Living with learning disabilities, dying with cancer
Subtitle: thirteen personal stories
By: Irene Tuffrey-Wijne ; foreword by Sheila Rollins.
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd
Published: 2010
Place of publication: London; Philadelphia
Language: eng
Number of pages: 272
ISBN-13: 9781849050272
Subjects: Cancer -- Patients -- Great Britain -- Biography; Learning disabled -- Great Britain -- Biography
Genres: Biography
Description: This book is a powerful and moving account of the experiences of 13 people with learning disabilities who were living with cancer. The author followed their lives as part of a 3-year research study, during which 10 people died. She spent extensive periods of time with them at their homes and day centres, in hospitals, hospices and nursing homes. In doing so, she gained a unique understanding of what it is like for individuals with learning disabilities to live with deteriorating health and how this may impact upon their families, friends and carers. How was each person's cancer diagnosed? How was their cancer and its implications explained to them? How much did they understand and how did they cope with treatment? What happened when they were dying? In answering these questions, the book exposes the suffering of people with learning disabilities at the end of their lives, but also their remarkable resilience and strength. In an optimistic final chapter, the author demonstrates how people with learning disabilities can best be supported at the end of life. This book will be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the care and support of people with learning disabilities who have cancer and who are dying, including health and social care professionals, families and friends.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.