Among the many books on end of life planning, this book rates as one of my top favorites, mainly because the advice it gives is so comprehensive and practical. Reading this guidebook is akin to listening to your most trusted friend lay out an action plan to navigate all the ways to control our most complicated (and sometimes easiest) things to forget when making end of life plans. Included is valuable information on: completing advance care directives, navigating health care, decluttering, how to talk to family about your approaching death, and survivor after-death tasks such as closing social media accounts, and so much more. This book is not only for the dying, but also for caregivers, family members, and anyone that is simply interested in this ‘life and death’ subject.
“Our ultimate purpose here isn’t so much to help you die as it is to free up as much life as possible until you do.”
Dr. Miller’s quote points out the importance that having the freedom to live as you wish until your dying day can be achieved when action plans are put into place. This guidebook should be in every home, hospital resource center, senior center and the like. You don’t have to read this book cover to cover. Simply review the table of contents and begin with any chapter that resonates to you. There are pearls of wisdom found throughout the book and I loved it. Check your local library or purchase as a print, audio or e-book. Also check out Dr. BJ Miller’s website for more great resources here:
https://www.thecenterfordyingandliving.org
Until the book ends, –
Esther Suarez
Hospice Services of Lake County Volunteer