Most people with far-advanced illness wish to be cared for at home for as long as possible. The challenge of providing good palliative care at home is therefore of major importance for family doctors, nurses, and all those committed to maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the dying person. As modern specialist palliative care has raised both standards of care and also public expectations of family doctors and community nurses, this book helps to place specialist care in context. As palliative care is a major responsibility for teams providing care at home, the book provides a d ... More

Most people with far-advanced illness wish to be cared for at home for as long as possible. The challenge of providing good palliative care at home is therefore of major importance for family doctors, nurses, and all those committed to maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the dying person. As modern specialist palliative care has raised both standards of care and also public expectations of family doctors and community nurses, this book helps to place specialist care in context. As palliative care is a major responsibility for teams providing care at home, the book provides a definitive guide on how to provide effective care for people with far-advanced disease. It has been written by two palliative specialists, both of whom have been family doctors. The book deals with all the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social problems that will be encountered by family doctors and community nurses caring for patients and relatives in a home setting. It deals in detail with emergencies, communications, and ethical issues, and emphasises throughout the importance of team work.