Based on Walter St John's decades of study and practice, Solace brings new insight to the process of communicating with a person who is chronically ill. It provides specific, practical and helpful advice for professional caregivers, family members, colleagues, and friends. More than ever, many of us are responsible for the care of a person who is limited in mobility, whose illness is serious and long-term, who may be confined to a house or care facility, and is in need of daily help and continuous care. Solace offers guidelines that are easy to understand and a wealth of tips about what to say and do, as well as what to avoid saying and doing. It is built around 58 topics that are divided into five broad sections: Communicating; Helping; Listening and Observing; Relating; Responding. This organisation allows caregivers to isolate a problem area and develop a positive approach. Each topic, such as Avoiding Harmful Statements, Being Silent, Being Natural, Leveling with Someone, Paying Attention, Showing Respect, Responding to Anger, Responding to Depression and How to Ask Questions contains specific guidance in plain language.