ 24.95, USD$ 24.95, £ 13.75 |
| Discount: Trade |
| Subject: Health/Wellness |
| Publication Date: July 2008 |
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| Reviews |
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"Godkin draws from her nursing experience and research in her advocacy of advanced directives. The five substantive chapters in this concise, clearly written volume are titled 'Protecting Self and Others,' 'Facing One's Mortality,' 'Talking about Death,' 'Choosing an Agent,' and 'Getting It Done.' In contrast with many such works, this volume is practical and concrete, noting that the general public became aware of the concept of advaced directives through legal cases like those of Karen Ann Quinlan and Terry Schiavo. These cases highlighted living wills' potential for protecting patient autonomy and supporting family, friends, and caregivers in making medical decisions for dying patients. To illustrate her message, Godkin introduces two fictitious individuals dying of leukemia: 'Alice,' 84, learns about advanced directives from a church workshop, prepares for her own death by preparing a legacy scrapbook, and dies peacefully in accord with her expressed wishes; and 'Martha,' 65. Godkin, a young nurse, is called in as Martha is dying, and is horrified by the quasi-violence of medical efforts to resuscitate Martha before she is 'efficiently pronounced dead.' Appendixes include 'Guiding Interview Questions,' 'Sample Advanced Directives,' and 'Educational Resources.' Valuable for health facility patients, staff, and visitors.”
H. J. John, Choice, April 2009 |
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"No one is immortal, and the best way to deal with the unfortunate is preparation. "Living Will, Living Well" is a guide to responsibly dealing with the event of death. Aimed at those in their later years, the book speaks of the importance of a living will and how the document isn't enough. "Living Will" offers advice on encouraging communication with loved ones and friends, assistance in dealing with the legal paperwork of wills and other complications that arise, and dealing with oneself after a loved one has passed on. "Living Will" is a solid compendium of knowledge on one's own death, and should be highly considered by those who don't want complications for themselves or their loved ones.”
Internet Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review, Nov. 2008 |
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