Love Medicine for the Dying and Their Caregivers

Abstract

We present a body of evidence for love medicine, originating in the shamanic physical/spiritual healing arts, embodying end-of-life (EOL) palliation through relationships of loving, artful witness between caregivers and receivers. We base the conclusions of our professional (doctor) and familial (spouse) practices on the practitioner/research methodology, Appreciative Inquiry , focused on life-affirming experiences, and epitomizing love medicine in 'building' relationship through artful narratives between caregiver and receiver (experiential model), to complement 'taking' clinical histories (biomedical model). Our witness to these healing effects, supported by relevant literature, builds a body of evidence for the power of love in EOL care.

Connecting Socially Isolated Older Rural Adults with Older Volunteers through Expressive Arts

“…Informed by the burgeoning interdisciplinary field of “arts and health” (Camic, Clift, & Daykin, 2009), there is recognition among health and social care practitioners, policy decision-makers and researchers of the opportunity to use arts-based methods to enhance the understanding of the underlying determinants, mechanisms, and strategies for healthy aging (Bungay & Clift, 2010; Fraser & Al Saya, 2011; Lander & Graham-Pole, 2008). Marginalized groups such as older adults have used the arts to increase a sense of social inclusion and translate their experiences to a broader audience, creating a sense of empowerment (Moody & Phinney, 2012).…”

Outcomes of collage art-based and narrative self-expression among home hospice caregivers

“…Caregivers also experience spiritual challenges related to the imminent death of a loved one (Choi et al, 2013;Spatuzzi et al, 2017;Tang, 2009). Spirituality offers a coping source for many end-of-life caregivers that provides comfort, prevents depression, offers a sense of meaning making, hope, and belonging, a relationship with the 'sacred', and the facilitation of closure during the grieving process (Lalani, Duggleby, & Olson, 2018;Lander & Graham-Pole, 2008;Paiva, Carvalho, Lucchetti, Barroso, & Paiva, 2015;Penman, 2018).…”

Avaliação como construção social: investigação apreciativa

“…Publicações com o foco no uso da Investigação Apreciativa têm se multiplicado ao redor do mundo (Carter, Cummings & Cooper, 2007;Finegold, Holland & Lingham, 2002;Kavanagh, Stevens, Seers, Sidani, & Watt-Watson, 2008;Lander & Graham-Pole, 2008;Marchionni & Richer, 2007;O'Brien, 2002;Rogers & Fraser, 2003;Shreeve, 2008;Spencer, 2004). Todavia, a IA é ainda pouco conhecida no Brasil, à exceção de sua aplicação como modelo de consultoria em empresas (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005).…”