Care for the Dying: A Practical and Pastoral Guide

by Andrew Davison, Sioned Evans

This wise and practical handbook, written by a palliative care physician and a priest with experience in hospice ministry, addresses the needs of the dying, their relatives and friends, and also those who provide support and care. Recognizing that these needs are physical, emotional, and spiritual, Care for the Dying draws on insights from current best practice in palliative care, pastoral experience, and theological reflection. It explores the following: --the availability of care for the dying person --communicating with the family --responding to a request for assisted suicide --forgiveness, reconciliation and anointing --saying goodbyes --the mystery of suffering --dying with dignity --supporting the bereaved --caring for the carers. Throughout, there is a helpful emphasis on understanding the care of the dying as a privilege as well as a responsibility, on the importance of proper self-care and of gaining strength from working as a team. Many people, including medical professionals and clergy, are fearful of what to say or do when faced with approaching death. This resource will deepen understanding and build courage and confidence. ANDREW DAVISON lectures in theology at the University of Cambridge Divinity Faculty, and is the author of a number of books on theology and pastoral ministry. SIONED EVANS is a doctor who has specialised in palliative care and has taught ordinands on the subject of death and dying.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

Andrew Davison (DPhil, University of Oxford) is the tutor in doctrine at Westcott House, University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, England. He has taught theology at St. Stephen’s House, Oxford, and is known for his writing on doctrine, mission, and the church. He is coauthor of For the Parish: A Critique of Fresh Expressions and joint editor of Lift Up Your Hearts.

Reviews

[Janessa Nations]

There were definitely helpful bits - it was a nice blending of theology and medical information. There wasn’t much I didn’t already know, but it was still good.

I didn’t agree with all of the theology, but given that they’re in the UK, that’s not surprising.

[Laura Gilmour]

Both insightful and practical.