Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life

A reviewer

When dealing with end-of-life issues, many people have found Maggie Callanan¿s (co-authored) book, Final Gifts, to be both comforting and inspirational. She has now followed up with its ¿prequel,¿ Final Journeys. As before, Callanan combines a wealth of practical experience in Hospice nursing with her own remarkable blend of compassion and humor. Anyone who faces the passing of a loved one really must read this book anyone consciously facing their own passing will hope that Callanan - or her clone! - can attend them at the end. One of the most useful aspects is her description of symptoms of the end of life that are typical, yet which we might not recognize and respect for what they are. As the author makes clear, there is no one path for the final journey, and it behooves those nearby to recognize and respect the style of their loved one. For example, in an attempt to ¿be there for them¿ it is possible to tire the patient with too much attention, as they are attempting to rest and ¿wind down.¿ Equally, it is necessary to recognize when they may need to see a certain person in order to accomplish the task of closure and resolving ¿unfinished business¿ with that person. It is necessary to listen closely to the patient without one¿s preconceived notions intervening. Spiritual, dietary, and companionship needs vary widely depending on the patient it¿s truly not ¿one size fits all.¿ Callanan defines a problem that I and perhaps many of us have experienced: the feeling that your loved ones will find it terribly sad, almost impossible, to go on with their lives without us when we die. Apparently in many cases, one important task of the caregivers is to give the patient permission to go, assuring them that we will be all right afterwards, while acknowledging the closeness of the bond between us. Callanan is so remarkable in her ability to convey her experiences and feelings through stories that you will be completely engaged throughout this book with a renewed appreciation of her humanistic approach to nursing. Her caring approach to both the patient and the family rescues some potentially explosive situations with people you come to care about through her descriptions. And if you can read Chapter 35 without shedding a few tears, you really need to have your DNA checked out to make sure you¿re really human!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Outstanding Resource

Caring for my parents has been trying and this book has helped me understand their journey and hopefully support them through the process.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Final Journeys

Final Journeys - A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life

One of the best books I have ever read. It was extremely helpful during the illness and death of my brother. The information was given in plain language, with anecdotal examples. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a close friend or family member dealing with a terminal illness.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Painful But Helpful

To date I have purchased five of these books.After reading the first one I decided to order four more for the Hospice employees that care for my mother.Anyone dealing with end of life care should read this. As my mothers caregiver it gave me tremendous insight into what was happening to my mother and myself.I have a much greater understanding of what lies ahead and I feel so much more prepared than I was before.I will tell you, find a quiet place where you can read this alone because it is heartbreaking at times.Do not understand why every review is not five star for this book.Pass it on when you have finished with it.If your considering this purchase then I applaud you for the love that made you seek the help to make your loved ones "Final Journey" a better one.

a book everyone should read

this is the book that helped me get through my husbands terminAl llness

Born to Die

I wanted to better understand the bureaucracy of dying. She guides you through the end of life stages and helps you plan your advance health directives.

Compassionate Care Shared

I have worked in hospice care for many years and vigiled many patient/friends. Maggie Callanan takes you inside the homes and lives of families and loved ones and shares the dynamics of what it is really like to make decisions from the aspect of caregiver and as the patient and this blending of love and support and how hospice often has the honor of being the conduit for this sacred piece of "healing for the highest good". The longest journey we take is from our heads to our hearts". This is what I have learned from my experiences in hospice. It is a passionate and loving service and I certainly feel that connection with this author. She shares her knowledge, as well as her compassion. Loving Kindness-true hospice care. Thank you.

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