In this book, Laurie writes on the subject of compassion:
To what degree are we capable of compassion? How can we be actively compassionate without personal sacrifice? Do others
deserve our compassion? Can we be truly happy if we ignore the needs of others? What happens when we don’t help? How
many people are hidden away behind closed doors, in desperate need of practical help with everyday things they can no longer do
for themselves? In this book, the experiences of many "invisible homebound" individuals are told, our innermost feelings around compassion are explored, and realistic paths of practical action are offered.

Laurie founded Communities for Compassion, a national nonprofit organization that trains and organizes volunteers to provide practical help within our own communities, in simple but profound ways that bring joy and fulfillment to both giver and receiver.

Table of Contents
Finding Ourselves Through Service to Others 4
Why Are We Needed? 6
Is Compassionate Action a Sacrifice? 10
Who Needs Our Help? 12
The Five Steps to Compassion 15
Noticing the Need and Feeling Empathy 15
Expression of Empathy 16
Getting Ourselves Out of the Way 17
Non-Judgment and Acceptance 21
Taking Further Action 24
Perspective on the Psychology of Disability,
Aging and Illness 26
The Forms of Suffering 26
Shame 27
The Stigma of Age and/or Disability 29
Diagnostic Prejudice 36
How Agencies Relate 37
A Vision for the Future of Compassion 43
Compassion Stories 44
Compassionate Behavior 50
Practical Compassion 56
Realistic Assessment of Our
Compassionate Capabilities 56
No Credit, No Blame 57
“Four Agreements” 58
Finding Time 60
Preventing Burnout and Overload 62
How to Find Those Who Need You 63
Teamwork 64
Hospice, Home Nursing, and Respite Care 68
Confidentiality 70
Infection Control 70
Body Fluids Are Biohazards 73
Attire 74
Pet care for animals whose owners are sick 75
The Assessment Process 77
Special Considerations 79
Cultural Differences and Diversity 79
Helping Difficult People 80
Dependence 80
Resistance from Care Recipients 81
Rudeness 82
Abusive Care Recipients 82
Violent Care Recipients 84
Violence Toward Care Recipients 85
Can We Help the Addicted? 86
Suicide Issues 86
Battered Women and/or Children 89
Checklists for Compassionate Volunteers 93
1. How Will You Find the People
Who Need You? 93
2. People Who May Need
Compassionate Care 93
3. Guidelines for Practical Compassion –
Code of Ethics 94
4. Deeper Needs 98
5. What to Notice on a Visitation 99
6. Signs of Neglect 101
7. Emergency situations 102
8. Possible tasks for a care recipient 102
9. Situations requiring professional
or agency help 103
10. Considerations for Hospice and
Home Nursing Patients 103
Terminology 105
Resources 107
What is Communities for Compassion? 109