Healing the Dying discusses the issues healthcare professionals need to consider when caring for someone who is approaching death. This practical yet compassionate guide focuses on the relationship between death and society throughout history, how to comfort the dying individual and how to help families deal with the loss of a loved one. Complete coverage of the physiology of death helps prepare caregivers for symptoms experienced by the dying. A chapter on care of the caregiver addresses the emotional stress that can result from caring for the dying and ways in which cope with this stress. Comprehensive in its scope, Healing the Dying integrates cultural and spiritual considerations into its framework and is based on current standards of care. · Real-life vignettes illustrate topics in an immediate manner · Updated reference and Web site lists direct users to additional information · Limited use of professional jargon makes this reference approachable by those outside the health care arena