Bedside Manners: A Practical Guide to Visiting the Ill

by Katie Maxwell

Most people have encountered a situation with an ill friend or relative when it has been difficult to know what to say or do. Even pastors and others in ministry are often at a loss when encountered with a critically ill person who is looking to them for some comfort and guidance.
Katie Maxwell's Bedside Manners provides the reader practical directions for offering care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, the homes of shut-ins, and nursing homes. She even addresses often overlooked concerns-such as the pastoral care of children, caregivers, and patients who are dying-and offers intelligent advice like be prepared, be human, be silent, and be positive.
Highly practical and inspiring, Bedside Manners is essential reading for anyone who has felt uncomfortable when trying to comfort the sick.

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

About the author

Katie Maxwell is the executive director of church ministries at First Covenant Church in Sacramento, California. She has years of firsthand experience visiting in hospitals, in nursing homes, and with shutins. Before entering fulltime ministry eleven years ago, Katie was a teacher and business owner and author. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Designed for anyone who wants to approach visiting with care, compassion, and insight. This is well organized and carefully thought through. A valuable resource for just about anyone.

[Angela Ross Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good instructions and comfort for those of us called to support each other during time of need. Great reference materials.

[Susan Halvor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource.