The Extraordinary Experiences (EE's) of the bereaved comprise an exciting new field of research which focuses on a variety of events in which a bereaved person believes he or she has been spontaneously contacted by a deceased loved one.
You need to be a member of Hospice Community Forum to add comments!
Comments are closed.
CAREGIVERS STORE
Surviving Hospice: A Chaplain's Journey into the Big Business of Dying Plus: How To Find a Trustworthy Hospice
This narrative is an insider’s look into the hijacking of hospice by private equity and professional investors and the subsequent harm to patients, their families, and to the interdisciplinary clinical teams. It was released by a NYC publisher on October 31, 2023. For sale on Amazon.
The author, a hospice chaplain, tells end-of-life stories of her patients who were harmed by financially-motivated policies. This is a book for anyone who is embarking on making a choice about a hospice for their loved one, working chaplains, those in training, and those interested in what dying is like with a hospice who places patients as their primary stakeholders.
Maryclaire's experience working for an owner who sold to a private equity firm helped her to realize that the reputation and viability of hospice is in jeopardy. Her goal is to alert all who love hospice to rid it of professional investors.
— Stacy Juba, author, editor, and award-winning health journalist
"Powerful, beautifully written, and eye-opening, this book spotlights the inner workings of a multi-billion-dollar industry and the effect on patients, families, and hospice staff. The author shares poignant accounts of hospice at its best and worst and the hard-hitting truths she learned on her journey. A must-read for family members exploring hospice care."
— Laura Kukowski, CEO, editor, For-Profit Badger Hospice, LLC
"Maryclaire Torinus speaks with authority, providing this essential handbook for choosing a hospice care team and why that selection really matters."
— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care
"When I first found out that Maryclaire Torinus was writing this book, I immediately contacted her because in my 25+ years supporting hospice volunteers, I have seen a gradual decline in the quality of care volunteers are permitted to provide the dying and their families. There are a variety of reasons for this that I describe in the Foreward of this book. Maryclaire provides invaluable insights that everyone should know, along with solutions to help others make the right choice in choosing a hospice."
Comments
I apologize for not responding sooner...for some reason I didn't receive a notification that you had commented further here. I have had many such experiences. The mysteries associated with our existence truly make life fascinating.
The first step is opening to the awareness that such things are going on around us all the time. It is only when you begin to open to the possibilities and begin to really pay attention that you can have glorious experiences. This is why I love hospice work -- serving those who are dying requires such a level of attention.
Greg
I never met my bio father, and when I tried to contact him he was dead. Heartbreaking for me. Anyway, in 1993, I became very spiritual and was going to purchase a cross, but a voice kept telling me no, you will receive a very special cross. Next thing I know my mother finds a cross necklace that my father had given her when they were dating. She calls me and tells me she is going to send it to me and I about faint. It couldn't have been more special!!!!!
So what do you think about that. I have more that has happened but I'll wait for a reply first.
Dr. LaGrand writes a bereavement column in the HVA quarterly magazine, HV News where he discusses this issue as well.
What are Extraordinary Experiences (EE's)?
The Extraordinary Experiences (EE's) of the bereaved comprise an exciting new field of research which focuses on a variety of events in which a bereaved person believes he or she has been spontaneously contacted by a deceased loved one. Researchers have coined the term after-death communication (Extraordinary Experience) to describe the whole range of phenomena that occurs. It is important to emphasize that the living person is not actively seeking to make contact with the deceased; the experience does not in any way involve a psychic or invoking the deceased. Instead, it is the deceased (or some believe a Supreme Being) who seems to reach out to the bereaved and in doing so provide much-needed solace and comfort. Again, the EE occurs spontaneously, without warning.
When do these experiences occur?
Although a contact experience may occur at any time, it commonly takes place when one is grieving the death of a loved one and often becomes the basis for the bereaved person to accept the loss and to reengage life.
Here is an example: In a small upstate New York town Rosalind Hill-Tandy was reading the newspaper as she always did late in the afternoon. She was also still grieving the loss of her second husband. Suddenly, she smelled the unmistakable scent of Brute, the cologne Vince used to wear. Yet none of his after-shave lotions or powder were in the house. Then she clearly heard his voice: “Rozz, there is no time to waste.” She interpreted his message as reassuring her that she was doing the right thing and that he was still concerned about her.
Who has the experience?
These extraordinary encounters occur to people of all races, creeds, and social status and commonly bring comfort and healing to the mourner.
Please join Dr. LaGrand in a discussion of this fascinating topic.