Chapter 1. What is Hospice?
- Brief history of hospice
- Palliative care vs. aggressive treatment
- Spirituality and the devotee's decision
- Quotes from Srila Prabhupada
Chapter 2. Practical Matters
- Basics hospice care
- Practicalities of caring for a dying devotee
- Financial concerns, Living Will, and Medical Power of Attorney.
Chapter 3. What is Holistic Care?
- Essential aspect of holistic care (mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs)
- ‘Spiritual pain’ and how to talk to a person who is dying
- How to create a Krsna conscious environment for the dying patient
Chapter 4. Terminal Illnesses
- Some of the most common hospice-appropriate terminal diseases are briefly and informatively explained
Chapter 5. The Grief Process
- This chapter gives one an understanding of the emotions and behaviors that can be expected of all concerned.
Chapter 6. Pain Management
- Types and character of pain
- What questions to ask to understand the pain your patient is experiencing.
- Medications commonly used in the hospice setting
- Medication uses, precautions, and possible side effects.
Chapter 7. Symptom Management
- Conditions and symptoms caused by the immobility and/or disease process of the terminally ill patient.
- Understanding and managing symptoms for the comfort of the patient
Chapter 8. Personal Care
- Giving a bed bath, washing hair
- Changing linens when your patient is bed-ridden
- Skin care
- Repositioning an immobile patient
Chapter 9. Complementary Therapies for Comfort Care
- Common complementary therapies, included are:
- breathing and relaxation exercises, visualization
- heat and cold applications
- aromatherapy
- massage
- music therapy
Chapter 10. Care of the Caregiver
- Recognize and avoid caregiver burnout in order to continue providing quality care to your patient.
Chapter 11. Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Death.
- Explains how to help the patient with "closure"
- Recognizing "Nearing Death Awareness" in the patient, and giving permission to "let go".
Chapter 12. Post-mortem Care, Cremation Ceremony, and Memorial Service
- Quotes from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
- Interview with Padma Nabh Goswami (Radha Raman Temple; Vrndavana, India)
Chapter 13. Grieving, Healing, and Rejoicing for the Vaisnava
- Focuses on the loved ones left behind grief, mourning, and bereavement
