Praise for Last Rights
"With the heart of a poet and the skill of an investigative reporter, Mr. Kiernan has written a powerful examination of end-of-life care. ... Mr. Kiernan's book is a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for reform in the way our institutions relate to the dying and their families. It serves as a wake-up call. ... Kiernan is unafraid to write of mysyery, comfort and compassion."
"In Last Rights Kiernan offers suggestions to the government, to the medical profession and to the American public -- suggestions that could change the course of many patients from the prospect of a technological death to a better way. His investigative insight combined with an ability to tell a gripping story make this book a must read."
""Last Rights employs a three-pronged strategy. It defines how the end of life has changed in this country and presents the options available to families caring for a loved one. Second, it describes the barriers to providing dignified final chapter in life, and finally, it includes many stories of families who have accomplished a beautiful end-of-life experience.""
""As aging baby boomers become ever more involved in the deaths of parents and friends, they will press for changes in laws and the medical system. ... Terminally ill people must push hard if they want to maintain control of the end of their lives and die with dignity, Kiernan found.""
""Wise words, and timely for everyone in the healing professions, anyone active in church or charity work, and all who may become the primary caregiver for an ill or elderly friend or relative.""
"A well-considered prescription for the entire population.... Gripping first person stories and interviews with exceptional caregivers make the human case for national reform. A superb resource for boomers dealing with their parents' final days and anxious to exert more control over their own rites of passage, as well as for health professionals who need to hear this story from the other side."
"Most people find it difficult to face their own mortality and that of their loved ones. This book compassionately and skillfully addresses this difficult emotional issue. This well written and thoughtful book, filled with surveys, interviews and personal stories, is highly recommended."
"Stephen Kiernan's message is one for all of us who will face the prospect of caring for a dying family member or friend. Last Rights is a compelling examination."
"Last Rights paints a frightening picture of the disorganized, deficient and disastrous ways many people are cared for and die. Thankfully, Kiernan goes beyond exposé to uncover hopeful progress and practical ways to protect and nurture the people we love."
"Damn, I wish I'd had this book before my own father died. Part a guide to thinking through the policy questions surrounding the end of life, and part an informal handbook for helping with the deaths of your own loved ones, it also
"With an uncommon mix of stories and scholarship Stephen Kiernan has described the challenges that remain at life's end, despite efforts to reform care over the past few decades. With candor, clarity and an advocate's sense of urgency, he seeks to understand why our acute care system has been so resistant to change and how we can infuse greater humanity to life's final chapter."
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