End of Life Care: A Guide for Therapists, Artists and Arts Therapists

The many unfounded myths and fears that surround working with people at the end of their lives are dispelled in this thoughtful book, and the authors provide both practical and emotional support for those involved in caring for dying patients.

The book covers everything from the philosophy behind the practice to the diverse roles in the multi-disciplinary team, as well as current challenges and opportunities facing end of life care, with an emphasis on how therapy and arts therapies can be integrated effectively. It also looks at palliative care models that address all aspects of a patient's wellbeing and conveys the latest research and challenges in the field, bridging the gap between theory and the realities of working with patients on a daily basis. Using material from artists and therapists working in the field, the varying demands of inpatient, outpatient and home care are described, as well as the processes of bereavement, how to handle the practicalities of loss and the help that therapists can give at this stage. How artists and therapists with experience of working at the end of life can be involved in other areas of care such as supporting older people in care homes and those living with dementia is also discussed. The book also introduces the important area of health promotion, and how there is a growing responsibility to change people's attitudes towards death, dying and bereavement. Clear, practical examples are given as to how this might be achieved.

Full of professional advice and career guidance, this book will be an invaluable tool for those working with patients nearing the end of life and those considering working in this area, as well as students in training.

Nigel Hartley is Chief Executive Officer at Earl Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight. He was previously Director of Supportive Care at St. Christopher’s Hospice, London and has worked in end of life care for over twenty years. He is an experienced manager, counsellor, musician, teacher and music therapist. Nigel has chaired both the Association of Professional Music Therapists (UK) and the British Society of Music Therapy and led the organising committee for the 10th World Congress of Music Therapy. He regularly publishes about his work and is co-editor of The Creative Arts in Palliative Care, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.