Life Before Death

Since death is an experience which will inevitably be common to us all, we are often surprisingly uninterested in what services are provided for those people, often the elderly and infirm, who are at risk or who are on the point of death. Originally published in 1973, this study describes the last twelve months in the lives of 785 adults. Based mainly on the reports of close relatives, it is concerned with the needs of the dying and the care they receive. This includes the more emotional aspects such as 'awareness' of dying and the effects of the death on relatives. The book looks at the part played by hospitals, general practitioners, local authority health and welfare services, and by relatives, friends and neighbours. The views of those who provide these services are also considered. The picture that emerges shows up the gaps in the care that was given to people in the final year of their lives at the time.

Ann Cartwright, Lisbeth Hockey and John L. Anderson

Acknowledgments. 1. Introduction 2. Needs and Care in the Last Year of Life 3. The Experiences of Some People with Particular Needs 4. Hospital and Institutional Care 5. The General Practitioner 6. The District Nurse 7. Other Community Services 8. Care From Relatives and Friends 9. Awareness and Information about Death and Illness 10. Death and Bereavement 11. Social Class and Area Variations 12. Summary and Conclusions. Appendices. References. Index.