After watching the live stream with Abigail Dagostino I was intrigued given how often I deal with death. Y bought me the book 'Die Better' so l could start reading it straight away on her kindle, something completely foreign to me. This book is exactly what the title says it is about - Die Better! The book answered many questions I had. It also provided relevant information for caregivers, family members or even if you know you may be in this position one day it will be useful. Information is power and being in control of your last days can be comforting. I have been lucky enough to have been gifted a session with Abigail thanks to T (of) GTH. Whilst the contents of this session will be private I will do a post about the experience in case anyone is curious.
SM
I am a physician with more than 50 years of practice on cancer and terminally ill patients. This book is a real practical, thorough, well organized, ethical, professional collection of guidelines for caregivers of older people and those at the end of life. It characterizes by giving much needed information to understand the situation of caring for a loved one who will abandon her/his body. The recommendations are useful to accept the inevitable with love and peace. Prepares the caregiver for events that will happen so they are not a surprise when they occur, and provides suggestions on how to handle them.
A must-have-tool for those who feel at a loss trying to comfort and cover the basic needs of a loved one in the process of dying. The anticipation of physical and mental decline assist the caregiver to proactively manage distressful situations such as mood changes, remaining in bed, loss of sphincters control, etc.
I congratulate the author for embarking on such a needed book. A real useful resource for caregivers that will be able to offer the best to the people they take date of.
HD
This book is a must read, in my opinion, for everyone.
If you have healthy loved ones in your life who will need you should something go wrong, you should read this book. It will prepare you. You can plan while you and they are able.
If you have a sick loved one, you will benefit from the information in this book. It will make your life easier and make your loved one's life and death easier too.
If you are in an unexpected/crisis situation you should speed read this book. It will help you navigate the limited days/weeks/months that are filled with turmoil, uncertainty, and anxiety. It's a very good guidebook.
I was all of these scenarios at some point. I was a caregiver to dying loved ones more times than I wish to say. My Mom and my Husband died in my arms. Did I know what I was doing? NO, I DID NOT. I operated on instinct and asking everybody questions (including strangers). I've wondered, to this day, did I do it right?
After watching Abigail's panel live stream, I knew I had to read the book to see if, as a caregiver, I did it right. I must admit, I was a big skeptic at first. But like most things I do, I gave it a fair shot. I'm really glad I did.
I truly wish I had had all this information available to me when I was going thru the death and dying 'thing' with my loved ones. I identified with so many of the experiences; the death rattle, the rally, hearing is the last to go, you die the way you lived, what services are available, what to do, when to do it, etc. I was clueless (and freaked out) about all of it! Death and dying were topics I was never comfortable with, and I avoided it always, until I couldn't.
Don't be like me, uninformed. Be like Abigail, informed. Read the book. Knowledge is power, and power gives you strength and focus. The book is well written, informative, has examples, step-by-step instructions, and is sprinkled with some well-placed humor from 'Auntie D'.
Thank you Abigail D'Agostino and T.'s GTH group for this opportunity to learn and conquer fears. I know many in our group will benefit from the live stream, the book, and the sessions. JL
This book gave me language for what I was feeling, tools for what I didn’t know how to face, and even moments of laughter when I desperately needed them.
It helped me find peace and meaning in the midst of goodbye.
SG
A valuable read that every human being can relate to. This book has such valuable information for anyone giving care or for that matter receiving care themselves. Easy to relate to and such great information. I really wish I had this book when I was a care giver for my mother for 7 years and again with my in laws. Thank you Abigail for sharing such relatable information. I’ve watched Abigail on a live stream and she is such a gem with invaluable details and insight into the subject of death.
NB
If you are a caregiver or will be one in the future you should read this book. Abigail D’Agostino writes it from experience with being a hospice nurse for many years. I found it to be informative, humorous (which is much needed) and done in such a personal loving way. I am a caregiver and in just few days I have learned so much I will now use in my everyday life. You will laugh and you will cry but you will find courage to continue and you will learn to take care YOU. I highly recommend Die Better.
GB
If you are a caregiver, have been a caregiver or know you will be a caregiver someday you should definitely read this beautiful book. It has it all... information, humor and humanity. Abigail is my dear friend who I have known since birth...actually born on my birthday! She is smart, loving, funny and beautiful in face and heart. Find it on Amazon!
You won't be sorry!!
TM
I think everyone should read this book. Even though you might not be a caregiver now, you should read this book to prepare you for that day. It's easy to read, gives examples, checklists, and valuable information. I applaud this author for tackling subject mater that most people avoid. I thought I knew it all until I read this book. Thank you Abigail D'Agostino.
JM
This book is helpful and inspiring.
KB
Wonderful interview. Abigail has such a warm and welcoming personality and has a solid command of how she handles her podcast.
Really smooth conversation over a novel idea.
She always felt engaged to me and present with the conversation. Very happy to have been on.
JRT