What matters most when someone close to you has been diagnosed as terminal? Time and quality of life for both of you. Every death is individualboth for the one leaving and for the ones they leave behind. Focusing on what truly matters between human beings while taking care of living is what this book is about. It offers: tips for coping with the physical challenges that will impact both the person and the caregiver; advice on what to put in place to make things a little easier for those they leave behind; tips for those who are not going to be primary caregiver, but who are friends, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, whatever; others’ stories; some humor to leaven.

There is no perfect way to walk through this time. (There’s no perfect way to walk through all of life for that matter). But there are good ways to do it. Browse the chapter headings. Skip around in TIPS to solve specific problems. Search the Sources lists. Read the stories of others’ experiences.

For the co-worker, the friend and the neighbor, the book offers advice and helpful hints on what to say or do as well as what not to say or do. For the loved one, spouse, and relative it’s a practical guide to what you might expect at each stage and offers realistic and reasonable coping strategies. It includes examples born of the experience of a range of people – professionals in the field as well as non-professionals – of what you might experience on this difficult journey. Each death is individual just as are the relationships, personalities and personal dynamics involved. Despite that, there are also issues and threads that are universal in human life. This book can act as a practical guide, an encouraging friend and support, and offers hope for the best possible experience as you help to walk someone ‘home.’

Across America, 43.5 million people, (nearly one in five adults) care for a loved one 50 or older according to AARP.