Best Hospice Care Books of 2025

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande is a thought-provoking book that explores the limitations of medicine in dealing with aging and death. Gawande draws on his own experiences as a surgeon and personal stories from patients and families to reveal the failures of the medical profession in providing a good life until the very end. The book has been highly praised for its honesty and humanity, with reviewers describing it as "wise and deeply moving" and "beautifully written." Overall, Being Mortal is a must-read for anyone interested in health policy and the human experience of aging and dying.

Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey is a book of liturgies for seasons of dying and grieving. The book features over 100 liturgies, including "A Liturgy for the Scattering of Ashes" and "A Liturgy for the Loss of a Spouse." The leather-bound hardcover includes over 20 illustrations by Ned Bustard, a silk bookmark, and gilded edges. The author, Douglas Kaine McKelvey, is a songwriter and author, while Ned Bustard is a graphic designer and illustrator. This book is a valuable resource for those experiencing grief and seeking comfort.

After by Dr. Bruce Greyson is a captivating and thought-provoking book that challenges our beliefs about death and the continuity of consciousness. With his scientific approach and four decades of research, Greyson offers a compelling argument that dying could be a transition between one form of consciousness and another, not an ending. The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to a broad audience. Overall, After is a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of life and death, and it provides a unique perspective on the nature of consciousness.

Deep Medicine by Eric Topol is a compelling read that explores the potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing patient care. The book highlights the broken doctor-patient relationship and how AI can transform everything from diagnosis to treatment, reducing costs and human mortality. Topol's vision is optimistic, and he argues that AI can save time, lives, and money. The book is enlightening and provides a gimlet-eyed look at the role of computers in medicine. Overall, Deep Medicine is a unique and important account that should be required reading for medical practitioners and the public alike.

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Handbook: A Clinical Guide is an essential reference for clinicians and those serving patients with advanced or life-limiting illnesses. This pocket-size guide offers practical guidance on meeting patients' complex needs, from symptom management to spiritual and emotional support. The book provides disease-specific guidance and reviews of etiology, assessment, and management, including standard treatment and palliative options. It also covers valuable subjects such as withdrawing life support, ethics, and physician-assisted death. The guide is an invaluable resource for practical management strategies for symptoms such as pain, nausea, dyspnea, and delirium. Overall, this handbook is a must-have for healthcare professionals who want to provide the best care for their patients.

That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour by Dr. Sunita Puri is a moving memoir that explores the intersection of medicine and spirituality in end-of-life care. As a medical student, Puri was drawn to palliative medicine, a specialty that focuses on quality-of-life care rather than medical intervention. Through powerful storytelling, Puri shares her experiences caring for patients and her own family, shedding light on the importance of communication and dignity in the dying process. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to live and die well.

Death Doula: Tools & Techniques for End-of-Life Support by Kelly Ruby Hanson is a comprehensive guide for those who want to help the dying and their loved ones. The book simplifies the tools and techniques needed to master end-of-life support, including creating a comprehensive end-of-life plan, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support, and implementing self-care practices to prevent burnout. The author, who is an experienced death doula, life coach, and healthcare professional, offers practical advice on how to ask the right questions, identify immediate needs, and increase overall comfort and contentment. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to develop their death doula skills and learn how to care for the dying effectively and lovingly.

The Handbook of Pain and Palliative Care: Biobehavioral Approaches for the Life Course edited by Rhonda J. Moore provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing long-term and chronic pain. The book covers a diverse range of topics, including computer-based interventions, cancer pain, and pediatric and elderly populations. It offers up-to-date information on assessment, treatment, and management, making it an essential reference for healthcare practitioners specializing in pain management or palliative care. The book's emphasis on biobehavioral mechanisms of chronic pain and the integration of psychosocial, complementary, and spiritual approaches make it a unique and valuable resource.

"Death is But a Dream: Hope and meaning at life's end" by Christopher Kerr, a hospice doctor, shares the stories of his patients who, in the face of death, speak of love, meaning, and grace. Drawing on interviews with over 1,200 patients, Dr. Kerr reveals how pre-death dreams and visions are remarkable events that bring comfort and exemplify human resilience. These end-of-life experiences help patients restore meaning and assist in reclaiming their dying process as an experience in which they have a say. The book celebrates the power to reclaim how we die, while soothing the bereaved who witness their loved ones go with unqualified grace."

Dying Well is a poignant and practical guidebook for those dealing with end-of-life decisions. Ira Byock, a palliative care physician, shares stories of love and reconciliation in the face of tragedy and pain, showing readers how to make the final months, weeks, and days of life meaningful and enriching. Byock also offers advice on how to deal with doctors and talk to loved ones. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to provide comfort and support to those facing the end of their lives. Overall, Dying Well is a moving and immensely useful guide that offers a unique perspective on end-of-life care.