Recommended Reading: Final Gifts

The joy in caring for seniors often lies in the wisdom and rich life history they impart, or perhaps in the chance to reciprocate the care a loved one once provided to you. The challenge, however, comes with their declining physical or mental health and facing their inevitable end of life.

Despite death’s inevitability, the elderly and their caregivers may never feel fully prepared for the difficult, or simply unknown, circumstances that lead up to that final breath. Final Gifts, a moving and compassionate book written by two seasoned hospice nurses, provides a comforting perspective about approaching the end of life. It discusses how everyone involved can better understand what is happening and what to expect. Hopefully it will similarly set you at ease in dealing with the sometimes trying circumstances involved in end-of-life care.

The authors, Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, who have had years of experience dealing with terminally ill patients, relay true-life stories of people’s dying process and common themes among them. They wrote the book with the intent of helping family and friends understand the special awareness, needs and communications of the dying.

Final Gifts particularly resonated with the staff here at Home Instead Senior Care who have spent time caring for clients in their final days, or have interacted with the clients’ family members. We highly recommend this book to those looking for comfort, peace and clarity during the emotionally tumultuous circumstances that surround the death of a loved one.