At the Bedside: An end-of-life guidebook for clinicians, caregivers, volunteers, friends and family members who provide comfort and care to those who are dying.

by Gabrielle Elise Jimenez

This book invites you into the heart of a hospice nurse and end-of-life doula. For every patient visit, she brings with her a collection of tools that she has acquired over the years, hoping to ensure that someone who is dying finds peace and comfort. What she soon realized, was that when she left at the end of each visit, she took her tools with her, leaving families and loved ones nervous and sometimes scared about the care they would provide on their own. At every patient visit, she now hands over her tips and tools to the families, caregivers and volunteers so that they can feel more confident providing end-of-life care. If you are sitting at the bedside with someone who is dying, this book is for you.

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2021

Reviews

[Nanci Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read once again!

Once again Gabrielle has produced a powerful book. I have read all of her published works on death and dying and appreciate each one. I have known her for 35 years and am so proud to call her my friend. Did I buy the book to support her? Of course, but knowing how wonderful her previous books were, as soon as she announced it had been published, I went to Amazon and purchased it immediately! As always, it didn't disappoint. I smiled and cried and will be following some of the suggestions she made within these 51 pages. Please take the time to read this short, but VERY profound book and be happy she chose this profession. I know I am!

[Judy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart in so many ways. Knowing the wonderful benefits of good hospice/end of life care thru my work as a hospice team admin., this book included lots of hidden gems for me. And would truly be a welcomed tool for the "not so seasoned" caregiver who is anxious and unsure. I found lots of good, useable techniques that can help make this the very SACRED time it really is. Not one to be shunned or scared of.

"It is an HONOR to be in the presence of one who will soon see the face of God!" Msgr. Augustine Ndeukoya

[mary cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

Thank you I have finished all three of your books they are fill with a lot of helpful information and has helped me with my grief process I now know I done all could for my husband at his passing I treasure the memory always he gave my last kiss and I love you we had almost 54 years of wonderful memories

[Susan Wissmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and Valuable Information

The blending of facts with real-life stories makes this a valuable read. It provides information that will help anyone provide comfort to those that are dying.

[Raquel Wiltbank-Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simply and elegant writing on the end of life

[Mamagans · Rating 2 out of 5]

The intention of this book is really good and the tips at the end are very useful. The book needed heavy editing. The word “I” was used far too often and, frankly, was very distracting.

[Sara Ellie MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this a year after my father passed, especially as more relations were crossing over. Reading it a second time, I've found it very comforting, like an old friend hugging me. It's not boring or had details in there that were too specific to understand. It was the amount of respect and knowledge behind it. The author beautifully crafted a handbook of her profession and answers the questions about end-of-life care.

This book is for everyone, from the most inept to the seasoned on the subject. No matter where you are, it is a sometimes daunting and difficult process to help the dying and to begin the process of life without them. There is no way it cannot be completely void of sadness, but there is a way to make it a "soft landing", as the author calls it, or to reduce stress and pain, to make their death comfortable.

As always, Ms. Jimenez has reassured us that, not only is it an honor to absolutely be there and to provide that care (even if it is confusing and frustrating and sometimes difficult not to argue!), but that it is also ok to grieve. She also warns that not every death has that soft landing and she gently and bluntly explains how to handle the stress.

We are always reminded that grief has no time limits. Our time here does and we should make it count. Thank you, Ms. Jimenez, for the wonderful book and for your experiences and time. It has helped me to cope with the losses of my adulthood.