This moving and insightful handbook collects wisdom and experience from pactitioners and those who have lost a loved one on the role of spirituality in end of life care. It addresses the place of spirituality in our modern society and the challenge of life and death, best practice in end of life care, belief systems, how spirituality can play a part in care workers' roles, as well as creative interventions and leadership challenges. The handbook is divided into seven sections covering modern society, spirituality and the challenge of end of life care; end of life care in practice; user, carer and professional perspectives; death as a gateway: belief systems; looking ahead; conclusions.
Peter Gilbert editor of Spirituality and Mental Health and Spirituality and End of Life Care Peter Gilbert is emeritus professor of social work and spirituality at Staffordshire University, and visiting professor with the University of Worcester. Peter was the NIMHE project lead on spirituality from its inception to 2008, and now works with the National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum. Having experienced an episode of depression himself, Peter is very committed to a holistic and person-centred approach, and the integration of personal experience.
Part 1: Modern society, spirituality and the challenge of life and death 1. Rage against the dying of the light - or a new light shining? 2. A good death 3. 'Why Me?' and 'Whose good death?': Anger and values-based practice in end of life care 4. Dignity in end of life care 5. Belief and palliative care Part 2: End of life care in practice 6. Birmingham Children's Hospital: Paediatric end of life and bereavement care pathway 7. The power of presence: spiritual accompaniment in dementia end of life care 8. 'Don't Forget Me!': Questions of death, bereavement and accompaniment for people with an intellectual disability 9. Making sense of grief Part 3: User, carer and professional perspectives 10. Ends and change: A patient's story 11. Carers' stories: adults and children 12. A professional carer's story Part 4: Death as a gateway?: Belief systems 13. The changing spirituality of Muslims dying in the UK: A personal and communal journey Part 5: Spirituality and care workers 14. Burning a light or burned-out?: Sources of pressure and support strategies for healthcare professionals 15. The caring professions Part 6: Looking ahead 16. Invisible possibilities: Art therapy, healing and spirituality at end of life care 17. Spirituality and leadership in palliative care Part 7: Conclusions 18. Between life and death
