"Bushfield and DeFord offer us an excellent, informed and sensitive work that speaks both of the erosion of family systems due to addiction and the complications that arise when these victimized families face end-of-life care."Illness, Crisis and LossWith a growing elderly population comes an increased need to recognize the medical and psychological needs of older adults suffering from addiction, particularly towards the end of life. This guide describes the challenges such persons and families present to those providing end-of-life care, and shows caregivers how to best negotiate these issues with clients and their families.The authors place special emphasis on the role of the family, presenting a cohesive family systems approach to end-of-life care. The book demonstrates how hospice teams can work collaboratively with the client and family to help alleviate some of the emotional stress and pain of addiction. The authors also present practical guidelines for recognizing and diagnosing addiction, determining appropriate interventions, and outlining special concerns for addicted people in end-of-life care.Key features:Identifies the known markers of substance abuse and appropriate interventionsProvides guidance on how to address the physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects of addictionDetails what every hospice team needs to know about family systems theoryDiscusses the emotional process of addicted clients, and what hospice teams, caregivers, and family members can do to help

PrefaceChapter One: Death and Addiction: A Family AffairChapter Two: Addiction Treatment: What Every End of Life Care Professional Should KnowChapter Three: The Physiological, Psychological, and Spiritual Effects of AddictionChapter Four: What Every Hospice Team Needs to Know about Family Systems TheoryChapter Five: Applying Family Systems to the End of Life Care of Addicted Persons and their FamiliesChapter Six: Applying Family Systems to the Bereavement Care of Addicts' FamiliesChapter Seven: Hospice Teams: Paths of CareChapter Eight: Hospice Team Members with Histories of AddictionChapter Nine: Conclusion: Using 12 Steps in End of Life Care