Review of "When Autumn Comes" by Mary Jo Bennett

This book is advice on care and caregiving for the dying, particularly in a hospice setting or under hospice auspices.  But it is written in the form of a series of stories of different deaths, and the care surrounding them.  The first chapter, and a fairly lengthy one, opens with the death of a friend of the author, and the author's attempts at care, and family management, during that period.  The bulk of the chapter is the story, but with side note questions that can help clarify (in the caregiver or volunteers mind) a number of important issues in regard to caregiving for the dying.  The family dynamics, and stresses in family relationships that can be exacerbated during a death, are a major emphasis in the material.  At the end of each chapter there is a series of short paragraphs that are suggestions for care, for self-care, and for hospice volunteering, particularly.

The material in the book, and the stories in the book, cover a wide range of situations and problems.  However, it is difficult, because of the material on advice and recommendations being tied to the stories, to say that the material is complete or comprehensive in coverage.  In addition, an occasional suggestion seems to come out of left field, being based on some kind of personal belief, rather than prescribed hospice, respite, or volunteer care guidance.

While there are shortcomings, overall the book is quite useful.  The anecdotal style, with a variety of stories of different situations of caring for the dying, make it easy to read and not arduous to take in.  The fact that the side notes are scattered throughout the book makes it easy to approach those important questions individually, and give them due time and consideration.  The collection of suggestions at the end of each chapter does somewhat the same thing.

Because the side notes deal with important issues, and the end of chapter suggestions collate good variety of advice, it is tempting to consider the book for a study group for end of life care.  However, the inconsistent length of the chapters, and the sporadic nature of the side notes and suggestions, would make this difficult to arrange in an efficient manner.  It still might be a good idea, but should probably be approached on a somewhat informal basis.