Concepts of Death and Dying
Preparing for Approaching Death – signs and symptoms – Hospice, Nashville, TN
The Stages of Dying and Death – Cliff Notes for Elisabeth Kubler‐Ross’s book (see below)
Seven Common Fears of Dying – excerpt from Donna M. Authers’s book: A Sacred Walk: Dispelling the Fear of Death and Caring for the Dying
Regrets of the Dying – from author Bronnie Ware’s blog; see her book listed below
TED Talk by BJ Miller – What Really Matters at the End of Life
Ted Talk By Judy MacDonald Johnston – Prepare for a Good End of Life
Communication and End-of-Life Issues
Grief and Bereavement
Mesothelioma Center’s Coping with Grief Guide
Six Major Myths of Grief from The Grief Recovery Handbook and When Children Grieve by Russell Friedman & John W. James (see Recovery Handbook listing below)
The 10 Best and 10 Worst Things to Say to Someone in Grief. Grief.com with David Kessler
TED Talk By Nora McInerny – We Don’t Move on From Grief, We Move Forward
TED Talk by Jason B. Rosenthal – The Journey Through Loss and Grief
Role of the Volunteer
Books (listed by date)
With the End in Mind: Dying, Death, and Wisdom in an Age of Denial, Kathryn Mannix (2018)
Life after Loss: A Practical Guide to Renewing Your Life after Experiencing Major Loss, Bob Deits (2017)
It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand, Megan Devine (2017)
You Only Die Once: Preparing for the End of Life with Grace and Gusto, Margie Jenkins (2015)
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande (2014)
Divine Art of Dying: How to Live Well While Dying, Karen Speerstra, Herbert Anderson (2014)
When Autumn Comes: Creating Compassionate Care for the Dying, Mary Jo Bennett (2014)
Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying, Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley (2012)
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, Bronnie Ware (2012)
On Death and Dying, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Ira Byock M.D. (Foreword) (2011)
May I Walk You Home? – Courage and Comfort for Caregivers of the Very Ill, 10th Anniversary ed., Joyce Hutchison and Joyce Rupp (2009)
The Power of a Broken-Open Heart: Life Affirming Wisdom from the Dying, Julie Interrante MA (2009)
The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses including Health, Career, and Faith (20th Anniversary ed.) by John W. James and Russell Friedman (2009)
Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life, Maggie Callanan (2008)
A Sacred Walk: Dispelling the Fear of Death and Caring for the Dying, Donna M. Authers (2008)
Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me, Jon Katz (2008) [especially for animal therapy volunteers]
Needs of the Dying: A Guide for Bringing Hope, Comfort, and Love to Life’s Final Chapter, 10th anniversary ed., David Kessler (2007)
Healing a Spouse’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Husband or Wife Dies, Alan D. Wolfelt PhD (2003)
Losing Your Parents, Finding Yourself: The Defining Turning Point of Adult Life, Victoria Secunda (2001)
Dying Well, Ira Byock MD (1998)
Widow to Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas for Rebuilding Your Life, Genevieve Davis Ginsburg (1997)
A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One, Carol Staudacher (1994)
How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies, Therese A. Rando (1991)
Videos / Movies
Alive Inside – a story of Music & Memory – video movie directed by Michael Rossato-Bennett — watch trailer; DVD available on Netflix, to purchase, etc.
Wit – movie starring Emma Thompson playing a terminal cancer patient (2001) – watch trailer; DVD available on Netflix
Other Organizations
TLC Transitional Life Care TLC offers informal, additional support to those approaching death, throughout the dying process, and to their families, friends, and caregivers. They aspire to provide spiritual encouragement in the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism, and present programs to assist with end of life preparation for everyone. This includes opportunities such as educational events, Transitional State Forum workshops, ‘Deep Chat’ support groups, their ‘Teachings of the Masters’ film series, bedside companionship and assistance, care of the body at death, assistance with planning cremations and memorial services, and resource material.
Compassionate Crossings They believe that by being present and offering guidance and enlightenment, they provide a safe, loving environment for the dying person and their loved ones. They feel passionate that planning such an event allows for choices that create a place of support, care, respite, and loving kindness. Click here to view death doula Myra Bennett chatting with SHC Executive Director Brenda Kress during a 2020 webinar.