Towards Death with Dignity: Caring for Dying People

In the late 1970s, there was an explosion of literature on death and dying, but this topic had largely been ignored by the professional social worker. Towards Death with Dignity, published in 1981, was a groundbreaking book that filled this gap by providing a wealth of first-hand experience and case material from the perspective of the dying person and those who hope to help them. The book outlined three of social work's major methods: social casework, community work, and teaching, and provided practical guidance for caregivers and professionals involved in terminal care. It also synthesized other recent work in the field to help social workers navigate the vast amount of specialist psychosocial and medical literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The late 1970s witnessed a remarkable surge in literature exploring the previously taboo subject of death and dying, which largely overlooked the contributions of professional social workers in this field. However, in 1981, Towards Death with Dignity emerged to address this significant gap. Authored by Sylvia Poss, this groundbreaking book offered a unique perspective, drawing upon extensive firsthand experience and a wealth of case material to provide invaluable insights for caregivers seeking to assist individuals facing terminal illness.

Unlike any other book in the field of terminal care, Towards Death with Dignity was informed by a wealth of first-hand experience and case material, allowing caregivers to learn directly from the dying person themselves about the best ways to support them towards a dignified death. Sylvia Poss's sensitive elucidation of the actions that the dying individual must take to navigate their terminal crisis was widely regarded as a significant contribution to psychosocial knowledge at the time.

After outlining the challenges faced by the dying person, Poss turned her attention to the perspectives of those who sought to assist them—including other patients, nurses, doctors, paramedical staff, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, employers, relatives, and friends. Towards Death with Dignity specifically focused on three of the core methods employed by social workers: social casework, community work, and teaching. Poss not only outlined the responsibilities of caregivers but also provided practical illustrations of how to fulfill these roles effectively. She further discussed the preparation required for social work in the terminal care field and proposed an effective methodology for teaching terminal care skills.

In addition to its practical guidance, Towards Death with Dignity offered a comprehensive synthesis of other recent work in the field, serving as a valuable resource for social workers navigating the vast array of specialist psychosocial and medical literature. By providing a comprehensive overview of the topic, the book served as a useful tool for both laymen and professionals involved in this critical aspect of healthcare. Furthermore, it provided valuable insights for those who were personally engaged in supporting individuals facing terminal illness.

In conclusion, Towards Death with Dignity emerged as a groundbreaking work that filled a critical gap in the literature on terminal care. Authored by Sylvia Poss, this book offered a unique perspective, drawing upon extensive firsthand experience and a wealth of case material to provide invaluable insights for caregivers seeking to support individuals facing the end of life. Its focus on social casework, community work, and teaching methods, combined with its comprehensive synthesis of other recent work, made it a valuable resource for both laymen and professionals involved in this field.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032046846