The proven guide for successful verbal and non-verbal communication with seriously ill and elderly individuals! Professionally conducted communication is just as important in caregiving as diagnosis and therapy. Touch is also a form of communication that has a positive impact on the patient's healing process. The two authors have many years of experience in the field of conversation management and working with seriously ill patients. In clear language, they describe the fundamentals of human communication and provide examples of helpful conversations and forms of healing touch. Concrete case descriptions and numerous illustrations offer targeted assistance for both trainees in nursing professions and experienced caregivers in caring for and accompanying sick and elderly individuals. In the new chapter of the 4th edition, 'Biographical Work as Stress Prevention,' you will find helpful suggestions for self-care. This book is for all people in helping professions as well as for dedicated laypersons who wish to integrate communication and touch as a gentle form of assistance into their caregiving.