Signposts of Dying: What You Need to Know

by Martha Jo Atkins

Signposts of Dying tells about the unique language and behaviors of the dying. Brief so as not to overwhelm yet thorough enough to get the information needed, each Signpost shines a light on often ignored or unrecognized aspects of the dying process. Is your beloved hearing people in the hallway? Are they talking about 'other rooms' or friendly visitors who aren't family members? This book can help you recognize the language of dying. Useful for caregivers, mental health pros, and hospice volunteers, Signposts will help you understand some of what you may experience as you walk with a person who is leaving this world. One reader says, "Very intimate and makes what is a difficult topic for lots of people very safe."

Genres: Nonfiction

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2015

Reviews

[Laureen Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen quite a few deaths; it's part of being a young child in an old family. I began to recognize certain patterns before I was even out of my teens; there are things that I observed to be true about the dying process, that seemed to be consistent. But death isn't a thing people talk about, and isn't a thing most people have any experience with, so it's not a piece of knowledge I'd ever discussed with anyone.

Imagine my surprise upon reading this book, to see it all spelled out, neat and proper, and exactly as I remembered it. These signposts are part of the universal human experience of death, and those of us who are called to sit with our beloveds and be with them at the end would all benefit from understanding what we're seeing, and meeting it with compassion.

I feel like having this kind of reassuring, practical knowledge could do a lot to help people move away from a fear-based approach towards death, over to one that is practical, calm, nurturing, helpful, and useful. I'd recommend this book to literally everyone.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a valuable book for someone who finds themselves companioning the dying or is anticipating being in that position. I have had the privilege of escorting two loved ones to the end of their lives and what is in this book mirrors those experiences in one way or another. Sitting with someone who is dying can be frightening when we don't know what to expect. Signposts of Dying offers insight on what to watch for and demystifies the behaviors we may experience. The book is a very quick read that can be absorbed in one sitting but can also serve as a reference point later on. My only regret is that it wasn't longer.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for work purposes but it is a helpful and graceful guide to approaching death and dying for literally any human.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that really hits home if you have been a witness to someone dying. If you are going to be a witness, this is a great way to prepare. Knowledge helps us encounter our fears.

[Eva J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful outline of the signposts of dying. Very easy to read and very helpful for anyone who is with someone on their dying journey - I think I’ll be recommending this book to people far and wide.

[Ned Andrew Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how sensitive Atkins is about her topic, which she knows multitudes about because of her experiences as a daughter watching her father pass, and her incredible work as a death doula and a presenter about a subject that most people shy away from. No shying away here; just loving prose.

[chrismuise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for this book

This book really put dying in a way that I can understand. I have had two family members pass on and can now understand what was happening.

[Kristen Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a grief counselor and someone who experienced quite a few deaths in my own life, this book would be such a valuable resource for anyone who is the support person for someone who is on the path to dying. It is packed full of useful tips, scientific research, personal stories, and more. I am definitely going to keep this in my professional toolbox.

[Rachelle Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read that gives you some ideas of behaviors you might expect from loved ones who are transitioning toward death from illness. It gives you good, simple advice about how to meet them where they are, and be respectful and encouraging in experiences you might not otherwise understand.

[Nikki ღ Navareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about death bed visions, as well as what signs caregivers can look for as loved ones near their time to depart. Excellent read, especially if you have a loved one getting ready for this journey.

[Mya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that everyone should read. Death is less scary when you have a sense for what to expect.