Senior Hospice Care

Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying

Description

Five years after its first publication, with more than 150,000 copies in print, Final Gifts has become a classic. In this moving and compassionate book, hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley share their intimate experiences with patients at the end of life, drawn from more than twenty years experience tending the terminally ill.

Through their stories we come to appreciate the near-miraculous ways in which the dying communicate their needs, reveal their feelings, and even choreograph their own final moments; we also discover the gifts--of wisdom, faith, and love--that the dying leave for the living to share.

Filled with practical advice on responding to the requests of the dying and helping them prepare emotionally and spiritually for death, Final Gifts shows how we can help the dying person live fully to the very end

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-09-03
Summary: "FINAL GIFTS"

This book was recommended by Hospice in helping me deal with my mothers pending death. It helped me greatly understand her and how to deal with it with her as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. I have bought 30-40 since then to give to anyone who is dealing with the same situation.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-19
Summary: "Very positive and helpful"

Not knowing what to expect adds to the anxiety of anyone facing cancer. I found this book easy to read and understand without a lot of medical jargon. It is compassionately written with a very positive tone. I found it very comforting.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-07-22
Summary: "Hope at a scary time"

In the middle of caring for my 50-year-old husband during his dying process my hair dresser gave me a copy of this book. I was so scared that I wouldn't know what to do, how to care for him and I would cause more pain than be a source of strength or comfort. I am a Believer, a Follower of Jesus. I didn't see this book as going against anything I believed. I saw it has a tool, information for me as to what to expect. I was so grateful for messages that made me feel like we were dealing with normal feelings and were having some of the same experiences others had had. I knew it wouldn't be a step by step guide - "this is exactly the way it will happen" manual but it was a reminder that this very scary situation has happend millions of times and others have been able to care for their loved one. It helped me feel that I could "do it." My husband was amazing. Preparing for his death and sharing his love became the focus of his life. I just feel like Final Gifts was one of the gifts we were given for the journey.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-07-18
Summary: "Final Gifts- A Gift for Its Reader"

This book is a gift for anyone who cares for the actively dying. The authors provide examples of effective listening techniques as well as Near Death Awareness experiences that exemplify what to listen for. I found these authors' insights very helpful in exploring the minds of those who are living out their end of life transitions. The understanding gained from this book provides caregivers some necessary tools for being effective helpers.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-07-05
Summary: "Final Gifts is recommended reading"

Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communication of the Dying was recommended to me by a hospice organization who is caring for a dear relative of mine. This book is a great help and comfort.