What is Life closure - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 8, 2019.

The process of putting personal, social, financial, legal, and spiritual affairs in order, giving gifts (e.g., personal treasures, money, etc.), creating a legacy, reminiscing, and saying goodbye in preparation for death.

This usually occurs close to the end of a person's life.

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. A Model to Guide Hospice Palliative Care. Appendices: Lexicon of Commonly Used Terms. 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 8, 2019.

Many patients approaching the end of their lives want to address unfinished business.
It is the responsibility of primary care providers to ensure that patients and families have adequate time to complete end-of-life tasks. Some examples are: making a will, arranging guardianship for children or pets, making amends with estranged family members, and dispersing material goods of sentimental value.

It includes saying, "Thank you," "I love you," "Please forgive me," "I forgive you," and "Goodbye," as appropriate, to family and friends.
Some patients wish to have a celebration before their death at which they can distribute gifts and/or say goodbye.

Alexander CS. HIV/AIDS. Emanuel LL, Librach SL (Ed). Palliative Care – Core Skills and Clinical Competencies. 2nd ed. St.Louis (MO), Elsevier, 2011. pp. 372-390.

Life closure

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