Life Before Death by Ann Cartwright

Life Before Death by Ann Cartwright

Since death is an experience which will inevitably be common to us all, we are often surprisingly uninterested in what services are provided for those people, often the elderly and infirm, who are at risk or who are on the point of death. Originally published in 1973, this study describes the last twelve months in the lives of 785 adults. Based mainly on the reports of close relatives, it is concerned with the needs of the dying and the care they receive. This includes the more emotional aspects such as ‘awareness’ of dying and the effects of the death on relatives. The book looks at the part played by hospitals, general practitioners, local authority health and welfare services, and by relatives, friends and neighbours. The views of those who provide these services are also considered. The picture that emerges shows up the gaps in the care that was given to people in the final year of their lives at the time.

Reviews for the original edition:

‘At a time when interest in terminal care is growing, it is to be hoped that the lessons of this admirable book will be learned by the providers and, especially, by medical educators’ – Lancet

‘There is indeed much food for thought in this book. It is not light reading, it may trouble the conscience but it is needed.’ – John Hinton, Royal Society of Health Journal

Ann Cartwright, Lisbeth Hockey and John L. Anderson