“By knowing our patients’ stories, we come close to understanding their pain and their journey. Adams shows us the reward that all of us experience in working with patients like those in Bedside Witness. Adams has written a compelling book that will be a must-read for all of us who work or will work in this field.”

“Kay Adams shares her journey as a social worker with care, sensitivity, dignity, and grace. Her beautifully written vignettes are so palpable you literally feel and experience her journey in a way that transports and places you in the room where it happened.”

“It is said that each time a story is told, it breathes life into the culture. In Bedside Witness, Kay Adams brings out the dignity of her patients and families through their stories. She shows us that humanness transcends aging, dementia, and illness and that our culture is filled with the many colors of life behind the doors and walls of hospice and dementia care.”

“Kay Adams shows us that illness, disease, and ultimately death offer us unlimited gifts if we are able to open our hearts along the way. Through Kay’s eyes, we are able to see that rather than fear what lies ahead, we have the opportunity to embrace the journey.

“Bedside Witness should be required reading for anyone in the fields of hospice, geriatrics, mental health, palliative care, and dementia. Through her stories, Kay Adams shows us that being a witness and companion goes far beyond checking off boxes. It requires sitting with, listening to, and understanding those we serve.”

“Bedside Witness is for caregivers who are looking for a sign that they are not alone as they hold their loved one’s hand through the most difficult journey imaginable, and for anyone—social worker, nurse, or therapist—who wants to understand the experience of their patients and their caregivers.”

“Kay Adams is the perfect voice to bring a powerful understanding to the impact dementia can have on people living with the illness, their families, and caregivers. Her compassionate look at navigating these life-changing moments is inspiring and educational.”

“Kay’s stories envelope you as you witness the extraordinary, honest, and difficult moments that others go through during one of life’s most challenging times. Glimpses into Kay’s gift with people bring you through a rainbow of emotions and leave you with a heartfelt desire to offer companionship and support to others when they need it most.”

“Having watched my mother slip away from the effects of dementia, Bedside Witness brought comfort, knowing that other families like mine have survived this loss with a sense of humility and heart. Through her stories, Kay illustrates the commonalities we share as human beings, families, and caregivers and draws on those connections with bright colors to inspire us all.”

“Kay is a storytelling alchemist with an extraordinary gift that teaches and inspires. Her firsthand accounts of persons living with serious illnesses and their loved ones are transformed into powerful testaments of humility and compassion. Kay captures what matters most: an essential skill of a palliative care social worker.”